Getting Your Fireplace Ready for Winter

When the first cold snap of the winter sets in, you want to be sure you can enjoy the warmth and cosiness of a roaring fire, whether it is a smokeless coal fire or uses more traditional seasoned hardwood logs.

Carrying out a few maintenance tasks now will mean save time in the long run and will also ensure your fire will burn safely and efficiently. Here is Big K’s guide to a few simple steps you can take to get your fireplace ready for winter.

Safety First

The first step is to carry out your own inspection of the fireplace. Make sure the grate is clear of any ash and embers from the last time you used it. Check for any damage, such as cracks, and any draughts which might indicate a problem. The flue, which allows smoke to move through the chimney, and the damper, which regulates the airflow, are worth particular attention.

Remember to look at the outside as well as the inside, and particularly for birds flying in and out of the chimney. Their nests can easily cause a harmful build-up of gases.

You should also make sure you have enough smoke alarms and they are all working properly. Now is the ideal time to fit new batteries. CO2 alarms will help detect carbon monoxide which might indicate problems with your fireplace’s airflow. Make sure you use a fire guard, and check you haven't added anything to your lounge which might represent a fire risk, such as a piece of furniture which could be hit by a stray spark.

Get the Chimney Swept

Chimneys should be swept once a year by a qualified expert, and ideally well before the beginning of winter. You should mention any potential problems you have identified from your own inspection; they should be able to advise you on any remedial work which needs to be carried out. Carrying out checks early will give you more time to fit in any remedial work.

Once the fire-lighting season is in full swing, you can use chimney cleaning logs, which will help keep the level of harmful deposits down. Big K supply Chim Clean chimney cleaning logs which come with an insurance guarantee.

Stock Up on Fuel

To be sure of having enough fuel when you want it, it's a good idea to order your supplies well in advance. You should also check you have enough firelighters as well. If you do run low, however, we can deliver within 7 working days within the M25 in the London area or, outside London, 5 working days outside the M25.

You also need to find a safe place to store your fuel. Before stocking up, it’s advisable to clean out your storage space, and make sure it is waterproof. Dry wood burns more efficiently and slows down the build-up of soot and other deposits.

Big K supply a wide range of fuel and lighters. If you live in a smoke control area, we can provide smokeless coal for your fire; we also stock house coal for homes not in smoke control areas. We also provide seasoned hardwood and softwood logs, kindling and instant lighting products.

To find out more about the Big K range of winter fuel products, click above.

Should You Choose an Open Fire or a Wood Burning Stove?

As winter weather bites, we all want to keep our homes warm and cosy – and a real fire or wood burning stove is a great way to do just that. Big K supplies a wide range of winter fuel products, including everything from an instant lighting coal fire to seasoned firewood logs and wood fuel briquettes. Here we will look at the different options available and how you can decide which is the best option for your home.

Open Fires – the Traditional Option

There are many reasons why an open fire is still regarded by many as a very attractive option. It will warm a house very quickly, creating a welcoming and homely ambience. There is also nothing more romantic on a cold evening than cuddling up with a loved one in front of a fire.

If you have an older house which already has a fireplace, the idea of bringing this back into use is appealing. If the original fireplace has been removed, you could invest in a reclaimed vintage fireplace or a new one, perhaps with a retro look. There are many great designs to choose from which will complement your home’s interior design.

Even if you are attracted by an open fire, you might be put off by fears that it will be expensive to run. However, today’s fuels are much more economical than those used in past eras, and there are various ways of making your fire more efficient, such as fitting a throat restrictor and glass fire doors.

Another aspect that sometimes makes people nervous about having a fire is the fear that it might be difficult to get it alight and that this could take a long time. Fortunately, this need not be the case. As its name suggests, an instant lighting coal fire will give out heat and light very quickly, without the need for firelighters or kindling.

Other excellent fuels for open fires include smokeless coal, which comes prepacked in bags containing 10kg or 20kg, as well as various types of heat log. Households outside smokeless fuel areas also have the option of ordering house coal from Big K.

Wood Burning Stoves

If you thought wood burning stoves were only for householders in rural areas, think again! Over recent years they have also become popular in urban settings, after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs approved use of these stoves in smokeless fuel areas.

So what are the advantages of a wood burning stove compared to a traditional fire? One is that a wood burning stove is typically more energy-efficient than an open fire. Modern stoves have a number of high-tech features meaning that far less heat is lost up the chimney, making them more sustainable and better for the environment. Another advantage is that the warmth from a wood burner will spread to a wider area than with an open fire, helping to make your home warmer overall.

Today’s wood burning stoves come in many different designs, so, although black is still very popular, you can also choose other styles and colours to match your décor.

Wood burners can use many of the same fuels as open fires, as well as different options. Big K supplies a wide range of winter fuels, including both unseasoned and seasoned firewood logs and our economical Big Flame heat logs, which are FSC certified. Another option is instant lighting fire logs, which take away the need for kindling, as all you need to do is light the wrapper. Wood fuel briquettes are yet another popular choice.

Big K offers a large range of quality winter fuel products, and if you are in London within the M25 you can benefit from free delivery for orders of £60 or over. Many areas outside the M25 can also receive free deliveries for orders over £100. Click here for full details of Big K winter fuel products.

