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Are you looking to replace an open fire with a more efficient way of heating your home? Or keen to add an additional form of heating during the winter months? Modern wood-burning stoves or log burners are more efficient and, therefore cheaper, to run than traditional gas and electric heaters. That’s why they’re so appealing with the current fuel crisis.

In addition to providing an efficient form of heating, wood burner ideas add character, style and a focal point. With its combination of heat and the visual impact of roaring flames, there’s nothing better when it’s cold outside, to snuggle up in front of a log burner.

‘An open fire is around 32 per cent efficient. A room open gas fire is approximately 55 per cent efficient. An Ecodesign wood-burning stove is typically around 80 per cent efficient,’ says Erica Malkin, communications manager at Stove Industry Alliance (SIA). Ecodesign is a standard which was implemented across Europe on 1 January 2022.

What are wood-burning stoves?

Image credit: Future plc/Simon Whitmore

Put simply, they are self-contained heating appliances designed to produce heat inside your home through burning wood. A fire is contained in the body of the stove, which is usually made from steel or cast iron. The heat created radiates into the surrounding space. Any smoke from the fire leaves the chimney through the flue that leads to the chimney.

What types of wood-burning stoves are there?

Image credit: Future plc/David Parmiter

There’s a variety of different types to choose from. These include:

Radiant stoves

These transmit heat through the glass door and the stove’s body to the air surrounding it. ‘The closer you are to a radiant stove the warmer it will feel, making them ideal for localised space heating,’ says Erica Malkin.

Convection stoves

Designed with a secondary outer layer which clads the stove’s body, the cool air is drawn into the convection layer. It heats up as it rises within the stove and then flows into the room. ‘These stoves are well suited to larger rooms with high ceilings and where a high heat output is required,’ says Erica.

Multi-fuel stoves

Multi-fuel stoves offer the convenience of being able to burn both wood and smokeless fuels. While wood burns best on a bed of ash with air circulating above, solid fuels require air circulating below. To allow for both options, a multi-fuel stove has a raised grate. ‘Bear in mind that a multi-fuel stove might have a smaller window to accommodate the raised grate,’ says Erica.

Boiler stoves

A good option to help further reduce the carbon footprint of a home, boiler stoves generate hot water to power radiators. Some have the option to link to your existing gas or oil central heating system, thereby helping save energy at home, and reducing home heating bills.

Pellet stoves

These burn compressed wood or biomass pellets. Most feature a built-in hopper which is loaded with pellets and then operates autonomously for about 12 hours. This makes them very convenient to use.

What are the benefits of wood-burning stoves?

Image credit: Future plc/Simon Whitmore

• Ideal for supplementary use when you need a sudden burst of heat during cold winter months. ‘Wood provides a more intense heat in a room compared to a radiator or underfloor heating and the heat can also be emitted for longer, says Jon Butterworth, director at Arada Stoves.
• Low emission and low carbon way to heat your home using renewable and sustainable fuel.
• Lower running cost ‘An efficient Ecodesign wood-burning stove costs about a third of the price of electric heating to run and approximately 13 per cent less than gas central heating for the average household under the current price cap. This saving will further increase in April 2022 when the energy price cap is increased,’ says Erica Malkin.
• Mental health booster According to a recent study by British stove manufacturer Charnwood, 93 per cent of those surveyed recognise their stove’s positive impact on their wellbeing. Other manufacturers also promote this benefit. ‘The relaxation from the flickering flames can help reduce blood pressure, which is a huge benefit in today’s stressful world,’ says Vicky Naylor, general manager at ACR Stoves. Jon Butterworth agrees saying: ‘Lighting a fire encourages us to slow down and cosy up with friends and family on a cold evening.’

What are the negatives of wood-burning stoves?

The initial outlay to fit and install a wood burner can prove expensive – sometimes as much as the appliance itself. ‘However, many would argue that the fuel savings over time and the wellbeing benefits of using a wood-burning stove will outweigh the cost of installing one,’ says Cedric Wells at Charnwood.

Buying tips when purchasing wood-burning stoves

Image credit: Future plc/Nigel Rigden

Here’s what the experts advise:

1. Complete a site survey

Michael Coke, biomass product development manager at Stovax, recommends completing a site survey by a suitably qualified HETAS engineer before purchasing a new heating appliance. ‘The engineer will take into consideration the appropriate heat output for the room, the relevant location within the house, and the most suitable flue system for your appliance, to ensure it is suitable,’ he says.

2. Check for space

An engineer will be able to advise whether you have enough space for a wood burner, too. ‘You need to ensure that you have the right clearances around the stove to ensure you get the best operation,’ says Vicky Naylor. ‘If you squeeze a stove into an opening, the heat will be trapped there and could damage the surrounding area.’

