Hearth business fires up Whanganui couple

Paul Bourne making one of his custom hearths. Photo/Bevan Conley

Whanganui couple Anna Palamountain and Paul Bourne are all fired up about their new business, Custom Hearths.

They have set up a home-based business building tiled ash hearths to woodburner specifications.

Mr Bourne is a qualified tiler but was having back problems so Ms Palamountain decided to step in and put her small business studies into practice.

"Paul has been a tiler for a long time but had a sore back so didn't want to be crawling around on his hands and knees all the time," Ms Palamountain said.

"I saw a gap in the market for custom-sized hearths and a business that we could run from home.

"Most hearths you can buy commercially are standard sizes and there's no allowance for awkward room shapes or different sizes or tile designs. A hearth can be the focal point of your living room and we can create a unique custom size using a tile design that you like."

Custom Hearths provides a standard option of black or charcoal tiles, with a three- or four-day turnaround for orders. Unique hearths take longer to build, depending on the size, shape and intricacy of the tile design, but there are no freight times to factor in for local customers.

Ms Palamountain, who has a full-time job, looks after the business aspects of the venture in her spare time while Mr Bourne builds the hearths.

"So far we have made some for local plumbing firms where people want a custom option and quite a few for individuals," Ms Palamountain said.

"We're now gearing up to market the business and develop a website. Yes, it will generate an income but the business is more of a passion or hobby which I love."