Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category

It should be noted that there are two man types of fireplace kits. There are both indoor fireplace kits and outdoor fireplace kits. It can only help matters to specify which type you are interested in while performing any net research or comparison shopping. Obviously, you have already added the term “indoor” to your search. Good job!

The typical indoor fireplace kit comes with all the necessary fireplace components that must be used to construct a sound masonry fireplace. The firebox and smoke chamber are the most technical and functionally critical elements of a masonry fireplace, and as such, these are the most noteworthy components of any indoor fireplace kit.

Most fireplace kits also come with a damper, firebricks for lining the firebox, as well as enough cement dry mix with which to install the various components. These kits generally also include handling dowels. These help you to maneuver the fireplace components into place. Also, complete step by step instructions come with any indoor fireplace kit worth purchasing.

Whether the fireplace will reside on an outside wall or in the very middle of your home, the most important consideration is that the fireplace has its own foundation support. This is one of the first things that should be considered when opting for an indoor fireplace kit. The location in which the fireplace will reside is the first and foremost important consideration to make before beginning assembly or installation.

Structural concerns are very important, as you will not only be placing a very heavy masonry structure on top of the fireplace area, but this structure will have the added potential hazard of containing burning embers. If the fireplace were to fall through the floor or even just shift to an uneven angle, you could quickly have a fire problem on your hands.

Another thing to consider is the finish of the fireplace. If the fireplace will be covered with some type of spray on masonry finish, then it is not as important for other structural aspects to be addressed. If you will be using some type of masonry veneer, this is a much more solid approach, but other aspects will have to be considered to make sure that the entire fireplace is supported properly.

Installing a fireplace kit is a pretty straightforward project. As long as you can read and follow instructions, and aren’t completely inept with some basic shop tools, you should have no problem getting your fireplace kit up and running.

Experienced masons that have put together fireplace kits before can usually have an entire kit cemented together within an hour. Since much of this time is taken up by the physical labor involved in moving the pieces into place, the project shouldn’t take you all that much longer.

Using an indoor fireplace kit is a great way to save a few bucks on the addition of a wood burning or gas fireplace. But let’s be sure to keep the project less expensive and not cheap. Don’t take any other shortcuts to completing the assembly and installation of the indoor fireplace kit you purchase, as this can only lead to problems, and possibly injury.

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There are a few terrific tips below that can help guide you in your quest for a fireplace toolset that will enhance your room’s décor. Keep in mind that most tools you find, whether at a home improvement store, the internet or a specialty fireplace establishment, will be fully functional and do the job they are required to do. So thinking along that angle, why not choose something that will be decorative? You will find that a fireplace toolset can come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials, with cast iron and brass being the primary components.

Bold as Brass

If you are going for a classy, elegant look, then a brass fireplace toolset will be your best option. French country or even an early American or Colonial style décor almost begs for a solid brass toolset, complete with fancy finials. These finials are the decorative ends to these tools. A good quality brass will be a shiny gold that projects a warmth to your decorating theme.

Expect a brass fireplace toolset to be substantial, both in weight and in price. Brass is heavy and if you go with the solid variety, expensive too. However, there are brass-plated varieties that use steel shafts for the tool handles that would bring the price down if you are watching your budget. In addition, you can choose among toolsets that have black cast iron tips with brass handles. These lend a striking look to your hearth.

The Wrought Iron Choice

For rustic or casual décor, iron fireplace implements are a great choice. They lend an antique, old world kind of charm. If you decide on an iron fireplace toolset, you have a few options to choose from. First, there is a black cast iron variety that stands up well to heat. If you are looking for black decorative accents in your home, this would be a great choice for you.

Wrought iron set have definite possibilities too. With wrought iron, you might be able to choose among a variety of fine detailed works.

Before you plunk down your hard earned cash for a fireplace toolset, keep in mind what size you should buy. Some toolsets come in a variety of lengths. Your best bet in determining what size to buy is doing a little measuring first. Get an approximate calculation of the length from where the fire in the fireplace would be to a comfortable distance where your body parts would likely not be singed when using your fireplace toolset. Use that estimate when shopping for your tools.

With a fireplace toolset, your biggest challenge will be what appearance you are trying to achieve for your room décor. Of course, budget may drive your overall purchase decision. In the overall scheme of things, it doesn’t matter what your fireplace toolset looks like as long as you have one!

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A fireplace surround is the entire portion surrounding the opening to the firebox, as visible from the front of the fireplace. A fireplace surround generally replaces a fireplace mantel as well as the side jambs. A fireplace surround is typically an entire piece that takes the place of individual fireplace components, such as jambs, hearth and mantelpiece.

