Soapstone is a beautiful natural semi soft stone (it feels like soap hence the name) that has been used for centuries for decorating and engraving.

It also has the natural ability to accumulate and retain heat, radiating it for many hours even after the original heat source has ceased.

A stove surrounded or indeed built entirely from soapstone, can continue to radiate heat depending for over six hours.

This can significantly increase the overall heating efficiency of the stove allowing you to use less wood.

Each stove behaves differently however the following guidance applies to most stoves. 

1. Before lighting the stove ensure that all air controls are fully open. Generally speaking it is a good idea to keep an insulating layer of ashes from earlier fires in the bottom of the stove
2. Place two pieces of split wood in the bottom of the firebox.
3. Put kindling wood on top of this and place fire starters between the two layers of wood.
4. Finally put another piece of split wood on the top and light the fire starters.
5. Leave the door ajar in order to ensure an optimal air flow.
   After approximately 20 minutes, the heat will provide a draw through the chimney, and you can close the door completely.
   Adjust the air controls to the desired level.

Please note that the weather plays an important part during the lighting of the stove.
On a clear day, it may not be necessary to leave the door ajar in the lighting phase.
On a day with bad weather, it might take longer before the stove and the chimney have reached optimal working conditions.

Yes, all stoves must be serviced according to manufacturer’s instructions usually on an annual basis.

Failure to undertake this may invalidate the manufacturer’s guarantee.

The best wood to use is fully seasoned dry split logs.
Burning dry wood is environmentally friendly and will also cost you less.
Burning wet wood causes pollution burns inefficiently, puts tar on to your glass door and chimney and will degrade the performance of your stove and flue system.
Driftwood contains salt that can destroy both the stove and the chimney.

All installations of a domestic solid fuel, wood or biomass burning appliance need to be registered in England and Wales. There are two methods of doing this, using a registered HETAS installer or applying directly to the building control department in your area.

It is recommended that you use a HETAS installer as the work must meet the required installation standards and the cost to you as the customer is less than if you were to approach your local authority. Failure to register the work can lead to enforcement and can also cause problems when selling the property.

This option enables the heat generated in the stove to not only heat your room, but also contribute to heating your hot water and in some cases your central heating.

This can increase the overall efficiency and reduce your fossil fuel costs for heating hot water.

The amount of hot water gained is dependent on the size and output of your stove.

A wood burning stove should only burn wood, preferably dry seasoned hardwood or compressed fire logs. Burning any other material will damage your wood burner and negate the manufacturer’s warranty.

A multi-fuel stove can burn wood as well as smokeless coal. It is advised that you do not burn them together as it may damage your flue liner. Some multi-fuel stoves may also be able to burn peat.

A stove should not heat the room so much that it becomes unbearably hot, neither should it struggle to radiate sufficient heat on a cold day. Please use the following sum to work out your approximate requirements:

[ room width (m) x room length (m) x room height (m) ] / 14 = kW output required.

This is an estimate only. Our surveyor will be pleased to advise which stove would be best for your specific location and needs.