New fireplace - wood beam, distances?

[pixiepoo]

Hi

We are soon to build a two storey extension at the rear of house which will incorporate a new chimney and fireplace.

I am currently trying to design my fireplace and I want to have a wood beam across the opening. Does anyone know what the rules are regarding distances from the fire that it needs to be installed? We will be installing a stove. I would prefer a real beam but would consider a fake one (an oak facia of some sort)

Any help appreciated!!

 

[antdad]

I think its 20cm, make sure your hearth is large enough i.e. distance from front of stove to front edge of hearth.

Page 40

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADJ_2010.pdf

 

[Deluks]

My friend had a stove installed, the fitter used a sheet of steel on a spacer, fixed to the back of the beam, as a heatshield. You can just about see it but hardly noticeable.

 

[Norcon]

I've about 600mm from top of the stove and consider it minimum regardless off what the box tickers might say.

 

[pixiepoo]

Thanks for your replies guys - are the distances you've quoted going to a fake beam (i.e. a concrete lintel with a food fascia) or an actual wooden beam acting as a lintel. We would like to the latter if possible!!

 

[Norcon]

Use concrete for the lintel. Timber will burn out fred dibnah style.