Fireplace surrounds are made from all kinds of materials, from wood to plaster and all types of natural stones. Some of the most beautiful fireplace surrounds I’ve seen were fashioned out of natural stone blocks by skilled masons.

Whether you want an ornate carved fireplace surround, something simple and colonial in style, a rustic stone or a highly polished natural stone surround, I think the nicest fireplace surround are made from natural wood or stone.

Limestone surrounds are one of a kind. Traditionally, the highly carved surrounds depicting angels, scrolls and all sorts of embellishments were made of limestone. Limestone surrounds are exquisitely beautiful pieces of art that will add elegance to any fireplace setting.

For a more stylish and contemporary looking fireplace surround, you may wish to incorporate some polished marble. Polished marble is a beautiful addition to any living or sitting room fireplace with modern or classic décor.

One of the more unique fireplace surrounds I’ve seen was fashioned out of slate. This naturally dark stone had a very striking effect and meshed quite well with the vibrant colors of the great hall in which it was situated.

Many people think that natural stone fireplace surrounds are not within their reach, financially, but there are many innovations in the stone cutting and fireplace manufacturing industry that have made natural stone fireplace surrounds much more affordable than they had been previously.

Today, there are many natural stone companies that offer various pre-cut stone pieces that will fit together to make beautiful natural stone surrounds. By combining pre-cut pieces with some custom stone work, it is possible to spend little more than a regular brick fireplace would cost, and have a beautiful limestone fireplace surround to show for your troubles.

Another advantage to using natural stone veneer pieces is that the overall space from the wall will be less than when carving a surround out of one massive piece of stone. Also, the overall weight will be much much lower than that of a solid natural stone fireplace.

You can go online and download exact patterns for each of the pre-cut or stone veneer pieces that are available. Once you have decided on the layout that you like, simply order the pieces online or by phone.

When the limestone veneer pieces arrive they can be put together using various techniques, all of which are quite simple for anyone handy with construction work. The joints between the pieces can be filled with mortar or caulking. It is recommended that mortar is used, however, the caulking option is perfect for earthquake zones.

For more information on this type of natural stone fireplace surrounds, take a look at the ideas, information and templates found at the American Limestone Company. This website is located at http://americanlimestone.com .

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For a wood-burning fireplace, obtaining the proper fireplace supplies should start with a tool set. This set usually has a long handled poker to stoke the fire, a flat-bottomed shovel to scoop ashes, a set of tongs for moving hot burning logs and a small broom to clean your fireplace of stray ashes. A grate is also needed to contain your firewood within your fireplace. Made usually of black cast iron, a grate will keep your flaming logs from rolling out and possibly setting your home on fire.

Additional fireplace supplies for a wood-burning fireplace include fire starters and hearth matches. Fire starters help start the kindling burning since wood logs take a little longer to catch fire. The hearth matches are long and allow you to keep your fingers far away from any potential burns while starting a fire.

Gas fireplaces don’t need most of the fireplace supplies used in wood-burning models. They have their own separate set of requirements. For example, a gas fireplace needs gas logs. These are usually constructed from concrete or special ceramic materials and manufactured to look like real wood logs. In addition, you will usually need a special cast iron grate for your fake logs to rest upon. There are also special rocks you need to spread at the bottom of the fireplace which will glow like embers once your fireplace is lit. These special touches for your gas fireplace can give it an authentic look, much like that of a real wood-burning one.

There are some supplies that both wood burning and gas fireplaces have in common like fire screens. The primary function of these screens is safety. For a wood-burning model, a fire screen can keep flaming logs from rolling out. When a fire consumes the wood logs, they can start to “settle” inside the firebox and displace a log, causing it to tumble out. In addition, burning wood logs like to “snap” and errant embers could blow out. A fire screen can keep these embers contained, thus avoiding a possible fire spreading in your home. Fire screens in a gas burning fireplace serve basically one function – keeping children, pets and other items away from the fire.

Having the proper fireplace supplies is important in maintaining the integrity and safety of your home. The first thing you should do when you purchase a new home is buy the supplies most appropriate for your fireplace, even if you don’t plan to use it for a while. That way, you will have the tools necessary should you decide on the spur of the moment to light a fire.

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I work in the department that sells electric fireplace parts. I stock the electric fireplace parts and fill orders from internet buyers for the different parts. I like that I don’t have to deal with people face to face. I’m a private person and this job helps me make a solitary living.

