Winter Fuel Home Delivery – Five Top Trends in Fireplace Surrounds

With the evenings getting colder now is a good time to organise your winter fuel home delivery. Big K have a wide choice of winter fuel options including seasoned hard wood, anthracite coal, wood burning logs and kindling, which can be delivered to your door for your convenience.

An open fire not only feels cosy, but as the focal point of your living room it is important that your fire surround fits in well with your existing decor - as this can make or break the look of this space.

Some surrounds look tired and dated and could do with being replaced by a modern centrepiece. Or, if you have a period property with a fire surround that was ripped out in the 1950s and 60s, and the fireplace boarded up, it may be time to go back to basics and get your open fire back in use.

From stainless steel options to reclaimed wood, marble and stone, there are materials and designs to suit almost any style of home. The right choice not only looks spectacular but will bring your whole interior to life. Here, Big K takes a look at five top trends in fireplace surrounds:

Winter Fuel Home Delivery - click here to view our complete range of products to help keep you warm this winter.

Meanwhile, if you are updating your home and installing a new fireplace, or making use of an old one, organising winter fuel home delivery is a great timesaver as we come to you. So, you will have everything you need to keep you warm this winter, without even having to leave your home.

Top Trends in Fireplace Surrounds for 2014

Ultra Modern

If you love to be at the forefront of interior design there are a wide range of ultra modern fireplaces that will make your home glow. Fireplaces that are installed in the wall are sleek and contemporary, and look superb even when they are not in use. If you have bought in bulk for your winter fuel home delivery, you can store your wood burning logs in the wall alongside your concealed fireplace so it becomes part of the design, combining a modern feel with a rustic look. If you prefer your fireplace to stand out, there are some chic double-sided fireplaces that make your home feel cosy and your living room look stunning. Choose from brushed metal, steel and glass, or even hanging options that will turn your fireplace into a contemporary work of art.

Eco-Friendly

The last few decades has seen a growing move towards eco-friendly home furnishings, utilities and accessories. Even in fireplace surrounds, there is a trend towards those wanting to salvage old versions to suit their period home. Another option is to choose a fire surround made from reclaimed timber, which means that no trees have been cut down to make it. Solid wood versions suit all properties and blend with almost any colour scheme.

White Surrounds

White fire surrounds are classic, minimalist and timeless, and are unlikely to ever go out of fashion. Whether you want a statement fireplace with an angular white frame, or an all white open fire in the middle of the room, there are some great modern choices to go for. However, if you are looking for a fire surround to fit the shabby chic look, there is a wide choice of decorative fire surrounds that look serene and elegant.

Stone Fireplace

Stone or polished marble fireplaces make a great centrepiece and their history can be traced back to ancient Egyptian or Roman times. They made a grand comeback in the Art Deco period when some amazing sculptural pieces were created. The Art Deco style consisted of strong geometric designs or embellishments, and the movement flourished in the interwar period. Stone and marble fireplaces are still popular today and contemporary designs range from modern and linear to the more elaborate styles that look fantastic in a living room.

Brick Fireplace

Exposed brick fireplaces have been popular for centuries and are often seen in ancient buildings and oak beamed cottages. In fact they have never really gone out of fashion as the exposed brickwork creates an appealing feature. Brick-built fireplaces dominate a room, but give an interior a cosy and rustic feel. If you have just taken stock of your winter fuel home delivery there are many attractive ways to store your fuel near a brick built fireplace, such as in baskets or brass buckets.

Winter Fuel Home Delivery - click here to view our full range of products which includes seasoned hardwood logs, anthracite coal, coal, heat logs, kindling, instant lighting firelogs and lighting aids.

Wood Burning Logs and Seasoned Hardwood Logs – Big K’s Guide to the History of Fireplaces

If you want to take full advantage of your fireplace in the winter months, for ultimate in convenience, Big K deliver a variety of winter fuel products such as seasoned hardwood logs and wood burning logs, straight to your door.

The fireplace has evolved a long way since early humans used to gather round a fire pit to keep warm, ward off predators and cook food. Nowadays, fireplaces are no longer a living essential but they add atmosphere and beauty to your home and there are many stylish contemporary fireplaces available.

Not only have fireplaces changed, but winter fuel products have evolved greatly too. There are a good range of winter fuels on the market that are efficient, easy to light, easy to store and provide instant warmth.

