What to measure for a made to measure fireplace surround

Quick answer

You can get a made to measure fireplace surround right first time if you bring three things to the showroom: clear photos, a few simple measurements, and an honest note of what is staying and what is being replaced. In most homes you do not need technical drawings. You do need accurate sizes, taken from more than one point, because old chimney breasts and openings are rarely perfectly square.

This guide explains what to measure, how to measure it, and what Heatwave Fireplaces in Warrington will ask next. If you would like us to look at your room and talk it through, call 01925 230045.

What counts as a made to measure fireplace at Heatwave

A made to measure fireplace surround is built to suit your room, rather than forcing your room to suit a standard size. At Heatwave, made to measure fireplace surrounds can be produced in marble, stone and wood at Osnath Works in Warrington.

Customers usually choose made to measure when any of these are true.

• The opening is an unusual size.
• The chimney breast is not symmetrical.
• You want the surround to line up neatly with existing features such as a picture rail, alcoves, a beam, or a tiled hearth.
• You want to keep your existing hearth or slips but change the surround.

If you are still deciding between a standard surround and made to measure, start with this guide: Made to measure fireplaces explained.

Before you measure, decide what is staying

Answer this first, because it changes everything.

Are you keeping the existing hearth, the existing opening, or both.

If you are not sure, write it down as best you can and take photos. In the showroom we can talk through the options and what each route normally involves.

The four measurements most customers need

In most made to measure surround conversations, these are the sizes that move the discussion forward.

1. Opening width

Measure the opening width in three places.

• At the top
• In the middle
• At the bottom

Old brickwork and plaster can taper, so the smallest measurement often matters.

2. Opening height

Measure the opening height on the left and on the right.

If the lintel line is not level you will spot it here. Note the smaller of the two heights.

3. Chimney breast width

Measure the full width of the chimney breast at the height where the surround will sit.

This helps us work out what scale will look right, especially in a wider room.

4. Desired overall surround width and height

This sounds obvious, but it is where most mistakes happen.

If you have a rough idea of the overall width and height you want, measure the wall space and write it down. If you do not, take a straight on photo and we can show you typical proportions when you visit.

Measurements that matter when you are keeping an existing hearth

If the hearth is staying, measure it as well.

• Hearth width
• Hearth depth
• Hearth height from the floor

Also take a photo from the side so we can see how far it projects into the room.

If you have tiles or stone you want to keep, take a close photo in good light so the colour and surface are clear.

If your fireplace opening already has a fire, measure clearance around it

Many customers are swapping from one fire to another while keeping the opening. If that is you, we need to know the space around the existing appliance.

Measure.

• The opening width and height, as above
• The distance from the opening to any shelves, beams, or a mantel above
• The depth of the opening if you can safely measure it

Do not force a tape measure behind a hot or powered appliance. If you cannot measure safely, take photos and we can advise on the next step.

Photos that make your measurements usable

Measurements without context can mislead. A few photos usually prevent that.

Bring.

• One straight on photo of the whole chimney breast, wall to wall if possible
• One photo from each side, so we can see the depth of the breast and hearth
• One photo that shows the room, so we can see how formal or relaxed the space feels
• One close photo of anything you are keeping, such as the hearth, tiles, or an existing surround detail

Tip: put something in the photo for scale, such as an A4 sheet of paper, then step back and take the picture square on.

If you are wondering why we ask for all this, our guide on why fireplace measurements matter before choosing a product explains what goes wrong when they are skipped.

Common measuring mistakes and how to avoid them

Measuring once

Take at least two readings for each critical size. If you get two different numbers, measure again and use the smaller one.

Measuring from skirting boards that are not straight

If the skirting bows, do not measure from it for surround position. Measure from the opening and the chimney breast edges instead.

Forgetting that walls are not square

That is why top, middle and bottom measurements matter. A made to measure surround can be built to fit, but we need to know what the real opening looks like.

Taking photos at an angle

Angled photos make openings look wider or taller than they are. Stand directly in front of the chimney breast if you can.

What happens after you bring measurements to the Warrington showroom

In the showroom we normally do three things.

First, we help you decide what style and proportion suits your room. That might mean comparing marble fireplaces, stone fireplaces and wooden surrounds side by side, because texture and edge detail look different in person.

Second, we talk through the practical route. For example, whether you want a surround only, or a full fireplace including hearth and back panel.

Third, if the project needs a site check, we can arrange a visit by a trusted independent engineer. Heatwave coordinates dates, and the fitting charge is paid by the customer direct to the engineer on satisfactory completion.

If you are reading this because you are planning building work in the same room, you may find this government overview helpful: Building regulations approval overview.

A simple checklist to bring with you

Write these down before you visit.

• Opening width, top middle bottom
• Opening height, left and right
• Chimney breast width
• Hearth width and depth if keeping it
• A note of what is staying and what is changing
• Photos as listed above

Bring it all to Heatwave Fireplaces, Osnath Works, Lythgoes Lane, Warrington, WA2 7XE.

Related reading

• Made to measure fireplaces explained
• How to choose a fireplace surround in Warrington
• Our Work: bespoke marble fireplace in Appleton

Frequently asked questions

Do I need professional drawings to order a made to measure surround

Usually no. Clear photos and the key measurements above are enough to start a sensible conversation. If we need more detail, we will tell you exactly what is missing.

Can you make a surround to fit an uneven opening

Yes, that is one of the reasons customers choose made to measure. We will work from the smallest measurements and the real shape of the opening.

What if I measured something wrong

Do not worry. Bring what you have. If it looks inconsistent, we will spot it quickly and advise the best next step, which may be a site check.

Can I keep my existing hearth

Often yes, as long as it is in good condition and suits the finished look you want. Measure it and photograph it so we can talk it through.

Do you cover areas outside Warrington

Heatwave works within roughly 20 miles of WA2 7XE. If you are not sure whether your address is in range, call and we will confirm.

Call to action

If you want help choosing a made to measure fireplace surround, bring your photos and measurements to the Warrington showroom or call 01925 230045.

Use the contact page to plan your visit.