Fires of London
Made-to-Measure Gas Fires: Bringing Original London Fireplaces Back to Life
Many homes across Greater London contain beautiful original fireplaces. From cast-iron Victorian inserts and tiled surrounds to marble chimney pieces and unusually shaped fireplace openings, these period features contribute
greatly to the character of a property. However, they were rarely designed to accommodate a modern, standard-size gas fire.
Removing an original fireplace can mean losing an important architectural feature. Trying to force a standard appliance into the opening can also compromise its appearance. A made-to-measure gas fire offers a more
sympathetic solution: a bespoke gas burner templated and supplied to suit the dimensions and design of the existing fireplace.
Fires of London provides a complete start-to-finish service for made-to-measure gas fires throughout Greater London and the surrounding counties. From sweeping and testing the chimney to templating the opening,
arranging any required lining, supplying the bespoke burner and completing the final installation and commissioning, every stage is carefully coordinated.
What Is a Made-to-Measure Gas Fire?
A made-to-measure gas fire is designed for a specific fireplace rather than manufactured to a standard opening size. The burner is selected and configured around the available space, chimney arrangement and other technical requirements identified during the survey.
This approach can be particularly useful when a fireplace is:
• An original Victorian, Edwardian or Georgian feature
• An unusual width, depth or shape
• Constructed from cast iron, stone, marble or decorative tile
• Too small or irregular for a standard gas fire
• Being restored as part of a period renovation
• An important feature that the homeowner wants to retain
The result is intended to sit naturally within the original fireplace, combining the character of the existing surround with the convenience of a professionally installed gas fire.
Why Bespoke Burners Suit Original Fireplaces
Period fireplaces were made in a wide range of styles and proportions. Even two fireplaces of a similar age can have quite different internal dimensions. This makes accurate assessment and templating essential.
A bespoke burner avoids treating the fireplace as though it were a standard opening. Instead, the solution is planned around the feature already present in the room. This helps preserve the balance and visual proportions of the fireplace while making practical use of an otherwise unused opening.
For homeowners, interior designers, architects and property renovators, a made-to-measure approach can also provide greater freedom when working with important original details. The fireplace can remain a focal point without appearing to have been awkwardly adapted around a mass-produced appliance.
Our Start-to-Finish Made-to-Measure Gas Fire Service
Installing a bespoke gas burner involves more than measuring the visible fireplace opening. The fireplace, chimney or flue and ventilation arrangements need to be considered as a complete system. Fires of London manages the process from the initial chimney work through to final commissioning.
1. Initial Fireplace and Chimney Assessment
The first stage is to assess the existing fireplace and chimney arrangement. We look at the size and construction of the opening, the condition of the fireplace and the proposed location of the burner.
This visit helps establish whether a made-to-measure solution is suitable and what preparatory work may be needed before the burner can be installed.
2. Chimney Sweeping
The chimney should be clear before it is properly tested. Sweeping removes soot, debris and other material that may obstruct the flue or affect its performance.
Carrying out this work at the beginning of the process allows the chimney to be assessed in a clean condition and helps reveal issues that may require further investigation or repair.
3. Chimney and Flue Testing
After sweeping, the chimney or flue is tested to determine whether it can safely serve the proposed gas fire. The appropriate checks depend on the property, fireplace and flue arrangement.
If a problem is identified, we explain the findings and advise on the work needed. It is important to resolve chimney and flue concerns before proceeding with the final burner installation.
4. Chimney Lining Where Required
Some chimneys require lining because of their condition, construction or the needs of the proposed installation. A suitable liner can help provide a dependable route for combustion products to leave the property.
Chimney lining is not automatically required in every home. We assess the existing system and recommend it only where it is needed for the proposed installation.
5. Accurate Fireplace Templating
Once the fireplace and chimney requirements are understood, we create an accurate template of the opening. This is one of the most important stages of the made-to-measure process.