If you are looking to make the most of your fireplace this winter, we supply a wide selection of winter fuel products, including wood burning logs and seasoned hardwood logs, which we will describe in more detail below.

Meanwhile, if you are thinking of stocking up on seasoned hardwood logs and wood burning logs, here is Big K’s brief guide on the history of fireplaces.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs - click here to view our range of products

A Brief Guide to the History of Fireplaces

In ancient times open fire pits were a vital part of living and, as well as being used out in the open air, they were used in all types of living quarters in every part the globe, from caves to mud huts.

Gradually chimneys were introduced for safety reasons: to prevent the inhalation of toxic smoke filling the enclosed spaces. There is no way of knowing exactly when the chimney was introduced, but it would have evolved in various ways across the globe; teepees used by Nomadic tribes in North America, for example, were constructed with an opening at the top to let the air through.

12th Century

In Europe, some of the grander dwellings had a great hall which was warmed from an open hearth. From the later part of the 12th century onwards, chimneys began to be introduced for the first time although these were mainly used in the kitchens of some of the more prestigious properties.

16th Century

As a second floor was introduced in the home, people needed fireplaces to warm the various rooms: such as nurseries, bedrooms and servants quarters. For the first time moves were made to study the design of chimneys so fireplaces could be used upstairs.

17th Century

Fireplaces had become an important feature of the home and many houses were built around a central chimney stack which often served as the main structural support for the house. Thanks to Christopher Wren, who re-designed St Pauls Cathedral, fireplaces began to be designed to be in keeping with a property.

By the late 17th century, Rupert of the Rhine, a nephew of Charles I made fireplaces more efficient by lifting the grate, which improved air flow and ventilation and helped produce more heat.

18th Century

More improvements were made to improve the efficiency of fireplaces and to draw smoke out of the building. American Benjamin Franklin introduced the Franklin stove that spread heat more evenly throughout the room.

Other inventions included US born Benjamin Thompson’s introduction of tall, shallow fireboxes which allowed smoke to escape more easily – a design which became the foundation of all modern fireplaces.

19th Century

In the Victorian era, fireplaces became more than just a way of heating the home as they also provided ambiance – giving rise to romantic images of Victorian families gathering round the fireplace at Christmas time.

The design of the fireplace changed too as the Victorian era saw the introduction of surrounds made of wood, marble, granite or stone, and inserts made out of cast iron with decorative tiles. Smaller grates were also used during the Victorian period and these made fireplaces more efficient.

20th Century

The introduction of central heating and gas fires in the early to middle 20th century meant fireplaces were no longer a living essential and many fireplace were either ripped out or covered up as being unnecessary or old fashioned – often to be reinstated in the end of the century when the fashion for period property renovation took off. Where they were retained or reinstated, this was often to provide ambience or to provide an impressive focal point for a room. The fireplace became an architectural feature of the home and many new and innovative designs emerged in the 20th century.

This century saw the introduction of the Clean Air Act to control smoke emissions in certain parts of the UK. It meant that for some householders, smokeless fuel was the only option to use on open fireplaces and stoves.

Whatever type of fireplace you have, Big K provide a range of winter fuel solutions including smokeless coal, wood burning logs and seasoned hardwood logs to suit fireplaces and wood burning stoves in smoke free and non smoke free zones.

Wood Burning Logs and Seasoned Hardwood Logs

If you are stocking up on wood burning logs and seasoned hardwood logs this winter, these products can only be burned in smoke free zones in an appliance approved for burning logs in smoke free zones.

However, there are a wide range of winter fuel products available and the selection of wood burning logs and seasoned hardwood logs sold by Big K include: Premium Kiln Dry Hardwood Logs (FSC certified), Seasoned Hardwood Logs (FSC certified), Instant Firelighting Firelog (to create instant heat and hassle free fires), Wood Fuel Briquettes, Big Flame Heat Logs (FSC certified) and Starter Packs for open fires and wood burning stoves.

Wood Burning Logs - click here to view our range of products.

Smokeless Coal - A Guide to Heating Your Home in the Traditional Way

Nothing beats the beauty and atmosphere of an open fire. It is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to heat your living room and with smokeless coal you can enjoy all the benefits of a home fire without any toxic smoke emissions. If you live in a smoke free zone, you won’t be able to burn coal on an open fire, so you will need to look for fuel alternatives. Smokeless coal is a perfect solution for smoke free areas and is available either in natural form – such as anthracite coal – or as a manufactured product.

