Frequently Asked Questions about our Fireplaces and Hearths
Are your fireplaces and hearths made from solid stone?
Yes. Every fireplace surround and hearth we produce is hand-carved from genuine solid English Bath stone or natural Cotswold stone.
Our Bath stone is sourced from Stoke Ground and has a naturally light colour, making it a beautiful choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors. If you prefer a warmer finish, we can also offer our fireplaces in honey-coloured Cotswold stone.
Natural stone is never completely uniform. You may notice subtle variations in colour, texture, fossils, shell fragments, mineral markings and veining. These are natural features of the stone and give every fireplace its own individual character.
We use genuine natural stone, not imitation products. We do not supply reconstituted stone, cast stone, cultured stone, reclaimed stone or imported hollow limestone surrounds.
We believe that a fireplace should be made from authentic, durable materials and crafted with care using traditional stonemasonry skills.
Can I see the stone before ordering?
Yes. We are happy to send you a free stone sample so you can see the natural colour and texture before making your decision.
Simply email us with your full postal address and let us know whether you would prefer Bath stone or Cotswold stone.
We also welcome visits to our workshop near Tetbury Gloucestershire on a pre agreed date/time where you can see a fireplace/hearth we are currently carving upon the work benches. We also have a few fireplaces set up in the workshop.
Contact us:
Telephone: 07976 240893
Email: simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com
Can we fit the surround ourselves?
Yes it is possible to fit your own fireplace surround if you have the appropriate building experience and assistance. However, because natural Bath stone and Cotswold stone are extremely heavy, we strongly recommend using a qualified stonemason or experienced builder.
What is included with my fireplace?
Your order includes the essential materials and guidance to help with installation:
Step-by-step fitting instructions.
Fixing brackets and screws.
Dowels.
Pointing mortar made from Bath stone dust and natural lime.
Please check that all sections and materials have arrived before arranging your installation.
Important safety advice
Stone fireplace sections are heavy and must be handled with care.
Never attempt to lift a stone section on your own.
Use at least two people for lifting, with one person supporting each end.
Ensure the installation area is properly prepared before moving the stone into position.
Follow the supplied instructions and use suitable lifting techniques.
Preparing and bedding your hearth
Your hearth must be installed on a suitable, solid and continuous bedding layer. Do not spot-bed the hearth, as unsupported areas beneath the stone can lead to cracking or instability.
Please follow the supplied fitting instructions and seek professional advice if you are unsure about the correct bedding material for your floor.
What if the stone looks darker when it arrives?
Natural stone can still contain moisture following the cutting and preparation process. It may therefore look darker than the photographs on our website when first delivered.
This is normal. As the stone dries and the moisture evaporates, it will gradually return towards its natural lighter colour. Some surface dust may also be present.
Do I need a professional to install my fire or stove?
Yes, any heating appliance must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable regulations. Depending on the appliance, you may need a suitably registered or qualified installer, such as a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas appliances or a HETAS-registered installer for solid-fuel appliances.
Please confirm all appliance clearances, opening dimensions and hearth requirements with your appliance supplier or installer before ordering.
Can Simplicity Fireplaces install my surround?
We may be able to offer a local installation service, subject to location and availability. Please contact us before ordering to discuss your requirements and obtain a quotation.
Need advice before ordering?
Telephone: 07976 240893
Email: simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com
I would like the surround made smaller/larger
We offer a made-to-measure service on our fireplace surrounds and hearths, allowing you to adapt one of our existing designs to suit your home or discuss a completely bespoke design.
All our fireplaces are individually hand-carved from solid natural English Bath stone or Cotswold stone. Because each design is made from natural stone, any changes to the dimensions must be assessed to ensure the finished fireplace retains its strength, proportions and appearance.
How do I obtain a made-to-measure quotation?
Simply contact us with the following information:
The name of the fireplace design you like.
Your required overall width and height.
Your preferred opening width and height.
The depth and dimensions required for your hearth.
Your postcode or delivery location.
We will review your requirements and provide a personalised quotation, including any additional carving costs and delivery charges where applicable.
Please contact us before placing your order if you require any changes to the advertised dimensions. Orders placed through the website are for the sizes specified in the listing description.
How long will a made-to-measure fireplace take?
