Fireplace beams

[Whiterabbit88]

we currently a log burner with a mirror above it. It’s been like that for some time but I think it needs something else to jazz it up a bit! I was looking to get an oak beam to put plants candles on etc it says they have to be 45cm higher than the stove. This will mean the beam will be extremely high up and in my opinion will look abit odd! I much prefer the beams when they lay flush with the opening. I know it’s all related to combustible materials and fire regs but does anyone else have a beam which is less than this? My husband says it’s fine and we can put where we want as it doesn’t get that hot other wise the paintwork would have all cracked. Our stove is also sat in the hole rather than out (if that makes sense) not sure if that makes a difference?!

Look at the regs AND the installations instructions. If confusing, ask your chimney sweep - as they often do say conflicting things. It might be that they say the same thing, in which case for aesthetics could you open up the fireplace surround so it looks right as opposed to having a wierdly floating beam? Our opening with recessed burner is more rectangular so that the beam is the correct height. (It still gets warm if the stove runs at the correct temperature). The added benefit is that there is enough height to either cook on the stove top or put a kettle on or have stove fans on top. (Controversial I know)

I checked the manual and it mentions around the sides of the stove but not above it! Looking at the regs it talks about having combustible materials 3 times the diameter of the flue away. Our flue is 5 inches so 15 inches (38cm). I might ring the people we used to install the fireplace to check. I don’t really want to mess around sit opening up the hole - there was an open fire there before. It has brick surround so we cleaned it up and had the stove fitted. It is a large stove though and on legs so it comes up quite high hence the 45cm space for the beam was abit of a sticking point for me!

They might be able to lower it - that could potential solve the issue. Or they may be able to find something you like that is non combustible as a plinth. I’m convinced there is a solution - just might have to compromise to get one.

fingers crossed. Fireplaces need that beam!

I have been looking at concrete beams that are a wood effect which seem pretty good but they are double the price! Definitely got my heart set on a beam now so need to make it work somehow!

I have had a composite beam fitted above an inset fire as it can be fitted lower than an oak beam all done by a proper shop fitter. It does seem to get very hot ie you could not touch the top of it for any length of time? I was just wondering if this is normal?