If you love the appearance of a traditional oak fireplace beam but need a specific length to suit your chimney breast or fireplace opening, selected non-combustible fireplace beams can be manufactured to a bespoke size.

We have a large selection of non combustible beams that can be handcrafted in bespoke sizes.

There is one important distinction, however:

On a bespoke non-combustible beam, it is the overall length of the beam that can be changed. The height, depth and decorative profile remain the same as the original beam design.

This means you can choose the style and proportions you prefer and have the beam manufactured to the required overall length, subject to the maximum size available for that particular design.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

What Does Bespoke Mean on a Non-Combustible Beam?

Each fireplace beam has its own individual side profile.

For example, one design may be deeper and shallower, while another may have a taller and narrower appearance. These proportions form part of the original beam design and cannot simply be scaled up or down.

With a bespoke beam:

• Length can be changed
• Height remains fixed
• Depth remains fixed
• Beam profile remains fixed
• Maximum length varies by design
• Colour/finish options remain available

On our website, the overall horizontal measurement may also be described as the width of the beam. In practical terms, when discussing a bespoke fireplace beam, this is the overall end to end length.

The maximum bespoke length is stated within the description or specifications of each applicable beam product.

Which Non-Combustible Beams Can Be Made to a Bespoke Length?

The following designs in our range can be manufactured in bespoke lengths.

Browse all non-combustible fireplace beams, learn more about our fireplace installation service, or visit our Reading fireplace and stove showroom to discuss your project with our team.

Netherton Non-Combustible Oak Fireplace Beam

A substantial traditional beam with a relatively tall profile, recreated from an original 18th century Devon farmhouse beam.

Bespoke length available: Bespoke sizes available up to 70″ (1778mm).

Side profile: Depth: 105mm, Height: 200mm, (cannot change for bespoke).

Bideford Non-Combustible Oak Fireplace Beam

The Bideford has a shallower height and deeper profile, giving it the proportions of a traditional structural oak beam. Its design originates from an original Devon barn beam.

Bespoke length available: Bespoke sizes available up to 100″ (2540mm).

Side profile: Depth: 150mm, Height: 100mm, (cannot change for bespoke).

Clovelly Non-Combustible Oak Fireplace Beam

A characterful traditional beam recreated from an original 300 year old Devon barn timber.

Bespoke length available: Bespoke sizes available up to 74″ (1880mm)

Side profile: Depth: 100mm, Height: 150mm, (cannot change for bespoke).

Dartmoor Non-Combustible Oak Fireplace Beam

The Dartmoor provides another distinctive timber-effect profile for customers requiring the appearance of aged oak without using a combustible timber beam.

Bespoke length available: Bespoke sizes available up to 64″ (1626mm).

Side profile: Depth: 70mm, Height: 200mm, (cannot change for bespoke).

Fowey Non-Combustible Oak Fireplace Beam

The Fowey is reproduced from an original 17th-century Cornish barn beam and has a substantial rustic profile.

Bespoke length available: Bespoke up to 60″ (1524mm).

Side profile: Depth: 130mm, Height: 170mm, (cannot change for bespoke).

Hartland Non-Combustible Oak Fireplace Beam

Another traditional design inspired by an original Devon barn beam, the Hartland combines a relatively shallow height with a deeper projection.

Bespoke length available: Bespoke sizes available up to 76″ (1930mm)

Side profile: Depth: 140mm, Height: 110mm, (cannot change for bespoke).

Widecombe Non-Combustible Oak Fireplace Beam

The Widecombe recreates the character, grain and knots of an original aged oak beam from a Welsh barn.

Bespoke length available: No bepoke available.

Side profile: Depth: 125mm, Height: 150mm, (cannot change for bespoke).

Standard Size vs Bespoke Non-Combustible Beams

There is an important construction difference between a standard size beam and a bespoke length beam.

Standard Size Beams

Our standard size non-combustible beams are manufactured using existing moulds.

These moulds reproduce the knots, grain, imperfections and character of the original timber from which the design was taken. This is what gives the finished beam its highly realistic oak appearance.

Standard sizes are therefore dictated by the moulds available for each design.

If one of the standard lengths works for your fireplace, this will normally be the simplest and most cost effective option.

Bespoke Length Beams

Where a standard length does not work, selected designs can instead be manufactured as a bespoke beam.

The bespoke version is manufactured as a solid concrete beam, retaining the same external profile and timber effect appearance of the selected design while allowing the overall length to be altered.

Because of the different construction, these are considerably heavier than the standard moulded versions.

A bespoke beam can weigh approximately 60kg, although the actual weight will depend on the beam design, overall length and specification.

This weight needs to be considered before ordering and, most importantly, before deciding how the beam will be supported.

How Is a Bespoke Non-Combustible Beam Fixed?

