Is it ok to have skirting boards right up to the edge of the fireplace with an open fire?

[MrsTriangle]

I'm a bit nervous to use ours as the skirting is right next to the hole where the flames would be.

My previous house had a fireplace with skirting board right up to the edge.

We used the fire all the time in winter without any major problems, so definitely try it!

But: If your skirting boards are painted, the paint could get scorched simply because of the proximity to heat. Ours did, so each spring I'd sand it down and re-paint about 20cm on each side. Took about an hour.

The other possible problem is if your skirting boards are new. Most new wooden skirting boards etc are made from fast grown, un-seasoned timber, so they are more likely to warp or split.

HTH.

oh crikey - not sure I'm interested in all the maintenance! Will try and then just cut back the skirtings if it comes to it. Thank you for your reply!