The self-builder network
Building your own masonry heater is possible — provided you are not on your own. Proven kits, plans, step-by-step video tutorials and a professional’s support: you lay the bricks, we make the rest safe.
Self-built, supported by the workshop The workshop — every point is clickable
Scroll wheel or double-click to zoom · drag to move · double-click at full zoom: whole viewDouble-tap to zoom · drag to move · a point shows its photo, a second tap opens its page
Three ways to self-build
- The Finnish Tiileri kit — a masonry heater ready to lay, with no brick cutting, assembled in one to three days depending on the model. A range we distribute in France: Helmi, Heidi, Sofia, Amanda, Aida, Aino.
- Supported self-build — you build; we size the heater, supply the plans and follow the key stages. Our support in detail.
- Assembly by a network professional — a trained installer builds your kit, flue work included. See the installer network.
The tutorials, step by step
The Cœur de Foyer channel documents the builds, from unboxing to first fire.
Kit or made-to-measure?
The Tiileri kit
- Who builds? You — or a network installer.
- Assembly — 1 to 3 days depending on the model, no brick cutting.
- Sizing — proven models, chosen with us according to your heat assessment.
- Budget — from €5,000 to €15,000 incl. VAT depending on model and installation*.
- Who is it for? The motivated self-builder, a controlled budget, renovation.
Thermasse made-to-measure
- Who builds? We do, from the design calculation to the first fire.
- Assembly — a complete project, prepared in the workshop.
- Sizing — NF EN 15544 design calculation specific to your house.
- Budget — from €15,000 incl. VAT, depending on options*.
- Who is it for? The one-off project, integrated into the architecture, without compromise.
* Indicative ranges, VAT at 5.5% (reduced French rate) for renovation and 20% for new builds — each project is costed precisely after the study.
Materials and hardware
Firebricks and refractory slabs, mortars, doors, hardware: everything is on our Cœur de Foyer shop, with the data sheets.
What cannot be improvised
Can the sizing be done alone?
This is the point we refuse to leave to chance: a badly sized heater heats poorly or overheats. Our support includes the sizing — it is what guarantees that your assembly work will result in a heater that works.
And insurance, compliance?
Connection to the flue and compliance with safety clearances determine whether the installation can be insured. We tell you what calls for a professional — flue work in particular — and can take it on.
How long should I allow?
Depending on the model and your pace: one to three days of assembly for a kit, not counting drying time before the first gradual burns.
Those who built it themselves
The Circle
The hollow circles on the map at the top of this page are not our heaters: we calculated, designed and supported them, but it was their owners who built them, course by course. Those who are willing agree to be written to — no forum, no directory, no address shown in the open: you ask us, and we make the introduction. That is all the Circle is, and it is about the only thing missing on the day you lay your first course of bricks: someone who has already laid one.
Did you build yours? Tell the workshop about it — and join the Circle, if you feel like it.