Smoke free coal is a great alternative to heating your home as it is extremely efficient with a high heat output. This type of coal also leaves less residue at the bottom of your grate - so it is cleaner than other fuel choices.

Smokeless Coal – click here to view our range of products.

Heating Your Home in the Traditional Way – What Are the Options?

If warming your living room with a real fire appeals to you, there are several different options available. Here we shall look at various traditional ways to heat your home and the benefits of each.

Open Fire

An open fire conjures up all sorts of romantic images; you can picture the whole family gathering around a crackling log fire in winter and talking about their day. It also brings to mind relaxing thoughts of sharing a bottle of wine with your partner on a cosy rug infront of the fire.

Whether you have a country cottage, or a minimalist contemporary home with all the latest technology, you will find an open fire to fit perfectly with your interior. From fireplaces with marble surrounds, to fireplaces with wooden or tiled surrounds, and sleek metal designer solid fuel fires, you will always find a style to suit your home. Open fires are a cheap option, provided you have a working chimney. They are also cheaper to install than wood burners and multi-fuel stoves. But they have downsides too - they can't be left unattended for long periods because sparks can jump out of the fire and ignite rugs or furnishings.

Another downside of an open fire is that they are fairly inefficient as they don’t create as much heat as wood burners or stoves. This is for two reasons: the chimney creates draughts and although (when lit) open fires do warm up the room to some extent, much of the heat escapes up the chimney.

Wood Burners

A wood burner refers to any appliance used to burn wood as a way of heating the home. It applies to conventional wood burners and also pot belly stoves - which are stoves made from cast iron and have a big bulge in the middle. Of course, as the name implies, it is only advisable to burn wood in your wood burning stove because other sources of fuel may damage your appliance and void the warranty. The best types of wood to use are: seasoned hardwood logs, heat logs and instant lighting fire logs, and all these are all available through Big K.

Wood burners cost between £200 (for a basic model) to up to about £1000 (for a more advanced model), but add to that the installation cost too and the price will average at around £1,500. The price is considerably higher if you also want to connect the appliance to your central heating system.

The benefits of wood burners, however, is that they give off more warmth in cold winter months as they are almost 90 per cent efficient, so they save money in the long run. This compares with the 25 per cent efficiency of a log fire.

Multi-Fuel Stoves

Multi-fuel stoves are slightly more expensive than wood burners but with that you get greater flexibility and this makes them a popular option for the home.

The main difference between wood burners and multi-fuel stoves is that multi-fuel stoves can burn either wood or smokeless coal. However, it is not recommended to burn both these fuel types at the same time as this can damage the lining of the flue. Ordinary house coal should never be used on a multi-fuel stove because it creates too much heat and this will also damage the appliance.

Stoves are safer than open fires as they can be left unattended without fear of sparks flying and igniting rugs and furniture. Multi-fuel stoves are also considered cleaner than traditional open fires.

You can spot the difference between wood burners and multi-fuel stoves because the grate on a multi-fuel burner consists of movable parts and an ash pan, but the grate on a wood burner can’t be moved.

About Big K

Big K sell a wide range of winter fuel products to burn on open fires, wood burners and multi-fuel stoves including seasoned hardwood logs, smokeless coal, heat logs, anthracite coal and wood fuel briquettes. Our winter fuel products are available for nationwide delivery.

Smokeless Coal – click here to view our range of products.

Fire Surrounds: Give Your Fireplace a New Look for 2013

If you are renovating your home in the coming weeks - and replacing the fire surround - now is a great time to order your seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal so you can get ready to light your new fire!

The start of the New Year is a great time to draw your attention to the fireplace as January and February are the chilliest months of the year. And for this reason, it’s also a good time to stock up on your seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal.

Home delivery offers the most convenient way to do this, particularly in the winter months. Fortunately Big K offer free nationwide delivery on all winter fuel products including kindling wood, heat logs, anthracite coal, and instant lighting products, seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal – so it all comes direct to your door.

Meanwhile, if you are thinking of giving your fireplace a new look this winter, here we take a look at the benefits of fire surrounds, the types you can buy, and give ideas on how to store your seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs - click here to view our range of products

Benefits of a New Fire Surround

A fire surround is the decorative part that goes around the fireplace and provides an attractive backdrop. As the fireplace is the focal point of in room, the type of fire surround you have makes a big difference on how your interior will look. Replacing a retro or outdated fire surround with an original period fireplace, or a contemporary version, could be just what you need to give your interior a lift.