3. Buy the correct size and heat output

You need to purchase a stove that is the correct size, with the right heat output in relation to the room it will be installed in. As mentioned above, a site survey will help with this. ‘As a guide, it is better to have a smaller stove that you can burn hard, rather than a large stove that produces too much warmth as you will end up opening doors and windows to disperse the heat,’ says Cedric Wells. Charnwood has a handy online stove calculator that will help you determine the best output for the size of your room.

4. Consider colour and style

A stove is quite a considerable investment and one that is likely to remain part of your living room ideas for many years, so attention to design is essential. ‘Think of your stove as a piece of furniture for heating. Choose a classic style that won’t date and consider a coloured one, which can look good all year round,’ says Cedric Wells.

5. Look for an efficient appliance

As of January 2022, all stoves sold in the UK must now meet the criteria set for Ecodesign. ‘Essentially this ensures high efficiencies and low emissions, meaning they are 80-90 per cent better than older stoves or open fires,’ says Cedric Wells. ‘Look for the ‘ClearSkies certification when purchasing a stove to ensure it meets with the regulation,’ he says.

6. Make space for storing wood

It’s cheaper to buy wood in bulk and leave it to dry for up to two years unless you’re prepared to pay a higher fee for seasoned logs. This means you’ll need space for log storage ideas. If you don’t have room for an outdoor woodshed, you’ll need a dry, well-ventilated area which is protected from dampness and rain.

7. Get signed off by Building Control

If you are planning to install a wood-burning stove in your home, with either a new flue or an existing chimney, you will need to meet Building Regulations approval.

‘This can be done through a certified installer who is registered and will notify your local authority, or you can install the stove yourself, but you will need to gain approval from your local authority building control office,’ says Jon Butterworth.

‘Make an application online with your local council. Once this has been done, a building control officer will inspect the work and you’ll receive a completion certification. Make sure to keep this certificate when you come to sell your property.’

What maintenance is required for wood-burning stoves?

Image credit: Future plc/Colin Poole

• Daily It is important to know how to clean your stove to keep it in good working order. When your stove is unlit, cool and safe to touch, empty out the ash pan and firebox and clean away any soot which has accumulated on the stove’s glass door. Cedric Wells at Charnwood advises using a stove glass cleaner or ceramic hob cleaner, and to avoid using any abrasive cleaning products.
• Monthly  To ensure your appliance remains efficient, you should regularly inspect the key components of your stove for signs of wear and tear and replace parts where necessary. ‘Check for cracks in the stove glass and make sure the rope seal is intact,’ says Erica Malkin.
• Yearly Your chimney should be swept at least once a year, some manufacturers will even advise twice a year depending on how often you use the appliance. ‘A HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing Approval Scheme) is probably the best place to find a sweep, HETAS registered sweeps will be a member of one of the governing bodies; have successfully completed HETAS competence training and will be able to provide an identity card,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh.

Also, when the stove isn’t being used regularly, such as in the summer months, Jon Butterworth recommends removing the throat plate in your stove and leaving the air inlets open. ‘It allows the air to flow through which will prevent rust build up.’

How long will wood-burning stoves last?

The average life of a log burning stove is 10 to 20 years. How long one lasts will depend on how often it is used and whether it is operated within the manufacturers’ guidelines. Bear in mind that, as technology evolves, so will an appliance’s efficiency.

‘If you currently own a stove manufactured 10 years ago or older, it will produce 80 per cent more emissions than an Ecodesign Ready stove produced today,’ says Jon Butterworth. So it is worth considering updating it with a more eco-friendly and more efficient model.

Why should you use seasoned wood?

Image credit: Future plc/Rachael Smith

Put simply, the drier the wood, the better it burns. A change in legislation in 2021 means any wood that you use needs to have a moisture content of less than 20 per cent.

‘The reason being is if anything higher is used it will lead to an increase of smoke and emissions with very little heat output and will cause soot to build up and the blackening of the stove glass,’ says Jon Butterworth.

As an example oak can take in excess of two years to fully season. If you’re buying your wood pre-cut, SIA recommends looking for the Woodsure Ready to Burn label. This shows the timber is ready for immediate use.

If you’re chopping your own wood, one way to know if it is seasoned or not, after having stored it for the recommended amount of time, is to look for radial cracks in the logs’ cross-section, loose bark and a dull colouring. The weight of seasoned wood is also noticeably lighter than wet wood.

What kinds of real wood can you burn in a wood-burning stove?

Specialist firewood producer Certainly Wood, recommended by SIA, offers a useful guide on the different wood types ideal for use in wood-burning stoves:

Oak has a long burn and good heat output. At times, a little more draft/air from the stove setting is required to maintain a good burn, but once a good base is established, the burn time will be long.