What Makes Our Heat Logs So Economical?

Our economical Heat Logs are ideal as winter fuel if you are looking for an inexpensive way to achieve a real fire which not only creates a wonderful cosy atmosphere but is also very effective at heating your home.

But what exactly makes them so economical?

Source materials

Our Big Flame Heat Logs are made by recycling the by-products of other wood manufacturing processes, typically sawdust generated by cutting wood to make furniture or other items. The source materials are therefore considerably cheaper than, for instance, solid hardwood logs, and this saving is reflected in the price. (It also happens to make them environmentally friendly, since no trees were cut down specifically to make them.)

Economy of scale

The scale of our operation means we can keep costs down, which is passed on to our customers.

Long burn

Because of the way our Heat Logs are made – by tightly compressing the raw materials together – each log burns for a very long time. In fact, they give a longer burn than regular wood logs, and will still be throwing out heat two hours after you've lit one. At £4.75 for a pack of 12, that's just 40 pence per log – so it could cost you just 80 pence to heat your living room for a whole evening.

High heat output

Out Heat Logs don't just look pretty while they are burning – they provide a high heat output too, estimated to be double the heat you get from regular firewood logs. So it is quite feasible to use them to heat an average sized room and turn off any other heat sources, such as radiators, so you could even save some money on the central heating.

And you don't have to wait too long to start feeling the heat. The logs have a very low moisture content and they are designed with a hollow centre that helps draw air through and around the log, so these logs are easy to light and reach their top temperature very quickly. This means there is less need to use another form of heating while the fire gets going.

Free delivery

One other very important factor for London customers is that we offer free delivery for orders of £60 or more (that's just 13 packs of Heat Logs) inside the M25. (We also deliver free to many areas outside the M25, for orders over £100.) This makes our Heat Logs even more economical.

What's the catch?

If you're thinking there must be some downside with choosing Heat Logs over firewood logs – there isn't. Our logs are extremely versatile and can be used in fireplaces, woodburners or wood fuel stoves, or even in a chimenea. They have great burning qualities; they burn evenly without spitting or sparks and don't leave much ash.

Economical Heat Logs London – Buy Big Flame Heat Logs here.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs – The Advantages of Home Delivery

Taking advantage of our home delivery service for Seasoned Hardwood Logs or other winter fuel makes it so much easier to have a regular fire over the winter months. Having logs that have been cut to a convenient size, properly seasoned and of a consistent quality, ready to hand, means you can get a warming fire going quickly whenever you need to heat your home, or simply create a romantic or relaxing atmosphere for the evening. But there are a number of other advantages to getting your firewood delivered...

A Godsend for the Carless

Many Londoners have made a decision not have a car as they can easily get anywhere they need using London transport or by cycling. For travel to work, school and social events this is not a problem – but when it comes to transporting heavy or bulky supplies it can become one. So if you want a roaring fire or if you have a woodburning stove in your London home, a delivery service is more than useful – it’s essential!

Less Lifting and Carrying

Even if you have a car, getting a home delivery means you don’t have to carry bags of logs between the shop and car, and then between car and home. We deliver to your doorstep (or to the main door of a building in the case of apartment buildings), so all you have to do is carry them inside or to your usual place of storage. As well as saving you effort, it could save you several trips in the car, which means less money paid out for petrol, and more time to yourself.

Fewer Trips in Cold Weather

If it’s cold enough to want a fire going then you probably would rather not be turning out in all weathers to fetch firewood. Arranging a winter fuel home delivery means you can stay indoors and keep warm – a luxury for anyone, but especially important for our elderly or housebound customers.

Small Net Bags

Our seasoned hardwood logs are supplied in small net bags, approximately 10kg in weight. This makes them a lot easier to move and store compared to larger bags or pallet loads.

Morning and Afternoon Delivery Slots

When you place an order with us we will let you know which day we will deliver, and whether this will be a morning (8am to 12.30pm), afternoon (12.30pm to 5.30pm) or (sometimes) an evening timeslot (after 5.30pm).

If you are able to plan ahead for your fuel needs you may be able to limit the number of deliveries to just one or two over the winter period – which means less inconvenience to you and fewer road miles for your fuel.

Free Home Delivery

If you live within the M25 and your order is at least £60 in value, we can offer free home delivery, which equates to a very modest quantity (13 bags) of Seasoned Hardwood Logs. This is approximately a month’s supply if you plan to use your fire every evening (1 bag should last for approximately 2 evenings).

If you live outside the M25 the minimum order value for free delivery is a little higher at £100 – which is still only 21 bags of Seasoned Hardwood Logs, or 18 bags of our Premium Kiln Dry Hardwood Logs.

We deliver to all areas of London and to many other parts of England and Wales as well. You can easily check if we can deliver to you by using our postcode checker, which is on every page of our site. Just enter your postcode and we’ll let you know whether we can deliver to your area. And, when you place an order, we will check your postcode at the start of the ordering process, just to make sure.

Not Just Logs

As well as our seasoned logs we deliver the full range of our winter fuel products including kiln dry logs, heat logs and kindling wood, as well as solid fuels such as charcoal briquettes, smokeless coal, and paraffin (for paraffin heaters). We can also bring along handy fire lighting accessories such as big matches, firelighters and chimney cleaners.

