Wood Stoves

Wood that is going to be used for burning in a wood burning stove needs to be cut into log sized pieces, dried out properly and stored safely and correctly in order to prevent fungus and rot forming.  Dry wood burns far more efficiently than wet wood, producing more heat and less emissions.  It is easy to identify dry wood as it will have splits in the grain and bark beginning to peel off. Only bring dried wood into the house and store it at a safe distance and in a safe place away from the fireplace.  For outside the home, use compartmentalised storing for keeping dry wood.  Make sure stored wood does not have contact with the ground.  Ideally it should be covered with some kind of waterproofed roofing […]

It might not be quite cold enough yet to bring the logs in from the log pile in the garden and light a fire in the stove every evening but it won’t be long before you will want to do this.  Now is the time to check over your stove in preparation for the Winter. Ideally, it is advised that you have the chimney swept every year.  You may find that your local chimney sweep is in demand so do contact one at the earliest opportunity. Have a look inside your stove and clean the inner walls with a wire brush.  Keep a look out for any rust spots, cracks in the iron work or gaps where two pieces of iron or metal have been riveted together. Make sure you […]

Although it may be true that Winter is the favourite season of the year for some people who relish snowy days and crisp, cold, fresh air; for the majority of British people it is probably correct to say that most people  dread the onset of shorter days and cold weather. However, there are some things to look forward to.  For owners of multi-fuel burning stoves, there is something very agreeable to pulling the curtains in the evening, settling down to watching a good film on the TV and lighting the stove.  Unless you have a stove which you use regularly throughout the Winter, you won’t understand the amazing heat energy that can be emitted from one of these stubby black stoves.  It often means that the central heating is redundant […]

It may have started with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and “Changing Rooms” on mainstream TV, but with the arrival of many more cable channels, including whole channels reserved for home décor and home improvements, there has been a plethora of programmes dedicated to the home.  Recently, one that has become a favourite with viewers is “George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces”.  The viewer cannot fail to be amazed at some of the intriguing designs for tiny homes that have been shown on the programme. However, supposing you have a space which is very limited in size. What is the best way of heating it?  If you are a lover of wood stoves then you may be pleased to learn that it is possible to buy very small stoves, some of which only measure 30cm […]

There is no denying that there has been a sharp rise in the popularity of wood burning and multi-fuel burning stoves over the last 15 years. Not only do they add character to your home, they have the advantage of  the cosiness of an open fire with greater heat efficiency. Many people like the traditional design of a squat square or barrel shaped body, perched on four short legs, with a small glass door at the front. However, if you live in a modern home, you may prefer a more contemporary look which matches your furnishings and décor.  The most contemporary designs have sleek, simple lines with unfussy, modern ironmongery and, often very large glass doors.  Some are free-standing and do not need to be set into a chimney breast […]