Whatever your reasons for buying a new fire surround, an attractive, functional fireplace turns a house into a home and instantly makes an interior cosy and welcoming. A fireplace brings the family together too, as everyone loves to gather around a crackling log fire during the coldest months of the year.

But fire surrounds don’t just serve a decorative purpose – they are also an important safety feature. They provide additional fire protection as they prevent sparks escaping and infiltrating the wall around the fireplace and they also provide extra fireproof insulation around the fireplace.

Types of Fireplace Surrounds

While new homes often lack a built-in fireplace, the same can’t be said for older style or period properties – but there are many reasons why you may want to change your existing fireplace surround.

Certainly, some homeowners are lucky enough to uncover a boarded up original fireplace during their home renovations. However, it may be that your property had its original fireplace ripped out in the 1960’s and replaced with a newer, less attractive fireplace surround which you want to update.

There are a wide range of fireplace surrounds available on the market and these range from contemporary fire surrounds to tiled surrounds, reclaimed surrounds, period fireplace surrounds, wooden fire surrounds, stone, stone-effect, brick-built, granite, marble and limestone fire surrounds.

Even if you don’t have a fireplace in your home, you can have one installed and there are various companies that do this. It may be that you have a new build and want a fireplace put in, or want a new fireplace in an extension, or you may like a chimney built in your existing property. If this is the case, instead of a ready-made design, you may want a fire surround individually made and there are many companies that will design and make bespoke fire surrounds to your exact specifications.

From sleek and modern designs, to more intricate and elaborate fireplace surrounds, you will always find something to suit your interior. And there are some great bargains to be had at this time of year!

Storage

If you are buying seasoned hardwood logs, you will want to somewhere to store these. Log stores range from log baskets, log bins, sheds or lean to’s, right through to purpose built log storage. You can buy log stores from a variety of places online or at your local garden centre. You can even make a feature of your firewood and store it in an attractive metal basket to hang on the wall for a rustic look.

As smokeless coal is available in pre-packed 10kg or 20kg durable bags these are easy to store and can be stacked on top of each other. It can be stored in a place of your choosing, or you can also buy plastic or galvanised coal bunkers as a neat and stylish way to keep your coal.

Wherever you plan to store your winter fuel products, Big K sell a wide selection of seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal for you to stock up on this winter - so it won’t be long before you can make use of your brand new fireplace.

Smokeless Coal - click here to view our range of products

Smokeless Coal – Seasoned Hardwood Logs

Get Your Home Ready for Christmas With Big K

If you have a fireplace and want to experience the joys of an open fire this season, it is important to stock up on winter fuel products - such as smokeless coal and seasoned hardwood logs well in advance; to keep your home snug and warm throughout the festive period.

A real fire gives your home a magical feel and whether fuelled by smokeless coal or seasoned hardwood logs, creates the perfect backdrop when entertaining friends and generally makes your home feel brighter in the winter months. It is also great for sitting round on Christmas morning, whilst the whole family gather together to open presents.

Fortunately, Big K makes buying winter fuel easy for you, as they are able to deliver their winter fuel products straight to your door. In addition to smokeless coal and seasoned hardwood logs, for the ultimate in convenience this Christmas, Big K supply all your winter fuel needs including house coal, anthracite coal and kindling. Click on the link below to order your smokeless coal and seasoned hardwood logs now.

Smokeless Coal - click here to view our range of products.

Keep Safe This Christmas – Avoid Fire Hazards

Whilst a fireplace looks and feels cosy on Christmas day, it is important to take precautions to prevent against fire.

Many people like to decorate their fireplace with pretty decorations but, if you are doing this, make sure that this area is clear of combustibles as these can get ignited by sparks from the fire and become a hazard.

Instead of placing cards on the mantelpiece, punch holes in the top of the cards and string them up securely with ribbon. It is always best to hang them on the wall away from the fireplace or stand them on a bookshelf or window sill.

If you are playing host to young children at Christmas, never leave your fire unattended while they are in the room. A fireplace screen will prevent sparks escaping and will stop children going near.

While some people are tempted to throw wrapping paper onto the fire, this is potentially dangerous because it can throw off little sparks. Instead, once everyone has opened up their presents, collect up all the wrapping paper and put it in the recycling bin.

Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of little fingers and make sure any of these items are not left lying around when children are about. Play it safe at Christmas and use your common sense to avoid fire.