To order, just visit our site, head to the Winter Fuel section and select Logs and Wood to see our firewood products. Just enter the quantities you need and click “Buy Now” for the products you want. Before you check out, your order summary will show whether your order reaches the minimum value for free delivery. We accept Visa or Mastercard credit cards as payment.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs Home Delivery – Order your winter fuel supplies today.

How to Choose Winter Hardwood Logs

If you are one of our regular winter fuel customers you will already know about the qualities of our winter hardwood logs. However, we know that as the popularity of an open fire and woodburning stoves are increasing, there will be new owners looking around for the right type of fuel to help keep them warm over the winter. Thankfully (for our heating bills) this winter has been on the warm side for most of us so far – but in true British tradition we can expect some proper winter conditions sometime between now and March 2016. So it's a good idea to arrange a winter fuel home delivery for your fireplace or woodburning stove now, while stocks are plentiful and delivery isn't being hampered by severe weather.

With so many varieties of winter hardwood logs available it can be a bit confusing wondering which ones to buy, especially if you haven't bought them before. So here we outline some of the key qualities that may be important to you and which of our range of winter fuel products are most likely to meet your needs.

Easy to light

For many, the most daunting prospect of a real log fire is getting it lit quickly – partly so you can get on with the rest of your day and partly so that the fire starts warming up the room as fast as possible. While the idea of using real wood logs is appealing, in practice the moisture content can make them difficult to light – unless they have been treated (or seasoned) correctly in advance.

We offer two types of logs that have been treated in this way: Seasoned Hardwood Logs which contain approximately 40% moisture, and Kiln Dry Logs which have around 20% moisture.

Correct storage is also a factor here – there's no point buying kiln dried or seasoned logs and then leaving them outside in the rain! Ideally, store them indoors (e.g. in a shed or garage) but if you do need to store them outdoors make sure they are under cover and are brought indoors a few days before you want to burn them.

High heat

If you are depending on your fire or stove to keep you warm, then your logs need to be more than just good looking – they need to give out plenty of heat too. If this is important to you then choose our Big Flame Heat Logs which give around double the heat output of firewood logs. Within our firewood range, choose our Kiln Dry Hardwood Logs, for the highest heat output.

Long burn

A long lasting log means less time spent topping up and tending your fire, and it can also be more economical in the long run too. Hardwood logs last much longer than softwood logs, so both our top products (Kiln Dry and Seasoned) are made from hardwood species to give a long lasting burn. For an even longer burn, choose our Heat Logs.

Environmental sustainability

Although burning trees may not intuitively feel like an eco-friendly thing to be doing, in fact using wood for heat can be far less damaging to overall CO2 levels than burning coal, gas or oil (either directly or indirectly via electricity from coal or gas-fired power stations). It takes millions of years to make oil, coal and gas, but just a few years to grow a tree. So, as long as the trees you burn for fuel are constantly being replaced with new trees, you won't be contributing to the CO2 problem.

Our Kiln Dry Logs are 100% FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) sourced – ensuring that any trees cut down are replaced in a sustainable, managed way.

Alternatively, our Wood Fuel Briquettes and Big Flame Heat Logs are made entirely from recycled wood or other wood waste, which would otherwise go to landfill, which means no trees have been specifically cut down to make them.

In addition, all our logs and wood briquettes use British wood and are manufactured within the UK, minimising the carbon footprint of the production process.

Authentic looking fire

If you want logs which looked like you may possibly have chopped them up yourself, then choose either our Seasoned Hardwood Logs or Kiln Dry Hardwood Logs. To enhance the effect, take them out of their plastic netting and put into a log basket or other container next to your fire, ready for use.

If you want to combine high heat efficiency with an authentic log look, get your fire going with our Heat Logs, and then top off with either our Kiln Dry or Seasoned logs.

Economy

When it comes to choosing fuel logs on the basis of value for money, you need to weigh up the upfront cost per kilogram versus the amount of heating you get. By far the most cost-efficient choice in terms of heat provided, are our Heat Logs, made from recycled wood waste. However, if you want to use real logs, our Kiln Dry Hardwood Logs offer superior heat output and burn time, so many of our customers opt for these logs as an economical choice.

No sparks

If you are buying winter hardwood logs for a woodburning stove then you don't have to worry about sparks so much as the door of the stove will prevent any sparks escaping into the room. But if you are planning to use an open fireplace then minimising sparks becomes a more important safety issue (although using a good fireguard and making sure your fire isn't left unattended is always advised). If this is a priority for you, then you may prefer our Wood Fuel Briquettes, which can be used in a wide range of fires including fire pits, chimeneas and stoves, as well as open hearth fires.

Still not sure?

We are happy to supply mixed orders so you can try a few bags of each of our products, to allow you to compare how they work for you and your particular fire needs.

Winter Hardwood Logs – Click here for our complete winter fuel range, all available with free delivery.

A Short History of Yule Logs

For most of us, a Yule Log is a seasonal item of confectionary involving a swiss roll decorated with chocolate frosting, artfully fashioned to look like bark, sprinkled with icing sugar by way of snow, and topped with any number of festive decorations. But where does the idea of a cake in the shape of a log come from? Big K, suppliers, of heat logs and seasoned hardwood logs, looks at the origin of the Yule log.