Ash provides a bright flame and burns very nicely, albeit slightly faster than oak.

Beech burns with a nice bright yellow flame and for a long time. It also has a smooth bark so is easy to handle.

Birch is one of the most attractive of logs due to its silvery, flaky bark. It burns with a bright flame, but will burn quite quickly. Typically 100 per cent birch will be from Eastern Europe and not British, so you need to consider the carbon footprint of delivery.

Softwoods such as spruce, larch, pine and Douglas fir can all be used in a log burner but, as they are less dense than hardwoods described above, you will need twice as many logs to achieve the same heat output.

What are the alternative fuel sources for a log burner?

Image credit: Future plc/Colin Poole

You should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when selecting the correct fuel for your stove as it is very different to choosing a fuel for your fireplace ideas. ‘Using the wrong fuel may invalidate the warranty,’ says Erica Malkin. However, as a guide, here are the most common options:

Wood/sawdust briquettes These are made by compressing together hardwood, softwood, or a mixture of the two. ‘Look for those made from 100 per cent wood to ensure that you avoid any that contain contaminants such as paint or glue,’ says Erica. What’s more, once the wood briquettes are placed in the stove, don’t touch them. ‘Let them break down themselves as you don’t want to mess with the structure of the briquette,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, managing director at Morso.

Coffee logs These are sustainably made from recycled coffee grounds and can burn 20 per cent higher than kiln-dried wood logs. Visit www.bio-bean.com for more info.

Coal This can be used in a multi-fuel stove, but it needs to be a smokeless coal, such as Anthracite. This fuel has a high carbon content and few impurities, which means it burns far cleaner than softer, dirtier coals and produces less smoke and pollutants when burnt.

Wood pellet Used for pellet stoves, these are made of compressed sawdust or wood dust. Sometimes this is a waste product from other industries such as sawmills. The pellets are held together by the natural lignin in the wood, so no glue is needed.

The post A complete guide to wood-burning stoves – everything you need to know appeared first on Ideal Home.

Finding a design that works for everyone can be tricky but with the right fixtures, fittings and finishes it’s achievable

There’s no denying it, a family bathroom has to work hard. Whether you have children already, have one on the way, or just have a large family that often comes to stay, gathering family bathroom ideas is a must before you set to work. The space has to work for everyone, and just because you don’t need a bath or shower right now, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future so think carefully about what you might require to future proof your family bathroom.

While social media is awash with a tidal wave of gorgeous bathroom ideas, it’s worth taking into consideration your own families need, before you start purchasing all the ‘pretty’ bits. 

Sharing one family bathroom between four or more people means you will require a clever design that can cater for so many needs. While you might want an elegant or luxurious bathroom, you will probably also need somewhere to store toys, with a durable design that will withstand regular use and maybe even a little chaos. But get your bathroom design just right and you will be able to create a space that the kids can enjoy, before transforming into a relaxing haven where you can chill out and find a little calm after the storm.

Family bathroom ideas

1. Keep it all white

Image credit: BC Designs

Buy now: Monreale bath, £530, BC Designs

Opting for an all-white bathroom will ensure your suite stays looking smart without dating. Painting the walls white too means if it does get cluttered and chaotic, the light and brightness of the room should help to curb that slightly. Add a touch of personality with some colourful tiles to make a feature wall or floor and add brass hardware for grown-up glamour.

2. Make the most of every space

Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young

If you’ve squeezed all the essentials into a small bathroom but have no space for storage, this over-door shelf idea is a great solution to hold towels and toiletries. It’s an idea that can be used elsewhere in the house too, such as a cluttered office or bedroom too.

3. Hang rope baskets for towels

Image credit: Future Plc/Carolyn Barber

If you’ve got teenagers living with you, you’re going to need a lot of towels to keep up with their shower habits. These textural woven baskets are both a practical and decorative addition to a family bathroom and can be simple screwed into the wall through holes in the weave of the basket.

Alternatively, use wire storage baskets to create a more industrial look for your bathroom.

4. Use a kitchen trolley as a bathroom caddy

Image credit: Future Plc/Carolyn Barber

Rather than having to rummage through drawers or reach for towels while bathing little ones, a compact trolley fits into the smallest of spaces and is perfect for housing all your bathroom items in one portable unit.

Transform an old trolley quickly and easily with just a can of spray paint to colour match it to any scheme.

5. Choose a luxe shower curtain

Image credit: Future Plc/Dan Duchars

A family friendly bathroom doesn’t have to look boring, just because it needs to be practical. There are lots of ways to add a luxe look, starting with your shower curtain. Throw out the sad looking white one and opt for a fancier design such as this one. It’s a small swap that will make your bathroom feel more luxurious and less like student halls.