Made-to-measure fireplaces generally take approximately five to six weeks from receipt of your order and cleared funds. Timescales can vary depending on the design, workload and weather conditions. We will confirm the expected lead time when discussing your quotation.
What are your payment terms?
For made-to-measure orders costing £300.01 or more, a minimum 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your order. The remaining balance must be paid and cleared at least three working days prior to delivery.
Orders of £300.00 or less must be paid in full when ordering.
Standard-size fireplaces purchased directly through our website must be paid for in full at checkout.
Are the finished measurements exact?
We take great care when carving your fireplace. However, natural stone is worked using wet-cutting saws and traditional carving methods, so small measurement tolerances of a few millimetres may occur. This is normal for individually crafted natural stone products and should be allowed for when planning your installation.
Are your fire surrounds suitable for all types of fires?
Our solid English Bath stone and Cotswold stone fireplace surrounds can complement a wide range of heating appliances, including:
Wood-burning stoves
Multi-fuel stoves
Gas fires
Electric fires
Open fires
The suitability of a particular fireplace design depends on the appliance, the size of the opening, the required clearances and the installation method.
Can I use a wood-burning stove with your surround?
Yes, all of our fireplace designs can be used with a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, provided the installation is designed correctly.
It is important to check the stove manufacturer's requirements for clearances from combustible materials and surrounding surfaces, as well as the dimensions of the fireplace opening and hearth.
Natural stone is non-combustible, but the overall installation must still comply with the appliance manufacturer's instructions and applicable building regulations.
Can I use a gas or electric fire?
Yes, our stone surrounds can also be used with suitable gas or electric fires. The dimensions and installation requirements vary between appliances, so we recommend choosing your fire before finalising the fireplace measurements.
Gas appliances must be installed and checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electric fires must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable electrical safety requirements.
Can I use an existing fireplace opening?
In many cases, yes. We can discuss adapting one of our designs to suit your existing opening, subject to the dimensions and construction of the fireplace.
Please provide the width and height of the opening, along with your preferred overall surround dimensions, so we can advise on the most suitable design.
Need help choosing the right surround?
If you are unsure which design will work best with your chosen stove or fire, please contact us before ordering. We will be happy to discuss your measurements and help you select a suitable stone surround.
Telephone: 07976 240893
Email: simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com
How long will it take from order to delivery and will the driver bring the stone sections into the property?
We hand-carve our fireplaces to order, taking care to produce a beautiful finish from genuine natural stone.
Standard-size fireplaces are typically ready for delivery within 4–5 weeks of receiving cleared payment.
Made-to-measure and bespoke fireplaces currently take approximately 5–6 weeks, depending on the design and our workshop schedule.
These are estimated timescales and may vary during busy periods or because of adverse weather. We will keep you updated by email as your order progresses.
If you need your fireplace by a particular date, please contact us before ordering so we can discuss availability.
Will the driver carry my fireplace into my home?
This depends on your delivery location.
Personal delivery within 75 miles of Tetbury
We offer one free personal delivery with a fireplace purchase (not hearths) within our local delivery area. We will unload the small van and carry the stone sections into your home at roadside level, or into a garage or shed.
For larger fireplaces, we may need assistance with unloading. Please ensure there is clear access and adequate space for the stone sections.to be laid down flat.
National delivery across mainland England and Wales
Outside our local delivery area, we arrange delivery using a specialist haulage company. The fireplace is secured to a pallet and delivered to the kerbside.
The driver cannot carry the stone into your home or assist with unloading. You will need two strong people available to move the sections safely.
Our deliveries use large 18 tonne vehicles, so please tell us in advance if access to your property is restricted, your road is narrow or there is limited turning space before purchase.
What should I do when my fireplace arrives?
Please check the delivery carefully before arranging installation.
Make sure all the stone sections have arrived.
Inspect the stone for any damage.
Report any damage to us immediately.
Do not book your installer until you have received and checked your fireplace.
Our stone fireplaces are heavy, so please arrange suitable assistance before delivery.
What if the delivery is delayed?
We always do our best to deliver on the agreed date. However, adverse weather, road conditions and circumstances affecting the haulage company can occasionally cause delays.
We will keep you informed of any changes as soon as we are aware of them.
Can I collect my fireplace instead?
Yes. Personal collection from our workshop near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, is available by prior appointment, Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm.
Please bring a suitable vehicle with sufficient space and appropriate blankets or padding to protect the stone during transport.