The festive cake version of the Yule Log is based on a real tradition – based on real wooden logs – which dates back to the pre-Christian era.

So, if you are one of those people who doesn't so much as glance at your fireplace all year round, but gets a sudden urge to see a crackling fire over the Christmas and New Year period, you could be unconsciously tuning in to an ancient tradition. You can order high quality Seasoned Hardwood Logs and other winter fuel options right here, but just to help you get into the festive spirit, we've decided to take a short historical tour of the Yule Log.

Origins - To understand the true origins of the Yule Log, we first have to look at the meaning of Yule itself. The word "Yule" stems from an ancient German word for the festival that took place at the time of the winter solstice in northern Europe, which was celebrated for many centuries before Christmas was even heard of and marked the end of one year and the start of another. It is probably no coincidence that the practice seems to have developed in the Scandinavian, Baltic and Celtic areas of Europe, where the emphasis was on keeping warm and well fed during the coldest months of the year.

It is believed that the original Yule log was a lot more than a log - in fact, it was a whole tree! (It may even have been this traditional practice which eventually metamorphosed into the modern day Christmas tree in the living room.) The base of the tree trunk was put into the fire and slowly burned. As the tree was consumed by fire it would be pushed further into the fire – a crude, but effective method of ensuring continuous heat for many days. As well as being a welcome relief from the cold, the chopping down and burning of the tree was seen as symbolic of the cycle of life, with death an inevitable and necessary part of sustaining life.

Middle Ages - In the medieval period many pagan traditions were co-opted by the Church and reassigned with Christian symbolism, and the burning of the Yule tree saw its meaning change. (At the same time, the tree became a log, making it a more practical option for a household fireplace.) Now, the log was burned throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas, and any remains of the log kept until the following Christmas. The practice became increasingly ceremonial rather than about keeping warm, involving rituals around the lighting and relighting of the log from year to year, and this began to involve the log being adorned with other symbolic elements such as evergreen plants and pinecones, to represent the promise of new life and fertility.

17th Century - Of course, another very important element of the original pagan Yule celebration was feasting, just as it is for our modern Christmas celebrations. So it was perhaps just a matter of time before the Yule log was created in food form. It is thought that the appearance of the earliest cake-based Yule logs was in the 17th century, around the time when ingredients such as sugar and cocoa from the Far East and the New World were beginning to become more widely available.

19th Century - In France, the popularity of the Yule log as a seasonal dessert really took off and was known as a "Bûche de Noël". It appears to have spread to other countries including the UK during the late 19th and 20th centuries, where it became a staple of our modern Christmas fare along with Christmas pudding and mince pies.

21st Century - In some places the burning of a log at Christmastime continues, with many countries choosing a specific type of tree (e.g. the Oak in England or the Birch in Scotland) usually reflecting what's locally available as well as an element of national or local symbolism.

While we can't supply you with a whole tree for your hearth or woodburning stove (and wouldn't recommend you try it) we can provide you with a much safer and more convenient way of staying toasty over the festive season, in the form of our Seasoned Hardwood Logs for woodburning stoves, or Kiln Dry Hardwood Logs, suitable for woodburners and open fires and made from top quality FSC sourced hardwoods. Alternatively, our Heat Logs are an environmentally friendly and fuss free way of generating plenty of heat for your home.

Seasoned Hardwood Logs - Click here for our complete winter fuel range, all available with free delivery.

5 Creative Ways to Store Wood Burning Logs

Have you organised your logs for home delivery yet? If not, autumn is the ideal time to stock up before the cold weather really kicks in. For convenience, Big K provide door-to-door delivery services of all winter fuel products, so you can make sure you have everything you need during the frostiest days of the year. If you have bought more than you are likely to burn through the winter, and don’t have a designated shed or outhouse for them, here’s five creative ways to store your wood burning logs, including some weird and wacky ones too. Only your imagination is the limit!

The Log House

An alternative take on the traditional log cabin, this arty log store/farmland feature has upstairs windows, a roof, chimney and floral window displays! While making an unusual and elaborate play-house from seasoned hardwood logs might be a little over the top for the average householder, it shows what you can do with firewood when you’ve got time on your hands!

The Decorative Store

An appealing feature in its own right, this eye-catching log stack is a common yet attractive way of commercially stacking logs. As well as being decorative, it's designed to capture people’s imagination and remind them to stock up on their logs. And, the good news is that resourceful types can recreate it on a mini scale at home! Click on the link to use Big K's handy, nationwide home delivery service for winter fuel .

The Garden Wall Feature

Multi-purpose but lacking in practicality, this versatile garden wall feature combines aesthetics with a clever log store for open air fires. Although it lacks suitability as a log store for the UK climate, it makes a great commercial or home garden feature. For more ideas for winter, see Big K’s products for year round use which include a superb range of high-quality outside kitchens and outdoor ovens. We also sell patio heaters to keep you warm during the coldest months of the year.