Bespoke versions are supplied with four threaded fixing prongs projecting from the rear of the beam.

These allow the beam to be mechanically and chemically anchored into a suitable supporting wall, typically substantial masonry or blockwork.

The suitability of the wall construction and fixing system must always be assessed before installation.

Because a bespoke concrete beam can weigh approximately 60kg, these are not lightweight decorative mantels.

Can a Bespoke Concrete Beam Be Fixed to a Stud Wall?

We would not normally recommend fixing a bespoke solid concrete fireplace beam directly to a standard stud wall.

At approximately 60kg depending on its dimensions, the beam creates a significant permanent load.

Plasterboard and ordinary timber or metal stud construction should not simply be assumed to provide adequate support.

There can be exceptions where a fireplace or false chimney breast has been specifically designed and reinforced to carry the load. This may involve structural timber, steelwork, suitable masonry support or other engineered fixing provisions being incorporated into the construction.

If a bespoke beam is being considered for a stud or false chimney breast, we strongly recommend that its support and fixing method are designed before the beam is ordered.

The installer remains responsible for confirming that the wall construction, fixings and supporting structure are suitable for the weight and application.

Do Non-Combustible Beams Have to Observe Stove Clearances?

Yes.

Non-combustible does not automatically mean that a beam can be fitted at any distance above a stove or fire.

As a general guide, we recommend a minimum clearance of 250mm above a 5kW stove/ flue and 350mm above a 7kW stove/flue for non-combustible beams. Maintaining these distances helps reduce excessive heat exposure and the risk of cracking; for bespoke solid concrete beams, we would recommend following the same principle.

Read more about beam distances here.

The required positioning will depend on factors including:

• Appliance manufacturer requirements
• Stove or fire type
• Heat output
• Fireplace construction
• Flue arrangement
• Beam projection
• Installation instructions

Always check the appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions and relevant fitting requirements before deciding the final position of the beam.

This should ideally be established before ordering a bespoke length.

Do I Need a Fireplace Beam Heat Shield?

A heat shield may be worth considering where additional protection is required between the appliance and fireplace beam.

Our fireplace beam heat shields can be viewed here:

A heat shield should not be used as a substitute for correctly designing the fireplace or complying with the appliance manufacturer’s required installation distances.

If you are unsure, speak to us before ordering and we can help determine the most appropriate solution for your fireplace.

How Much Does a Bespoke Non-Combustible Beam Cost?

As a general guide, expect a bespoke length beam to cost approximately 20–30% more than the equivalent standard size beam.

This is only an indication. The final price depends on:

• Beam design
• Required length
• Finish
• Specification
• Fixing requirements
• Delivery requirements

Please contact us with the beam design and required overall length for an accurate quotation.

How Long Does a Bespoke Beam Take?

An estimated lead time of approximately 3–4 weeks from the order being processed should normally be allowed for a bespoke beam.

As these products are manufactured specifically for an individual order, lead times can vary according to production schedules and demand.

We recommend checking the current lead time before ordering, particularly if the beam is required for a scheduled fireplace or stove installation.

Can a Bespoke Beam Be Returned?

Because the beam is manufactured specifically to the dimensions requested, bespoke and made to order products are generally non returnable and non refundable unless faulty.

It is therefore particularly important to confirm:

• The correct beam design
• Required overall length
• Height and depth of the profile
• Finished position
• Wall construction
• Fixing method
• Appliance clearances

before placing the order.

What If I Don’t Need a Bespoke Size?

We stock and supply a much wider selection of standard size non-combustible fireplace beams.

If your required dimensions fall within one of the standard sizes, this will normally be the more economical and straightforward solution.

You can browse the full range here

Use the size options on each product page to compare the available standard lengths.

Choosing the Right Beam Before Ordering

When requesting a bespoke quotation, it helps to provide:

1. The beam design you prefer
2. Required overall beam length
3. Type of wall it will be fixed to
4. Fireplace opening dimensions
5. Stove or fire being installed
6. Photographs or drawings if available

From this information we can help establish whether a standard beam will work or whether a bespoke version is required.

For particularly heavy bespoke beams, the proposed supporting structure should also be considered before the order is placed.

Need a Bespoke Non-Combustible Fireplace Beam?

Bonfire supplies a wide selection of realistic timber effect, non-combustible fireplace beams in both standard and bespoke lengths.

Our team can help with the beam itself as well as the surrounding fireplace specification, including hearths, chamber linings, stoves, fires, flues and installation.

If you already know which beam you like, simply send us:

the beam name + your required overall length

and we can confirm availability, maximum size, current price and estimated lead time.

Call: 0118 970 1717
Email: info@bonfire.co.uk
Visit: Bonfire, Reading, Berkshire

Browse all non-combustible fireplace beams