Need to check delivery options before ordering?
Contact us with your postcode and preferred fireplace design, and we will confirm the available delivery arrangements and any applicable charges.
Telephone: 07976 240893
Email: simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com
What payment do you accept?
We aim to make ordering your new stone fireplace as straightforward as possible.
We accept payment by bank transfer and the payment methods available at checkout on our website is via Paypal.
For bespoke and made-to-measure fireplaces, payment arrangements are agreed when your quotation is accepted.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
For made-to-measure orders costing £300.00 or more, a minimum of 50% deposit is required to secure your order, with the remaining balance payable before dispatch, in accordance with the terms stated in your quotation.
Orders of £300.00 or less must be paid in full when ordering.
Standard-size fireplaces purchased directly through our website must be paid for in full at checkout.
When must the outstanding balance be paid?
For orders subject to staged payments, the outstanding balance must be received and cleared at least three working days before dispatch. We cannot release your fireplace for delivery until the required payment has cleared.
Can I pay in cash?
Please contact us before ordering if you would like to discuss an alternative payment arrangement.
Do you provide a receipt or invoice?
Yes. We can provide confirmation of your order and payment details for your records.
Have a question about payment?
If you would like to clarify your payment arrangements before placing an order, we are happy to help.
Telephone: 07976 240893
Email: simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com
How much are the delivery costs?
We offer several delivery options for our handcrafted stone fireplaces, depending on your location and the size of your order.
We offer one free personal delivery to residential addresses in mainland England (not London) Wales, within our stated delivery area of 75 miles from Tetbury, Gloucestershire.
If you live outside this area, or your fireplace requires an oversized pallet, please contact us for a personalised delivery quotation before ordering.
Oversized pallets
Some larger fireplaces require additional pallet space. If your pallet exceeds 1,200mm in width, an additional haulage charge of £80 applies.
Please contact us if you are unsure whether your chosen fireplace will require an oversized pallet.
Standard deliveries are normally arranged Monday to Friday. Delivery times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.
Redelivery charges
Please ensure someone is available to receive your fireplace and that suitable access is available for the delivery vehicle.
If delivery fails because nobody is available to sign, access is unsuitable or the delivery address is incorrect, a redelivery charge of at least £50.00 will apply. Additional haulage costs may also be charged where applicable.
What about hearth deliveries?
Hearth delivery arrangements differ from fireplace deliveries. We offer personal delivery within 30 miles in our local area, while other delivery options depend on the type of hearth and order.
Please contact us before purchasing hearths to confirm the delivery/collection arrangements and any additional costs.
Delivery outside mainland England and Wales
We do not routinely deliver to Scotland, Northern Ireland or the islands. Please contact us before ordering to discuss whether delivery can be arranged and what additional charges may apply if you reside in Scotland.
Need a delivery quotation?
Please provide your postcode and the fireplace design/sizes you are interested in, and we will confirm the available delivery options and any applicable charges.
At Simplicity Fireplaces, we can offer a local installation service for your new stone fireplace surround, subject to availability.
We offer installation within approximately 30 miles of our workshop near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Please contact us with your postcode to confirm whether your property is within our service area and to check availability.
What does the installation service include?
Our installation service covers fitting the new stone fireplace surround only.
It does not include:
Removing an existing fireplace surround - additional extra
Removing or replacing an existing hearth - additional extra
Installing or removing a stove, gas fire or other heating appliance.
Plastering, decorating or other remedial building work.
Any additional work must be discussed and agreed separately before installation.
How much does installation cost?
Installation costs depend on the fireplace design, the work involved and the location of your property.
Please contact us with your chosen fireplace design and postcode, and we will provide a quotation for the installation where available.
Do I need to arrange anything before installation?
Before we arrange fitting, please ensure that the fireplace opening and installation area are properly prepared and that any required building work has been completed. We woul require a photograph if we have not visited the prioerty prior installation.
If you are also having a stove or other heating appliance installed, you will need to arrange this separately with a suitably qualified installer. We are able to offer recommendations of stove companies whom we have worked on previous projects.
How do I arrange installation?
We recommend discussing installation with us before placing your order, particularly if you would like us to supply and fit a made-to-measure fireplace.
Telephone: 07976 240893
Email: simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com
We look forward to helping you create a beautiful natural stone fireplace for your home.