The Mosaic Store

This is ideal for crafty types keen to turn log storage in their shed, home or porchway into an art form. While re-creating a similar design to the picture above is possible if you cut your own wood, our Premium Kiln Dry Hardwood Logs are in uniform pieces – so you can do it on a mini, neater scale at home. They look great stacked in a log basket and equally appealing if you want a well-ordered stand-alone pile near the fireplace.

The Alcove Store

Although not overtly creative, this contemporary metal outdoor log stall is pretty and functional and is easy to top up and access. It’s set in an alcove with all the home fire accessories to hand, including a dustpan and brush and an ash shovel. If you have an alcove inside or outside the home, it’ll make the perfect log store. Just like the modern indoor fireplace alcove in picture below.

Big K - Click here to order your winter fuel products and logs for home delivery today.

Ten Home Decorating Ideas - Choosing the Right Fireplace for Your Interior

If you are revamping your home this winter consider whether your existing fire surround will work with your dream interior….after all, a fireplace is a focal point and, as such, it should blend well with its surroundings. While you might be lucky enough to have a home with a beautiful period fireplace and want to base your décor around this feature, you may have a fire surround that is in need of an update. In this article Big K, suppliers of winter fuel products including smokeless coal and firewood for home delivery, gives the rundown on ten home decorating ideas and fireplaces to match.

Smokeless Coal - Click here to view all our products online including winter fuel for home delivery.

1 Natural

Natural interiors are very much in vogue for 2015, with the emphasis on materials inspired by nature. Solid wood or stone fire surrounds fit perfectly with this theme and, as it is a timeless look, your fireplace will last generations. Hang a driftwood or bamboo framed mirror above the fireplace to match the theme.

2 Romantic

Vintage-inspired interiors is a trend that is set to continue this year, with white distressed finished furniture and romantic style gilt framed mirrors. Intricately carved wooden fireplace surrounds look elegant in a vintage style interior; hang an oversized mirror above to add drama and interest.

3 Neutral

Decorating with a neutral palette adds elegant simplicity to an interior and is a look that is here to stay. Fire surrounds in neutral colours fit with most interiors and will inject style and personality. To make your fireplace stand out, why not paint the chimney breast in a different colour to the walls? Black or grey, for example, will stand out against a white palette.

4 Patterned

To give your fireplace even more of a focus, consider having a tiled patterned fireplace surround in blue or green. Continue the theme with patterned soft furnishings, and hang a print, containing your chosen accent colour, above the fireplace.

5 Ethnic

Interiors inspired by travel have been a popular theme for generations and have their origins in the Grand Tours of the 18th century. Carved wooden mantles are a good choice for this style of interior. Team it with zebra print footstools, wooden sculptures (placed on either side of the fireplace) and bold ethnic prints.

6 Rural

Marble or rustic fireplace surrounds look fantastic in a country property and work well with modern or traditional homes. Furnish with solid wood furniture or cosy, leather upholstered arm chairs to complete the look.

7 Minimalist

A small fireplace that blends effortlessly with its surroundings is an ideal choice for a minimalist home and provides a cosy feel, without being too obtrusive. Store your winter fuel, such as smokeless coal in an alcove close by.

8 Artistic

Sculptural, carved wooden fire surrounds add interest. Although not a traditional art piece, it can serve as a work of art in its own right, and is likely to become a talking point among your guests. Lay inspiring words above, painted on wooden boards, or a modern art piece to continue the gallery theme.

9 Traditional

Traditional brick or stone fireplaces, or wood burners, add a snug feel to a country home and will be the place to gather in the evenings. Add traditional accessories such as antique style lamps or brass fireplace containers on the hearth.

10 Eco-friendly

Fireplaces with reclaimed wood surrounds are becoming increasingly popular as more people strive to become environmentally aware. Decorate with up-cycled or reclaimed wooden furnishings and you will have an eco-friendly interior to be proud of.

Big K - Your one-stop shop providing nationwide delivery of high quality winter fuel products. Click on the link above to order our products online.

Five Inspirational Fireplace Decorating Ideas from Big K

Fireplaces are not only used to create warmth and atmosphere, but they are also a focal point in their own right; and the way that you decorate your home can make all the difference between whether your fireplace stands out, or subtly blends with your decor. In this article Big K (who sell a wide range of winter fuel products for home delivery including wood burning logs), provides ten inspirational design ideas on how to decorate your fireplace to make the most of this feature year round.

Big K Wood Burning Logs - We provide high quality winter fuel products at competitive prices including seasoned hardwood logs, coal, anthracite coal and smokeless fuel for door-to-door UK delivery.

Feature Mirrors – A beautiful feature mirror hung above the fireplace attracts the light and draws the eye to this part of a room. While traditional mirrors with solid wood frames look elegant, why not be a bit more adventurous with your choice? Intricately carved wooden mirrors, Art Deco mirrors, ornate, mosaic style, lacquered and shabby chic distressed mirrors all help turn your fireplace into a centrepiece. Whether you have a contemporary or period fireplace, choose a feature mirror that blends effortlessly with the design to create a uniform effect. Mirror frames are available in a range of different materials including metal, bamboo, solid wood, and glass – only your imagination is the limit!

