Carl Finnell · Case study · Tadcaster
A modern stove in a classic timber surround
A fireplace renovation in Tadcaster, fitting a Stovax Sheraton 5 wood burning stove into a Waddington painted timber surround with a handmade-style brick chamber and an Antique Leather granite hearth.
The chamber
Out with the old grate, in with a proper chamber
We removed the existing outdated open Baxi grate and solid fuel back, then formed a new chamber measuring 950mm wide by 950mm high by 400mm deep, with a supporting concrete lintel above. The opening was then lined with a handmade-style slim brick in Hampton Rural Blend, creating a warm, textured backdrop for the new stove.
To complete the installation we supplied and fitted a new Antique Leather granite hearth, installed a flexible stainless steel chimney liner and fitted an anti-downdraught cowl on the chimney pot, which improves flue performance while keeping birds, rain and wind out of the system and preventing burn-rate issues.
The surround
The Waddington, a Georgian and Regency classic
The Waddington painted timber surround brings a Georgian and Regency character to the room. It uses classic geometry and structured proportions, a moulded mantelpiece with multi-tiered projecting cornices that throw clean, sharp shadow lines, deep flat-faced pilasters with subtle block detailing at the base and top, and an under-mantel shelf, a hallmark of traditional period woodwork.
This framing style pairs beautifully with an exposed brick chamber and a modern wood burner, bridging traditional character with contemporary function. The finished installation created the charm of a modern woodburning stove within a timeless timber surround and brick chamber, another new classic by the Carl Finnell team and another delighted client.
The thinking
Traditional proportions with a modern firebox
This Tadcaster fireplace works because it respects the old pattern of the room while replacing the inefficient parts. Removing the outdated open Baxi grate and solid fuel back opened the way for a proper chamber, a lined flue and a controlled modern stove. The fireplace installation still reads as traditional because the Waddington timber surround, brick chamber and black granite hearth are all materials that belong together.
The Sheraton 5 is a good visual fit for this kind of surround because it has a softer period profile than a flat modern cassette. The stove is still doing modern work, but it does not fight the Georgian and Regency language of the timber frame.
The detail
Why the chamber and hearth carry the job
The published dimensions matter here because a 950mm by 950mm by 400mm opening gives the stove space to breathe and gives the brickwork enough presence to feel intentional. Hampton Rural Blend brick adds warmth behind the black stove, while Antique Leather granite is a practical hearth finish for ash, logs and daily use.
Around Tadcaster, many older homes need exactly this sort of joined-up work: remove the redundant fire, inspect the chimney, fit the liner and rebuild the opening so the new surround does not look like an afterthought. For a related restored-surround project, see the Edwardian oak surround in Selby.
Questions about this kind of job
Asked and answered
Why replace an old Baxi grate with a stove?
An old open grate loses a lot of heat and gives far less control. A correctly installed stove with a lined flue gives a cleaner, more controllable fire while still keeping the room focused around a real flame.
Does a painted timber surround need extra care near a stove?
It needs the right clearances and heat protection first. Once installed correctly, day-to-day care is simple: keep it dry, dust gently and avoid harsh cleaners on the painted finish.
What does Hampton Rural Blend brick add to the chamber?
It brings a handmade-style texture and warm mixed tone, which softens the black stove and painted timber surround. It is a good choice where the room wants period character without looking too rustic.
Can you do this kind of fireplace renovation in Tadcaster villages?
Yes. Tadcaster and the nearby villages sit inside the regular area we cover, and projects often involve the same sequence: open up, line the chimney, form the chamber, fit the hearth and make good.
HETAS Registration Number 2087
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Installed with care, certified with confidence
Carl self-certifies every installation and notifies Building Control on your behalf, so the work is signed off properly and your certificate of compliance is issued for your records.
- HETAS-registered installer
- Certificate of compliance issued
- Meets your home insurance
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