Question 1

Do you install the fireplaces?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no, we do not do the installation of our fireplace surrounds. We can however, suggest or recommend possible contractors whom we have previously worked with which you or your builder can coordinate with. Furthermore, we do not install fireplaces supplied by or purchased elsewhere.

Question 2

What heating units are compatible with a fireplace surround?

Accepted Answer

Our fireplaces can be paired with just about any type of heating unit which you have or plan to have in your home. Gas log fires, ethanol burners, electric heaters and open wood fires are all viable options to pair with your new fireplace surround/s. The key to a successful outcome will be determining specific sizing requirements, dimensions and/or limitations of the chimneypiece, mouth/hearth.

Question 3

What are your lead times?

Accepted Answer

Lead times for our fireplaces can vary depending on a number of things. Currently, lead times are longer than usual due to industry-wide delays for materials and shipping. Generally speaking, a fireplace surround can take 8-16 weeks to arrive once the order has been placed. 
Thankfully, we carry a number of our designs in stock at our workshop in Melbourne, which can be shipped within a few weeks of your order being placed (depending on the delivery location in relation to Melbourne). 
Tip: to help ensure a shorter wait for your new fireplace, it helps to encourage your clients (or yourselves) to be decisive during the fireplace design and material selection process.

Question 4

What materials can you make fireplaces from?

Accepted Answer

At Richard Ellis Design, we work exclusively with natural stone to create our fireplaces. 
We personally source a wide range of marble, limestone, travertine, and sandstone varieties from specialist quarries around the world. The types of stone available and their appearance differs from region to region depending on the mineral composition of the earth where the stone was formed and determines the vein, colouring, and texture of the stone. The beauty of working with raw materials is that no two blocks of stone are exactly the same, and the naturally occurring qualities and imperfections make each fireplace unique.

See our Materials Guide for examples of some of the stones currently available.
Please note, that the list of materials on our website does not contain all the stones we are able to source and use for new fireplaces. If you have specific colouring or type of stone in mind, please let us know and we can advise you on what's available and pricing.

Question 5

Do you supply materials for the trim and/or hearth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you require additional pieces of stone for the hearth or trim, we can supply you with them. 
Porcelain and basalt are the most commonly used/requested materials.

Question 6

Do I need to be an architect or designer to place an order for a fireplace?

Accepted Answer

No. We supply fireplace surrounds to all kinds of projects and work with private clients, architects, interior designers and builders. While you do not need to be an industry or tradesperson to select/purchase a fireplace for your home, it is essential that a professional (usually a builder or contractor) is involved in the installation.

Question 7

What is the difference between a fireplace and a fireplace surround?

Accepted Answer

Often there is some confusion about what a fireplace is when the term is searched for on the net. As defined in the dictionary, a fireplace is “a framed opening made in a chimney to hold an open fire: hearth also: a metal container with a smoke pipe used for the same purpose.”
Historically, the humble fireplace was born out of necessity for heating and cooking in the home. We specialise in the original or more traditional definition of the fireplace and create the surround which frames an open fire or heating unit from a range of marble, limestone, travertine and sandstone varieties. In their contemporary settings, they are a stunning decorative feature and are frequently paired with an artificial heating unit or insert (as opposed to the traditional open wood fire).

Question 8

Do you only make fireplaces?

Accepted Answer

In addition to our range of over 300 fireplace designs, we also offer:

Fire Dogs or Andirons
Fire Grates & Baskets
Fascias
Mirrors
Range hoods

RICHARD ELLIS DESIGN

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