I get orders for the main on/off switch pretty frequently. The electric fireplace parts are available in stores, but our website sells main on/off switches cheaper than any store. I’m not sure why this is the most popular replacement part.

I have also had orders for thermostat knobs. Electric fireplace parts are covered by a manufacturer warranty for two years. I’ve only sold a few fireplace parts to people covered by their warranty. Most of the fireplace parts I sell are to people that have owned their electric fireplace for a long time.

The heater assembly for the electric fireplace is the most popular of the fireplace parts in October and November. It seems like every time I’ve mailed out a heater assembly, I also mail the customer a heater on/off switch.

My company keeps a mailing list of all of the people that register on our website and put fireplace parts as an interest. I crafted a solicitation email to the people registered on our site with a special on thermostats. I let them know how to check and see if their old thermostat still worked.

I had a good response from the fireplace parts email that I sent out about thermostats. I followed up with an email about the lower light harness. We have been filling a lot of orders for this part recently, so I told customers what to look for when checking the old lower light harness.

The email that I wrote about the lower light harness included a second section about the flicker motor. I passed along an inspection list of things to check for in their electric fireplace and to let them know that we will sell them replacement fireplace parts cheaper than anywhere else they can find.

I rarely sell grommets anymore. I did for awhile and now it seems like no one needs replacement fireplace parts like the grommet or the cordset.

I have been selling fireplace parts like crazy the last several months. We’ve even been selling reflector rods. Those hardly ever sold before I started advertising on MySpace.

I think that it is exciting selling fireplace parts. I do talk to people on the phone, which I find easier than talking to someone in person. Fireplace parts give me something that I’m very knowledgeable about to talk to strangers about.

It felt really good to send out the informative emails about fireplace parts. I don’t think that people realize how cheaply that they can correct a problem if it is identified before a malfunction happens.

Fireplace parts can solve a lot of issues if your electric fireplace is not working properly. A thermostat that is broken gives bad information to the motor and the heating unit. Checking your electric fireplace thoroughly can let you know exactly what fireplace parts that you need.

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A fireplace is so much more than just a hole in your wall where you can light a fire. It is a great focal point in the interior design of any home.

And with fireplace mantel shelves, you can incorporate design elements from your room as well as special family treasures. To get a clearer picture of what fireplace mantel shelves are, they are the ledges you see that jut out from the wall of the fireplace. Some fireplaces do not have them which are a shame because they are so versatile and can really set the tone of your room.

Fireplace mantel shelves can be made from a variety of materials, so there are numerous possibilities to choose from. Wood has long been the most popular material used but more and more home contractors these days have been utilizing other things like stone and brick. It is also trendy to use resources found locally. For instance, if you live close to a stone quarry, you might find some great deals on rough hewn rock that hasn’t been cleaned or polished up. Many people going for a rustic look should consider this avenue.

For stone and brick fireplace mantel shelves, these materials are a lot easier to incorporate if you are in the process of building your entire fireplace. For an existing fireplace, you may likely have to consult with a local contractor to determine the best way to construct it if you plan to do the work yourself. Otherwise, it might be a smart move to hire someone who is a masonry expert to handle the job.

Wood is a friendlier material for the do-it-yourselfers. Plus, there are a number of ideas for creating wood fireplace mantel shelves. You can purchase kits which include all the screws, brackets and sometimes masonry drill bits for when you might have to mount the shelves on brick or rock fireplaces.

Other wood options include assimilating a large log cut length-wise in half.
Sometimes, a slab of rough hewn wood or even a beam can work. There are also expensive options like having your fireplace mantel shelves custom-made. It is important to note that if you plan to use any type of wood for your shelves that you should consult with your city’s building inspectors for the rules of how far your mantel shelves can project out and how far away from the firebox they should be. You don’t want a potential fire hazard in your home!

There is no right or wrong answer in regards to what type of materials can be used for your fireplace mantel shelves. It’s the installation of the shelves where you need to be the most concerned. Just think though, your fireplace will cease to be just a hole in the wall. With the mantel shelves, your fireplace will draw the eye of every person who steps into your room. And being able to show off your family treasures and other decorative elements is a great reward.

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Imagine the romance and warmth of a fireplace, the crackling wood and flickering light evoking a sense of comfort during cold, dark winter nights. You’d love the ambiance of a fireplace, but you don’t have one, and it’s not possible to put one in. You might consider a fireplace log heater instead.

A fireplace log heater gives you the feeling and look of a fireplace, but with added benefits.