Whether or not you have an open fire, you must ensure that you have a sufficient number of smoke alarms (one on each level) and these should be checked weekly to ensure they are in full working order.

Ideas for Safely Decorating Your Fireplace this Christmas

If you do want to make your fireplace seasonal this Christmas, there are some ways to do this without it being a fire hazard. Put some ornaments on the mantel-piece such as miniature Christmas trees, sleighs or reindeers, to make this part of the home seasonal and festive.

You do not have to overdo your decorations, just two metal trees at either side of the fireplace is a beautiful addition to this area and will provide the perfect complement to a fully decorated tree.

The children, of course, would want to hang their stockings up above the fireplace on Christmas Eve – they will also want to put some rum and some Christmas cake out for Santa. Just make sure that the fire isn’t lit before Santa makes his way down the chimney!

If you are stocking up on seasoned hardwood logs, there are some wonderful and novel ways to store these products, including metal wall hangings that will create a wall feature out of your wood. If you don’t want to make a focal point out of your logs, there are also a variety of attractive metal holders and buckets to store seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal. You can even make hints to have one of these for a Christmas gift! Just contact Big K to stock up on your seasoned hardwood logs, smokeless coal and other winter fuel products.

Smokeless Coal - click here to view our range of products.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs – Smokeless Coal – Winter Fuel

Seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal - a great way to reduce your heating costs this winter

Ten Ways to Reduce Heating Bills in Your Home

The costs of home heating are escalating. British Gas recently announced an increase in its electricity prices and other UK energy firms have followed suit including npower, Scottish Power and SSE. And with the price rises of up to 9.1 per cent for some customers, many people will be thinking about ways to cut the cost of their heating bills.

One great way to do this is to supplement your heating with an open fire, burning seasoned hardwood logs or smokeless coal in combination or as an alternative to oil or gas fired heating. Read on for our top tips on more ways to reduce your household bills this winter. .

Seasoned Hardwood Logs – click here to view our range of products.

Ten Ways to Slash Your Fuel Bills

There are several ways to lower the cost of your heating, ranging from using smokeless coal or seasoned hardwood logs on an open fire to the cheapest option – wrapping up warm. Here is our top ten:

1. Smokeless coal and Seasoned Hardwood Logs. If you have an open fire, these can be a very economical form of heating and both types of fuel can be used in designated smoke free zones . These fuel types are suitable for both modern and traditional fireplaces and are packed in handy sized polypropylene nets (in the case of seasoned hardwood logs) or easy to store packs (smokeless coal). Make sure you are always prepared and stock up on your smokeless coal and seasoned hardwood logs well in advance of any cold snaps.
2. Insulation. Another way to cut costs is to think about free home insulation. British Gas currently has a scheme in some areas whereby you can apply for free insulation worth £1000 (including materials and labour) for loft and cavity walls, subject to a free survey. Anyone can apply for this, even those who are not British Gas customers, providing they apply before the deadline of 30 November 2012. This can net you savings of up to £175 a year.
3. Talk To Your Supplier and Consider Switching. If you feel your gas and electricity bills are too high, negotiate with your electricity company to see if they can drive the bills down (such as paying monthly by direct debit). If they are unable to come up with a cheaper alternative, shop around to find a company that offers a better deal, then switch if you need to. Some companies may demand an exit fee, so if you are thinking of switching, don’t forget to factor in this in against any savings you might make.
4. Service or Upgrade Your Boiler. How old your boiler is and the type of boiler you have effects how efficient it is. To maximise the efficiency of your boiler, make sure it is properly maintained. Having it regularly serviced means that you won’t have to fork out for expensive repairs. If you are replacing your boiler for a new one, you could make an average saving of £300 on household bills. However, this does not take into account the cost of installing your new boiler.
5. Stop Up Draughts. There are several other ways to cut down the cost of your heating bills. Even small changes can make a difference such as draught proofing your doors and even your letterbox. Check your doors and windows for draughts and weather proof them if necessary.
6. Adjust Vents and Blinds. If you have vents above your windows, close them on cold and windy days to stop the draughts coming in. It is also a good idea to open the curtains or blinds during the day to let the sun in to warm up the room, then close them at night.
7. Clear Space Around Radiators. Avoid positioning furniture in your home so that it blocks the radiators. By keeping the radiators clear, this will increase efficiency and help lower the cost of your heating bills.
8. Only Heat the Rooms You Need To. Only put the radiators on in the rooms that you are using – if there is a spare bedroom or dining room that you don’t use so much, turn off the radiator in this room and close the door.
9. Turn Down the Thermostat. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees if possible, but keep it at a temperature that remains comfortable. It is recommended that you set your thermostat between 18-21C.
10. Wrap up Warm. Wear extra clothing and put more blankets or a warm throw on the bed. In the winter months always have a throw to hand by the sofa so you can snuggle under it to watch television.

