The fireplace was a little tired and outdated before we started and the open fire had to go. A new, less fussy look was the order of the day and so it was time for our builder to move in and create a new aperture suitable for a Charnwood Country 4 stove.

The first step is to remove the old fireplace, including the old chair brick and open the aperture out to the original builder's opening. A new lintel is needed to support the masonry wall above and you can see the slots in the sides of the aperture ready for this.

After the lintel is fitted and the brickwork completed the front is plastered and the new aperture is rendered before laying the sandstone hearth chosen by our client.

The chimney is already lined with clay liners and so has been pressure smoke tested by us to prove that it doesn't leak fumes into the house. The chimney closure plate and Charnwood Country 4 stove are then fitted after which we test fire the stove to make sure that it works properly, take draught readings and get it hot to cure the paint before handing over to our client.