6. Supersize it

Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles

In a family bathroom, there will be times when several members are gathered around the basin so the bigger the better is the rule. Try a vanity unit topped with a large trough-like bowl and plenty of surface area to either side for toiletries and toothbrushes. Double basins are a great solution for early morning rush hour, although make sure there’s enough space between them for everyone to fit in.

7. Fit in a bath

Image credit: Future Plc/Katie Jane Watson

If there’s room, a bath really is a must for a busy family, particularly those with smaller children. Not having one can also put off potential buyers if you plan to sell in the future. If you have the space, a shower enclosure will be a great addition for those mornings when there’s just not time for a soak. If you’re pushed for space a good solution is an over-bath shower. L- or d-shaped baths with a wider end and glass shower screen are a good choice here as they’ll look more streamlined than an ordinary bath with a plastic curtain. Placing taps in the centre of the bath will ensure there are no arguments about who gets the tap end at bathtime, while a shower mixer tap will make hair washing a breeze.

8. Opt for built-in storage

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

A family bathroom that’s used by lots of people can easily become messy, so making sure you have plenty of storage from the start is important. Avoid bottles, bags and brushes cluttering up surfaces by adding cupboards in the shape of vanity units below the sink, hanging cabinet mirrors and fitting shelves where you can. In a smaller room, glass shelves will help to create a sense of space and slim freestanding furniture will ensure you still see plenty of floor, so the room doesn’t start to feel overcrowded.

9. Keep it illuminated

Image credit: Future Plc/Oliver Gordon

Good task lighting above the sink is great for early mornings so think about where you place your spotlights or hang a glass mirror with integral lighting. For relaxing me-time baths, a gentler light is called for so consider placing your lights on a dimmer switch so you can have just the illumination you want. Candles are great for long soaks but make sure there’s a safe and stable surface on which to put them.

10. Colour-code your accessories

Image credit: Future Plc/Nick Pope

This painted wooden peg rail blends into the wall panelling and incorporates extra hanging space into a family bathroom. A colour-coded ribbon system is a great way to make a batch of all-white towels easy to identify for each family member.

11. Make the most of space under vanities

Provide plenty of handy storage; that children can reach, too. Baskets on open shelves are brilliant for clearing away toiletries in a dash, and if you allocate a basket per member of the family then the tidying up will be even easier.

How do you make a family friendly bathroom?

Designing a family bathroom can be tricky at times, as it involves meeting the needs of several users of different age groups who can all need different bathroom products. With a shift in focus to designing a room that looks as good as it functions, getting the right balance can need some careful planning.

Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs, says, ‘The family bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home. It needs to be both practical and live up to the task at hand with busy bath times but also be stylish and offer adults and grown up a space where they can relax and unwind.’

‘One of the most important things to consider in a family bathroom is the layout. Getting it right from the start will mean that you have a bathroom that works for the whole family. Don’t think about how you use your bathroom currently, but how you’d like to use it in the future and use that as a starting point. If your layout isn’t quite right, think about the ways you might be able to make small but effective changes. It might be that you add in a folding shower screen or wet room to provide a larger area to move around in.’

The family bathroom is usually the largest bathroom and fittings and finishes should be selected with low maintenance and durability in mind. ‘Always use porcelain tiles in a family bathroom, including slip-resistant porcelain on the floors, as they are hard-wearing and will still look good in years to come,’ says Ripples’ designer Joanne Crane. ‘They also require zero maintenance.’

Should a family friendly bathroom have a bath?

In short, yes. Although removing a bath to give yourself more floor space or the option of having a larger shower, having a bath to clean small children really is a must. When babies are small, they can be washed in a baby bath or even the basin, but once they get bigger, a bath is a must-have for that bedtime routine.

A bath is also great if you have multiple children, as you can pop them in together and save time (and water). Opt for a bath that has a shower hose attachment off of the taps, which is ideal for getting soapy suds out of little ones eyes, as well giving the bath a good rinse once finished.

Barrie adds, ‘One area where bathrooms design has changed recently, is the desire to save more water. Two-thirds of water used in the home is used in bathrooms and there has been a rise in demand for products that help to cut this down. There aren’t many family bathrooms that don’t feature a bath, but what we are seeing is a rise in people choosing baths with no pre-drilled overflow. It means that people can opt for this positioning much lower, which makes sure less water is used during bath time.’

How big should a family bathroom be?

There is no rule of thumb here, but that said, if there are multiple family members using it, the bigger the better! If there is an option to expand a small family bathroom by extending your home, or even stealing some space from an adjoining room, it might be worth the costs and effort to do so. Bathrooms are a hugely important aspect when it comes to selling homes, so not only will it benefit you and your family now, but could help with the sale of your home too. 

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