About Big K

Big K sell a wide range of winter fuel products including seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal. To make buying easy, we deliver seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal nationwide.

Smokeless Coal – click here to view our range of products.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs: Enjoy All The Benefits of a Real Log Fire This Autumn

When autumn arrives, it is time to gather your seasoned hardwood logs by the fireside and cosy up in front of a real log fire. A crackling log fire has a wonderful, homely appeal and whether you have a town house, or a country cottage, it sets the atmosphere and makes your home snug and warm when the temperature drops.

If you have an open hearth, it is important to be prepared well in advance of any cold spell and stock up on all you need to create the perfect log fire including seasoned hardwood logs. Big K sell a wide range of products for wood burning stoves, open fires and other appliances and these products include seasoned hardwood logs such as beech, ash, elder and lime wood sold in easy to store polythene nets.

We also sell a wide range of other winter fuel products for home delivery including smoke free fuel, smoke free coal, anthracite, house coal, instant lighting fuel, kindling, paraffin, firelighters and matches.

Gathering in front of a log fire on a cold winter night is a real treat. Here we shall consider all the benefits of using your open fire this winter and look at the advantages of using seasoned hardwood logs.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs - click here to view our range of products.

Cosy up with a Real Log Fire: The Benefits

Cheaper Than Other Fuel Alternatives – Log fires are cheaper than other forms of heating the home and the room heats up relatively quickly and stays warm and snug until the fire dies out. Seasoned hardwood logs in particular are a great way of keeping the house warm as they burn hotter than non-seasoned logs and are more fuel efficient than freshly cut logs.
Creates A Focal Point – Nothing beats a roaring log fire to warm your interior on chilly autumn and winter evenings. It is also very sociable as you will find it attracts all the family together in one room to take part in an individual hobby such as reading, or family activities such as board games or simply watching a film together.

Mood Enhancing – When it is cold and dark outside, sitting around a log fire is both cheering and relaxing, whatever the outdoor conditions.

Colourful – Real log fires are cosy and colourful and there is something magical about watching the flames crackle in the fireplace. It creates a mesmerising soft glow of red, yellows and ambers and is a joy to watch.

Creates Light – As fire creates light, in the unfortunate event of a power cut in your region, you can still benefit from the glow created by the flames. So there is no need to scrabble around for the candles! Or simply turn off the electric lights and enjoy the firelight.

Eco-friendly – Log fires reduce the need for reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. It also encourages responsible forestry through the sustainable management of forests. As logs are readily available in the UK, they don’t have to be shipped in from other countries, so by ordering seasoned firewood logs from a UK based company such as Big K, it helps cut down on your carbon footprint.

Cooking – You can even cook on your fireplace and make it a family activity. Although do take care and proceed with absolute caution if you intend to do this and make sure that only responsible adults undertake this task. Chestnuts or marshmallows roasted on an open fire are simply delicious!

Top Tips for Autumn

If you are thinking of using your log fire this autumn, here are a few things to bear in mind:
It is always best to stock up on fuel well in advance and one way to do this is by ordering your seasoned firewood logs from Big K as soon as you can. Being prepared means you can light your fire whenever you need to as you will always have the right products to hand.

Choose logs that you can light quickly and easily. Seasoned firewood logs have been ready cut and stored for about a year and this reduces the water content of the wood – this means the logs burn easier and are more efficient than freshly cut logs.

When it comes to lighting a fire, take extra care. Don’t leave children or pets unattended once the fire is lit. And use a metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks jumping out.

 Never get rid of hot ashes either inside or near the home, as they can present a fire risk. Instead, put them in a metal container and take it outside, away from the house. Other precautions to take are to make sure your chimney is kept clean and inspected regularly by a professional, and to always ensure that your smoke alarm is in full working order.

About Big K

Our Big K winter fuel products, including seasoned firewood logs, smokeless coal, house coal, anthracite, quick burning fuel products, matches and kindling are available for nationwide home delivery.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs - click here to view our range of products