Stunning Artwork – Whether you want to hang a vibrant contemporary print above the fireplace, a striking period style picture, or choose a favourite floor standing sculpture to sit beside the fire, the end result is eye-catching. Again, try to choose artwork that blends with the style of your fireplace to create a beautiful focal point. Artwork is a great way to add personality and individuality to your décor. Although placing paintings immediately above the fireplace should be avoided (due to excessive heat which may lead to deterioration), certain artwork works well in this space. Browse through art shops to find an art piece that you love.

Wood Burning Logs – Although it’s not an obvious choice of décor, it is possible to turn wood burning logs or seasoned hardwood logs into a feature. Logs piled up in a basket by the fire, recessed integrated log storage on either side of your fireplace, or a wall mounted log store or gives a rustic feel to an interior and works just as well in a country cottage or contemporary home. Wall mounted log racks come in various shapes and sizes from minimalist styles to rectangular, round, triangular and quirky designs in solid wood or metal.

Candle Displays –Place rows of candles on the mantelpiece or group together large, floor standing candles in different sizes next to the fireplace. Having several lit candles within the fireplace (when the fire itself is not in use) is also wonderfully atmospheric on even the mildest of evenings, and makes your home cosy and inviting when guests come round.

Book Storage – This is something to think about in summer time when the fireplace is not in use. You can transform your fireplace into a bookcase, stacking your favourite hardback books and magazines in the fireplace or on the mantelpiece to create a library area. This makes your living room look homely and makes use of this feature even on the warmest days of the year. Place an occasional chair by the side of the fireplace and you have your very own reading corner!

About Big K

Big K sells a full range of winter fuel products including wood burning logs for home delivery, seasoned hardwood logs, anthracite coal, house coal and auxiliaries. Just key in your full postcode before purchase, to find out if we deliver to your area.

Ten Ways Fireplaces put the Magic into Christmas

Ever since the introduction of Christmas cards in the Victorian era, the festive season is synonymous with excited children waiting by the hearth to open their presents, and families warming themselves around an open fire. The fireplace is central to the festive season – and even Santa is supposed to arrive down the chimney to hand out carefully wrapped gifts! There’s something magical about a roaring fire, and piling hardwood logs by the hearth in preparation for a frosty morning. Read on to discover ten ways fireplaces put the magic into Christmas.

Big K offer winter fuel home delivery in the UK to make life easier during the coldest months of the year. Our high quality winter fuel products include seasoned hardwood logs, smokeless fuel, house coal, anthracite, kiln dry hardwood logs, Big Flame heat logs, as well as a range of other essentials such as firelighters – just click on the link below to view our full range.

Big K Winter Fuel Home Delivery – Follow the link to buy your winter fuel today.

Fireplaces Create a Social Atmosphere – Fireplaces provide warmth, and a lit fire is an essential part of the festive season; it is where you, your friends and family gather to play board games, open presents and enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple before Christmas dinner.

It’s Where the Presents are Found – It’s long been a tradition to hang stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve (although not when the fire is on) ready to be filled with presents for children – and adults – to open in the morning. Stocking fillers are still popular, in conjunction with gifts under the tree.

A Place to Display Christmas Cards – The mantelpiece is the most obvious place to display your Christmas cards, although a safer option is to hang cards on string around the room, place them on window sills, or fix them to specially designed card holders that can show five or more cards at a time.

Where Santa Finds His Mince Pies – Lots of families leave mince pies and a small glass whisky by the fire for Santa on Christmas Eve. Of course, it makes a refreshing treat for Santa after his journey down the chimney – and you might want to leave a carrot or two out for the reindeer!

It Creates Warmth on Cold Nights – There’s something enchanting about lighting the fire during the festive season. It warms up a room and helps cut down on heating bills too. Just make sure you organise your winter fuel home delivery well in advance through Big K so you have enough for the holiday period.

Extra Lighting at Christmas – Lights and colour from a flickering fire is captivating, especially against a backdrop of a room filled with candlelight, warm lamps and Christmas tree fairy lights.

It Adds Atmosphere – A crackling log fire adds an instant wintery feel and makes Christmas Day special; even more so when there is snow on the ground outside. Home fires also create a relaxing focal point when you want to wind down after all that delicious food!

Provides a Christmas Photo Opportunity – A lit fire creates a number of idyllic photo opportunities, and you might want to use one of these family photos to go on your Christmas cards, this year or next.

Is Reminiscent of Yesteryear – A fireplace conjures up all the charm of bygone years, when the fire was central to the home. It was once a place where food was cooked, kettles were boiled, and children bathed in a tin bath in front of it to keep warm.

Roast Chestnuts and Marshmallows – This is a fun activity for the whole family – although it’s vital to follow the fire safety rules and, of course, never to leave young children or pets unaccompanied by the fire.

Big K – Follow the link to find out more about winter fuel home delivery.

Ten Ways to Make Your Living Room Snug this Winter

With the drop in temperature outside, now is the time to turn your attention to your interior and think about ways to make your home cosy this winter. Here, Big K Products – who sell winter fuel and logs for home delivery – looks at ten simple, low cost ways to revamp your living room with stunning results. You don’t have to spend too much as even the smallest of additions will ensure your home looks warm and inviting from autumn until spring. Read on to discover our top tips on how to stay snug indoors whatever the weather.

