Woodburner - can't have a wooden surround

[MiniMum97]

Hi

We are having a woodburner fitted and wanted a white wooden surround (see pic 1). Have been told that we cannot have this though due to building regs and distance to combustible materials. We are therefore thinking limestone instead.

But worried this will look and bit grand and cold. The room is very small and we are thinking cosy not grand.

Thoughts and/or alternative suggestions please! The other pic is what the fireplace looks like now. It's an Edwardian house with cupboards and shelves either side of the alcove.

Thanks!

Well you can - it just needs to be a certain distance away or made of fireproof materials (but if you want it painted that shouldn't be a problem)

The insert bit can't be, of course but tles look nice anyway

This is rather similar to what you've already got https://www.directstoves.com/axon-ashleigh-limestone-fireplace-with-reeded-chamber.htmll_

Or what about these guys http://www.oakstovebeams.co.uk/beams/non-combustible-beams.htmll_

Thanks for your replies. We can't have wood because the breast is small and burner wouldn't be required distance away.

Think the wood effect Ines suggested would be a bit rustic for our house.

Do you think limestone would look too cold? We can get one that looks exactly like what we would have wanted in wood. Also nervous about limestone staining that I've read about....

I can't tell you about limestone but when we were putting in ours mandarin stone were really good at telling us which slates would stain, wouldn't take the heat etc so you could ask them ??

I wonder if tiles would suit you? I've seen them round Victorian stoves and fireplaces. You might need a heat-resistant tile adhesive.