Calfire

Calfire Traditional Fireplace Products

Calfire is a specialist UK importer and distributor of traditional fireside and heating products, with a particularly strong reputation for cast-iron firebacks, fire baskets, firedogs, reeded panels and fireplace accessories.

Bonfire’s Calfire collection focuses primarily on two areas: traditional cast-iron firebacks and fireplace hearth fenders. These products are ideal for customers restoring a period fireplace, creating a new traditional open fire or adding a more substantial finishing detail to an existing hearth.

Cast-Iron Fireplace Firebacks

A fireback is a substantial cast-iron panel positioned against the rear wall of an open fireplace.

It performs both a practical and decorative role. Cast iron helps shield the rear fireplace masonry from direct flame and intense heat, while the mass of the metal absorbs heat from the fire and radiates some of that warmth back towards the room.

Calfire offers a particularly broad selection of decorative designs, allowing the fireback to become a visible architectural feature rather than simply a protective panel.

Choosing a Calfire Fireback Design

The current Bonfire collection ranges from simple plain castings to highly detailed historical motifs.

Popular designs include:

• Royal Oak – decorative oak and heraldic styling
• Lion & Unicorn – traditional British heraldic imagery
• Fairfax – ornate period detailing
• Horse Chestnut – botanical and equestrian character
• Coat of Arms – historic crest styling
• Royal Coat of Arms – formal heraldic design
• Tree of Life – decorative natural motif
• Fleur-de-Lys – classic European decorative pattern
• Plain – understated traditional cast iron

The design should suit the scale and architectural character of the fireplace rather than being selected purely from the image alone.

What Size Fireback Do I Need?

Fireback width is important, but it is not the only measurement that matters.

Before ordering, check:

• Width at the rear of the fireplace chamber
• Available height
• Fireback thickness
• Depth available behind the grate or fire basket
• Weight of the casting
• Position of the fire basket or gas-effect fire
• Shape and condition of the existing fireplace chamber

A fireback should sit securely within the opening without restricting the fire basket, airflow or chimney draught.

Larger cast-iron firebacks can be extremely heavy, so delivery access and safe handling should also be considered before ordering.

Decorative or Plain Fireback?

A decorative fireback works particularly well where the rear wall of the fireplace remains visible around the fire basket.

Historic crests, animals, floral patterns and architectural motifs can help reinforce the character of Victorian, Georgian and country-house style fireplaces.

A plain fireback can be preferable where the fireplace surround, basket or stonework already provides a lot of decorative detail and a more restrained backdrop is required.

Both provide the same fundamental role; the difference is primarily visual.

Calfire Fireplace Hearth Fenders

Calfire also offers a distinctive collection of traditional hearth fenders and upholstered club fenders.

A fireplace fender sits around the front and sides of the hearth, creating a defined boundary around the fire while adding a substantial decorative finish.

Current Bonfire options include:

• Classic 6 in brass, black and brass, or black and silver
• Canterbury Club Fender
• Regent Club Fender
• Majestic Club Fender
• Mini Majestic Club Fender
• Regal Club Fender
• Spiral Club Fender

Traditional metal fenders provide a clean border around the hearth, while club fenders add upholstered corner or perimeter seating and are particularly suited to larger fireplaces and country-house interiors.

Choosing the Correct Fender Size

Fenders are normally specified using the internal dimensions rather than the overall external size.

The internal width must provide adequate clearance around the hearth and fireplace opening, while the depth should allow the fender to sit correctly around the projecting hearth.

Current Calfire models include common internal widths such as 4ft and 5ft, while larger designs such as the Regal can accommodate wider fireplace arrangements.

Always compare the internal fender dimensions against the finished hearth rather than simply measuring the fireplace surround.

Firebacks for Open Fires & Fire Baskets

Cast-iron firebacks are most commonly associated with traditional open wood and solid-fuel fireplaces.

They may also be used behind suitable decorative gas fire baskets where the appliance, fireplace and chimney arrangement permit it.

The correct combination depends on the fire basket dimensions, ventilation, chimney performance and surrounding non-combustible materials, so compatibility should be confirmed before installation.

Installing a Cast-Iron Fireback

Cast iron expands as it heats, so a fireback should not simply be rigidly wedged into the fireplace chamber.

Depending on the design, suitable non-combustible packing, support or sealing materials may be required while still allowing for thermal movement.

Incorrect installation can place unnecessary stress on the casting and increase the risk of cracking.

Bonfire can incorporate suitable Calfire products into a complete fireplace design and installation, including hearths, surrounds, fire baskets and chimney work.

Why Buy Calfire from Bonfire?

• 26 Calfire products currently available online
• Traditional decorative and plain cast-iron firebacks
• Premium hearth and club fenders
• UK delivery available
• Advice on fireback and fender sizing
• Complete fireplace design available
• Professional installation across selected service areas

Calfire FAQs

What is a fireplace fireback?

A fireback is a heavy cast-iron panel positioned against the rear wall of an open fireplace. It protects the surrounding masonry while absorbing and radiating heat and can also provide decorative period detailing.

How do I choose the correct fireback size?

Measure the width and height available at the rear of the fireplace and check the fireback thickness, weight, fire-basket position and surrounding chamber construction before ordering.

Does a cast-iron fireback improve heat?

Cast iron absorbs heat from the fire and radiates some of that heat back towards the room. Its main roles are protecting the rear fireplace masonry and providing a durable traditional finish.

Can Calfire firebacks be used behind gas fire baskets?

Potentially. Compatibility depends on the gas appliance, fireplace construction, ventilation and flue requirements, so the complete installation should be checked first.

What is a club fender?

A club fender is a traditional fireplace fender with upholstered seating incorporated around part of the frame. It defines the edge of the hearth while creating a decorative feature around larger fireplaces.

How is a fireplace fender measured?

The most important measurement is usually the internal width and depth, as these determine whether the fender will fit correctly around the finished hearth.

Can Bonfire install Calfire fireplace products?

Yes. Suitable firebacks and related fireplace products can be incorporated into complete fireplace projects carried out by Bonfire’s in-house installation team.