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Restore an inglenook fireplace.
Open up a bricked-in inglenook — lintel, hearth, flue check and stove install.
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Plasterboarded over
Previous owners covered inglenook. Strip back carefully to avoid damaging original.
Rotten bressummer beam
Oak beam rotten from rising damp or roof leak. Sister-rafter splice or full replacement.
Original hearth flag missing
Many original stone hearths removed. Source matching reclaimed flag.
Soot deeply embedded
Centuries of soot in brick. DOFF cleaning system specialist required.
Costs & timeline
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Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Open up existing covered inglenookStrip back modern
£500–£2k
Brick/stone cleaning (DOFF system)Per inglenook
£500–£2.5k
Oak bressummer beam restorationSanding and finishing
£500–£2.5k
Oak bressummer beam replacementIf beyond repair
£1.5k–£4.5k
Inset wood burner installHeritage-style
£1.8k–£4.5k
Stone hearth restorationPeriod hearth flag
£500–£1.5k
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Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
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Inglenook fireplaces — large period openings often with oak beam lintels — are characterful features in old cottages. Restoration costs £2,500–£15,000 in the UK depending on existing condition and scope.
What Does the Work Involve?
Heritage builder/stonemason assesses condition. Strips back modern coverings (often plasterboarded or rendered over). Reveals original brick or stone. Restores damaged sections. Cleans soot from exposed brick. Inserts inset wood burner if heating wanted. Oak bressummer beam restored or replaced. Hearth properly dimensioned. Flue cleared or lined.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open up existing covered inglenook | 500 | 2,000 | Strip back modern |
| Brick/stone cleaning (DOFF system) | 500 | 2,500 | Per inglenook |
| Oak bressummer beam restoration | 500 | 2,500 | Sanding and finishing |
| Oak bressummer beam replacement | 1,500 | 4,500 | If beyond repair |
| Inset wood burner install | 1,800 | 4,500 | Heritage-style |
| Stone hearth restoration | 500 | 1,500 | Period hearth flag |
| Chimney lining | 500 | 1,200 | For wood burner |
| Whole inglenook restoration | 2,500 | 15,000 | Heritage budget |
How Long Does It Take?
Strip and reveal: 1–2 days. Cleaning and restoration: 1 week. Wood burner install: 1–2 days. Full restoration: 2–4 weeks.
DIY or Professional?
Professional. Heritage stonemason, HETAS engineer for wood burner, carpenter for oak beam.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Heritage-experienced general builder coordinating sub-trades. SPAB-accredited stonemason. HETAS-registered for wood burner.
UK Regulations
Listed buildings need consent. Building Regs Part J for combustion. HETAS notification for wood burner. Heritage detail must match property period.
Common Problems
- Plasterboarded over: Previous owners covered inglenook. Strip back carefully to avoid damaging original.
- Rotten bressummer beam: Oak beam rotten from rising damp or roof leak. Sister-rafter splice or full replacement.
- Original hearth flag missing: Many original stone hearths removed. Source matching reclaimed flag.
- Soot deeply embedded: Centuries of soot in brick. DOFF cleaning system specialist required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's an inglenook?
Large period fireplace opening, often deep enough to sit in. Common in 16th–18th century cottages. Originally cooking and heating focal point.
Restore or modernise?
Restoration significantly adds value to period properties. Modernising hides the heritage feature.
Wood burner in inglenook?
Yes — inset wood burner inside the inglenook is the popular modern solution. Combines heritage character with modern efficiency.
Will inglenook restoration add value?
Yes — typically 5–15% added to period property value. Single most impactful character feature in old cottages.
Inglenook open hearth — still legal?
Yes for existing — but new open hearths banned in smoke control areas. Most homeowners now fit inset wood burner.
How long does restoration take?
Standard scope: 2–4 weeks. Complex heritage with bressummer replacement: 6–10 weeks.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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