How do I clean my new surround once installed?
Natural stone is beautiful and durable, and with a little care your fireplace can be enjoyed for many years.
We recommend gentle cleaning methods to preserve the natural colour and texture of your stone.
Everyday cleaning
For general dust and light marks, use a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush.
If the stone needs further cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth with clean water and wipe gently. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first and avoid soaking the stone.
Which cleaning products should I use?
Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, bleach, abrasive pads and scouring powders, as these may damage the surface or alter the natural appearance of the stone.
If you need a specialist stone cleaner, choose one specifically recommended for limestone and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What if my fireplace develops a mark or stain?
Natural limestone is porous, so spills and certain substances may leave marks if they are not dealt with promptly.
Blot spills gently rather than rubbing them into the stone. Avoid using household stain removers without checking that they are suitable for natural limestone.
For stubborn stains, seek advice from a natural-stone specialist before attempting more intensive cleaning.
Will the colour of my fireplace change after delivery?
Natural stone may appear darker when first delivered if it contains moisture from cutting or preparation. As the stone dries naturally, it will generally lighten towards its normal appearance.
Every piece of stone is unique, so slight differences in colour, texture and natural markings are to be expected. These variations are part of the character of genuine English Bath stone and Cotswold stone.
Can I seal my stone fireplace?
Some natural stone sealers may be suitable. The correct product depends on the stone and its intended use. We currently offer a bottle of 500ml natural stone sealer with every fireplace purchase.
Need advice about caring for your fireplace?
If you have any questions about cleaning or maintaining your stone surround, please contact us. We will be happy to offer guidance.
Telephone: 07976 240893
Email: simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com
Changed your mind?
Yes. We welcome customers who would like to learn more about our natural stone fireplaces and the materials we use.
Our family business is based in Gloucestershire, where we specialise in hand-carving solid English Bath stone and Cotswold stone fireplaces.
Can I see finished fireplaces on display?
We do not have a showroom of finished fireplaces, but you can arrange a workshop visit to see our natural stone and learn more about our traditional carving process.
Please contact us in advance to arrange an appointment. Visits are available Monday to Friday, subject to availability.
Can I request a stone sample?
Yes. We are happy to send you a free sample so you can see the natural colour and texture before choosing your fireplace.
You can compare the pale, natural tones of English Bath stone with the warmer, honey-coloured appearance of Cotswold stone.
Please remember that natural stone varies from piece to piece. A sample gives you an indication of the colour and texture, but the finished fireplace will have its own individual markings and characteristics.
Where are you based?
Simplicity Fireplaces is a family-run business based in Gloucestershire, inbtween Tetbury and Nailsworth.
If you would like to visit, please contact us first so we can confirm the address and arrange a convenient time.
How do I arrange a visit or request a sample?
Simply get in touch and let us know which stone you are interested in. If you would like a sample posted to you, please email and include your full postal address.
Telephone: 07976 240893
Email: simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com
We look forward to helping you choose the right natural stone for your home.
Will my fireplace look exactly like the photographs on your website?
Every Simplicity Fireplace is individually carved from genuine natural English Bath stone or Cotswold stone. Because natural stone is formed over millions of years, no two pieces are exactly alike.
The photographs on our website show the design, shape and overall appearance of each fireplace. However, the finished stone may have subtle differences in colour, texture and natural markings.
Why does natural stone vary in appearance?
Our stone can contain natural fossils, shell fragments, mineral markings and variations in grain. These are genuine characteristics of the material and give each fireplace its own individual character.
Bath stone generally has a pale, creamy appearance, while Cotswold stone offers warmer honey-coloured tones. The exact shade can vary between pieces.
Will my fireplace arrive the same colour as the photographs?
Lighting, camera settings and the surroundings in which a photograph is taken can affect how the stone appears on screen.
Stone can also look darker when it contains moisture following cutting and preparation. As it dries naturally, it will generally lighten towards its normal colour.
Can I see a sample before ordering?
Yes. We are happy to send you a free sample so you can get a better idea of the natural stone colour and texture before making your decision.
Please remember that a sample is an indication of the stone rather than an exact colour match for every section of your finished fireplace.
Have questions about the stone or a particular design?
Contact us on 07976 240893 or email simplicityfireplaces@gmail.com. We will be happy to help.