Big K Products is your one-stop-shop for winter fuel including logs for home delivery. Click here to view our full range of products

Light the Fire – If you have a fireplace, nothing beats the warmth and crackle of a real log fire. Lighting the fire is the easiest way to turn your home into a haven this winter, so now is the time to get your chimney swept and to stock up on winter fuel so you are prepared well in advance of any cold snaps.

Fireplaces and wood burning stoves can cut down on heating bills and, according to financial website This is Money, installing a working fire in your home can add as much as 5 per cent to the value of your property. The appeal of a fireplace or wood burning stove will transform any living room and the good news is that you don’t have to spend time chopping logs for your fire. This is because Big K Products make it as easy as possible for you to order all your winter fuel products online, as we sell a variety of products including seasoned hardwood, anthracite coal, house coal, smokeless fuel, kindling, and logs for home delivery. Just click on the link above to find out more and enter your postcode to discover if we deliver to your area.

Invest in a Cosy Throw – Another way to keep warm this winter is to invest in a cosy throw to drape over a sofa or arm chair. From warm woollen throws, to cotton or textured throws there are hundreds of different makes and designs to choose from, so you will always find one that blends well with the colours of your living room.

With prices to suit all budgets, it is a low cost way to revamp your living room in winter and nothing beats cosying up under a warm throw with a good book or a movie when there’s snow on the ground outside.

Inject Colour with Cushions – A few coordinating cushions in different textures is a simple way to alter the look of a living room with the change of seasons. Fluffy cushions, silks, floral patterns and prints are in fashion this year with reds, blues and greys among the top autumn and winter colours.

Add Warmth with a Rug – A warm, textured rug feels fantastic underfoot on cold evenings. Choose a rug that will work with your soft furnishings: from contemporary rugs in bold shapes, to more traditional Turkish style rugs, there is an unlimited range to suit old and new properties. Always be sure to place your rug at a safe distance from the fireplace, however, to avoid sparks.

Sink into an Occasional Chair – Armchairs, rocking chairs, or bold, bright contemporary chairs add atmosphere to your living room and can also serve as a focal point. Ordering your winter fuel products online and logs for home delivery via Big K is a great timesaver, so all you have to do is sit back, and relax in your favourite comfy chair and enjoy the warmth of your lit fire.

Create Atmosphere with Lighting – A lit fire will shed some light, but layering lighting with side lamps, floor standing lamps and picture lights, can work wonders to add a cosy feel to a living room. Lights come in all shapes, sizes and designs, including sculptural sidelights which act as a work of art in themselves.

De-clutter with Storage Chests – Storage chests that double up as coffee tables, side tables or seating is another way to prepare your home for winter – and can help accommodate extra guests. If you have limited space, you can use this furniture piece to store your cushions and throws in summer, or if you have a sturdy wooden chest, you can use it to store your winter fuel or logs from Big K’s home delivery service.

Light Some Candles – Candles create flattering light and add instant appeal to a living room. From large, floor standing candles that last for years, to tea lights or scented candles, they are always handy to stock up on all year round.

Open up a Space with Mirrors – You can use all sorts of tricks with mirrors to bring more light into a room and create the illusion of a larger space. Hang one above the fireplace or place one above a console table and put two matching lamps in front of it to cast a warm glow.

Set Coasters Out – Coasters are a cheap but effective home accessory and you can get a variety of natural designs which will coordinate with your fireplace. Place them on coffee and side tables for guests to put their drinks on, and enjoy a warming mug of hot chocolate, or glass of whisky by the fire.

About Big K

Big K offer a home delivery service for winter fuel products including solid fuel, logs, firewood and auxiliaries such as matches and firelighters. Click on the link above to view our range of products.

Ten Fireplace Safety Tips

An open fireplace is a wonderful asset - it looks great, creates warmth, reduces heating bills and, when the temperature plummets, it’s a feature that the whole family can gather round and enjoy. But no matter how inviting a crackling fire is, there are some home safety measures to adhere to so your fireplace doesn’t become a hazard.

A total of 15 per cent of all UK fires start in the home; and although most of these are caused by cigarette ignition, misuse of equipment and appliances, each year fire-fighters are called to tackle chimney fires. The good news is that according to government figures, the number of chimney fires has reduced dramatically (by a quarter) to 7,600 in 2011-12. This could be for a number of reasons, such as increased awareness and greater use of smoke alarms – but regardless of this drop in statistics, it is always vital to take extra care when using a home fire. Read on to find Big K’s ten fire safety tips to keep you safe during the winter period.

Big K sell a variety of solid winter fuel for home delivery including seasoned hardwood logs, smokeless fuel, anthracite coal, kindling, house coal and heat logs. Click on the above link to find out more about our products.

