WOODEN BEAMS ABOVE FIREPLACES.

Many people want to put a wooden beam above their stove fireplace. You need to be careful when it comes to this issue. The manufacture of the stove may well specify a minimum distance between the top of the stove and the bottom of the beam. Typically a manufacture may well specify at least 450 mm. You should consult with them before doing anything. In addition if the stove pipe is in the line of sight of the beam then this is covered by building regulations. If you are thinking of doing this then please ask my advice. Remember if the beam catches on fire and causes smoke damage in your house you may well not be insured if you fitted the beam yourself. Of course it is just much easier to fit a fake wood beam made of concrete etc. as shown below.

imitation timber beam made from concrete above a stove fit