Original fireplaces can be uneven or asymmetrical, particularly after decades of use or previous alterations. A physical template records the actual available space more accurately than relying on basic width and depth measurements alone.
6. Bespoke Burner Supply
The template and survey information are used to arrange a gas burner suited to the fireplace. The aim is to achieve a considered fit that respects the existing proportions of the opening and complements the surrounding materials.
We can discuss the appropriate presentation and available options for the individual project. The final specification will depend on the fireplace, chimney system and technical requirements.
7. Professional Installation
When the burner is ready and all preparatory work has been completed, our engineer installs it within the fireplace. The gas connection, burner position and relevant safety requirements are addressed as part of the installation.
All gas work must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer who is qualified for the relevant appliance and work category.
8. Testing and Commissioning
Installation is completed with testing and commissioning. The engineer checks the finished appliance and its operation, carries out the appropriate safety checks and provides guidance on correct use.
This final stage confirms that the burner has not simply been placed into the fireplace, but has been installed and assessed as part of the complete system.
Made-to-Measure Gas Fires for London Period Homes
London has an exceptional variety of period housing, including Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces, Edwardian homes, mansion blocks and converted properties. Many retain fireplaces that are too attractive to remove but no longer serve their original purpose.
A bespoke gas burner can be an appropriate option for a sympathetic renovation because it works with the existing feature. It may suit original cast-iron fireplaces, decorative period surrounds, marble chimney pieces and restored fireplace openings, subject to survey and the technical requirements of the installation.
Where a property is listed or subject to conservation restrictions, the homeowner should confirm whether permission or approval is required before alterations are made.
Why Choose Fires of London?
Fires of London specialises in fireplace, chimney, flue and fire installations across London and the surrounding
counties. Our made-to-measure service brings these connected areas of work together under one experienced
team.
We provide:
• Assessment of the existing fireplace and chimney
• Chimney sweeping and testing
• Chimney lining when required
• Accurate templating of original fireplace openings
• Supply of made-to-measure gas burners
• Professional installation and commissioning
• A coordinated service from the initial visit to completion
• More than 25 years of experience in gas fire installation and servicing
By managing the complete process, we can address both the appearance of the finished fire and the chimney and installation work behind it.
Areas We Cover
Fires of London supplies and installs made-to-measure gas fires across Central, North, South, East and West London, as well as surrounding areas in Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Contact us with your postcode and details or photographs of the existing fireplace, and we can advise on arranging an initial assessment.
Discuss Your Bespoke Gas Fire Project
If you have an original fireplace that cannot accommodate a standard fire, a custom-made gas burner could allow you to retain its character while bringing the fireplace back into practical use.
Call Fires of London on 020 8952 6722, email info@firesoflondon.com or use our Contact Us to discuss your fireplace and arrange an appointment. You can also explore our made-to-measure gas fires service for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a gas burner be made to fit an original fireplace?
In many cases, yes. The fireplace and chimney must first be surveyed to establish whether a bespoke gas burner is suitable. The opening can then be templated so the proposed burner is planned around its actual dimensions.
Why is a template needed?
Original fireplace openings are not always perfectly square or symmetrical. Templating records the shape and usable space more accurately than a few standard measurements, helping the burner suit the individual opening.
Does the chimney need to be swept first?
Sweeping is an important early stage because the chimney needs to be clear before its condition and performance can be properly assessed. It also helps identify debris, obstructions and other potential concerns.
Will my chimney need a liner?
Not every chimney needs to be lined. This depends on its construction, condition and the requirements of the proposed gas fire installation. Fires of London will assess the chimney and advise whether lining is necessary.
Do you install and commission the burner?
Yes. The service covers the process through to professional installation, testing and commissioning by a suitably qualified engineer.
How do I arrange an assessment?
Call 020 8952 6722, email info@firesoflondon.com or visit the Fires of London Contact Us page. Providing photographs and approximate measurements of the fireplace may help with the initial discussion, although a proper survey and template will still be needed.