Safety Tips for Open Fires

1. Contact a Chimney Sweep – Before you start using your fire after the long summer, it is important to get your chimney cleaned to get rid of a potentially dangerous build up of soot and creosote. How often you need to do this depends on a number of factors including type of fuel used, the sort of chimney you have, and how often you use it. As a general guide though, smokeless fuel users should have their chimney swept once a year, rising to quarterly for wood or coal users. Another benefit of chimney sweeps is that they can also check chimneys for damage.
2. Don't Leave Children/Pets Unaccompanied – It goes without saying that very young children and pets should never be left unsupervised near an open fire as they won’t be fully aware of the risks. If you have to pop out of the room for a few minutes, take your little ones with you.
3. Use a Fire Guard – This is an essential as it creates a barrier between the fire and your home. Fires spit sparks and pieces of wood onto rugs and household furniture, causing an immediate risk.
4. Reduce Fireplace Clutter – The vicinity around your fire should be clutter free – again to prevent sparks setting light to your home. Regardless of whether or not you have a fire guard in place, move rugs and other furniture a safe distance from your open fire.
5. Use Cleaner Fuel - Smokeless fuel is cleaner than other forms of fuel because it leaves less of a build-up in the chimney. If you are using wood, kiln dried logs and seasoned hardwood logs, are cleaner than green or freshly cut wood, and are more efficient too as they generate a greater heat output for a longer period of time.
6. Keep Flammables Away from the Fire - It is stating the obvious but there are a number of flammable objects that can be found around the home. Keep flammables such as oil, lighter fuel, paint solvents, alcohol and even nail polish away from the fire - and never put them on a naked flame.
7. Don't Overload the Fire – Be careful about how much wood you are using on the fire. It is always best to burn a few logs at a time, rather than overload your fire with too much fuel. Also, don’t be tempted to burn household rubbish or newspapers on the fire as it can quickly escalate out of control.
8. Dispose of Ash and Embers Safely – To do this, allow ashes and firewood to cool first before transferring them into a metal bucket. Wet the contents of the bucket completely before disposing of the water outside, and then transfer the ashes and debris to an outdoor bin.
9. Install a Smoke Alarm – Government statistics reveal more than a third of the householders that reported house fires in the UK, from 2011-12, had no smoke alarms, yet these are a life saver. It is vital to think smart and install a smoke alarm; also keep a fire extinguisher to hand.
10. Keep Birds Out – This is important to prevent birds nesting on top of your chimney which can be extremely hazardous as it could block the chimney or set the nest on fire. Having a chimney cap installed is one way to keep nesting birds at bay.

Big K - Click here for information on our winter fuel product delivery times.

Fireplaces to Suit Every Home

A fireplace is on the wish list of many house hunters in the UK, and just as with any other feature, they come in all shapes and sizes. Most traditional fireplaces are against the wall with a fire surround, while some brick built fireplaces are centrally based and act as a room divider, separating a living room from a dining area.

Whether you are moving into a new property, renovating an old one, or building a brand new home, this article looks at some of the most popular types of fireplaces in the UK to give you an idea of what is available. We will also take a brief look at the types of winter fuel to stock up on - so you can enjoy the luxury of a roaring fire during the coldest months of the year.

Big K sell a wide range of winter fuel for home delivery , including seasoned hardwood logs, smokeless fuel, house coal, anthracite coal, firelighters, kindling, and instant lighting products. We also sell free standing and built in pizza ovens that are suitable for most homes. Just click on the above link to buy high quality winter fuel products to be delivered to your door (minimum order value £60).

Traditional Fireplaces - Traditional fireplaces are built into the wall of a sitting room, drawing room, dining room and/or bedroom and are connected to a chimney so the smoke is channelled out of the house.

From the mid-1500s, many homes and cottages had an Inglenook (literally 'chimney corner') which was used for heating, cooking, and warming water for washing and bathing. The fireplace got smaller over time, and most featured a fireplace mantle, often with very ornate and artistic designs. Nowadays, the principle use of the fireplace is to heat a room, and modern mantles are generally understated and are used to display ornaments.

While the fireplaces have changed over time, there is also a greater choice of fuel products. If you have a home fire but live in a designated smokeless fuel zone, Big K’s winter fuel product range includes Smokeless Coal Fire, Instant Lighting Coal Fire and Anthracite Coal, which is a natural smokeless fuel.

Wood Burners - Sleek and elegant, wood burning stoves are a classic living room focal point; they also offer excellent value for money. Many householders who have had a wood burning stove installed said it has drastically cut their gas consumption during winter, with some reporting annual savings of up to £250.

While most stoves installed in smoke controlled areas are prohibited from burning wood, some super efficient, clean burning, modern varieties are allowed. These wood burners are generally more expensive, and you can expect to pay around double the price of a cheaper standard model. As well as wood burners, you can also buy multi-fuel stoves, which enable you to burn either seasoned hardwood or solid fuel products.

Portable Fireplaces – These can be used outside or inside the home, but although these make a fantastic focal point, nothing beats cosying up in front of a real fire. Portable fireplaces come in stylish, modern designs and, as they are small, they are easy to move from one room to another. They usually run on gel and are mainly used for decorative purposes, rather than heat emission.

Fire Pits - On chilly summer nights, a fire pit in the garden can add a real sense of occasion to a social gathering, and many can be decorative features in themselves, usually made of brick or stone and typically circular in shape. The appeal goes back to ancient times, when fires were used for cooking, heating and to ward off dangerous predators. Nowadays, fire pits are used year round for warmth and ambience, particularly on barbecue evenings or when you are entertaining well into the evening. You can burn wood on these, even if you live in a smoke controlled area. Click here to see Big K's range of seasoned hardwood logs for home delivery

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