Traditional fireplaces

Traditional fireplaces are more decorative than functional. Most of the heat goes up the chimney, and that chimney can also allow cold air to come down into the room, especially if you don’t have insulated fireplace doors.

Fireplaces are messy. You have wood chips and ash to contend with. The inside of the fireplace gets black with soot, and the inside of the chimney acquires a dangerous layer of soot and creosote. If the damper doesn’t work right and the fire doesn’t draw well, smoke and soot fills the room, as well.

Traditional fireplaces can be dangerous, too. First of all, there’s the fire. Embers can fall onto the floor in front of the fireplace and catch it on fire. Fireplace doors help prevent that problem, but they get hot enough to burn children who get too near. If the chimney isn’t cleaned regularly, the creosote that builds up on the inside can catch fire. A chimney fire is very hot, and endangers the roof and the house. Carbon monoxide can build up to toxic levels in an unventilated room with a fireplace in it, too, as the fireplace consumes the oxygen in the room. Several people die each year of carbon monoxide poisoning from inadequately ventilated fires.

Grate heaters

There are three main types of fireplace log heaters, and all offer advantages over traditional fireplaces. The first type, a grate heater, is a warming tube that goes under the fireplace logs and may also go behind and above them, coupled with a fan. A grate heater draws cool air in from the room, heats it by capturing fireplace heat that would otherwise go up the chimney, and blows it back into the room. A grate heater improves the efficiency of a fireplace because less heat is lost up the chimney. All of the other problems with fireplaces remain, though.

Gas fireplace log heaters

Gas fireplace log heaters will work with either natural gas or propane, and can easily be converted from one to the other. They don’t burn wood at all, but burn gas to heat your home. Their artificial ceramic logs look realistic, with artificial burning embers and a flame. They do not produce soot or ash, and can be vented horizontally (through a wall) instead of vertically (through the roof).

Gas fireplace log heaters are very attractive, and very efficient. They are clean and will function if the electricity fails (although, if they have a fan to help circulate the air, the fan won’t work).

Any flame-based heating system can produce excess amounts of carbon monoxide if the ventilation is inadequate, and that is a hazard with gas fireplace log heaters. They are hot to touch and can burn you, too.

Electric fireplace log heaters

Electric fireplace log heaters are relatively newcomers to the market, but are increasingly popular. The newer ones produce realistic fireplace effects, but with far fewer disadvantages.

Electric fireplaces are clean and inexpensive to operate and do not require venting. They don’t burn anything, so they don’t need vented, and carbon monoxide is not a big issue with them. The fire works without the heater, so you can get the ambiance of a fire without cooking everybody in the room.

Electric fireplace log heaters are beautiful, portable and don’t require installation. Although larger units may need a 240-watt outlet, most can be plugged into any wall outlet. They can be moved from room to room, and you can take it with you when you move. Electric fireplace log heaters are ideal for renters and apartment dwellers.

Electric fireplaces don’t produce as much heat as gas or wood fireplaces, but they will heat an average sized room. The other big disadvantage of electric fireplaces is that they cannot be used as an emergency heat source because they don’t work without power.

Gel fireplaces

Gel fireplaces aren’t heaters; they are purely ornamental. They look like a fireplace and have ceramic logs, and the flame comes from a can of alcohol-based gel (like Sterno). They aren’t intended to produce heat.

If you love the romance of a fireplace, you can have it today, no matter where you live. There’s a fireplace log heater that will work for every home, whether you are an urban apartment dweller, or a backcountry wilderness dweller. Evaluate the differences between them, and decide which kind of fireplace is right for you.

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The best place to settle into during the cold winter months is next to the fireplace. However, the fireplace has a number of issues; to solve these issues, a fireplace insert can be used.

The biggest problem with a fireplace is the smoke. Fireplace smoke cannot only trigger allergies and asthma, but it can also add to the local air pollution issues. The most effective way of dealing with the smoke would be to run it through a series of filters, as well as use a more energy-efficient fuel. Thus, the reason that the fireplace insert was invented; it allows the fireplace to still create heat, even while eliminating most pollution.

A fireplace insert can easily be fitted into the space of a fireplace (thus the name; a hearth stove, by contrast, is something outside the fireplace, but with a pipe that leads up the fireplace’s chimney). In fact, only a few require that any re-building need be done. Once the insert has been placed, the ideal is to then use specially prepared fuel that is cleaner and more efficient. There are several types of inserts, but all are basically wood stoves that have been modified to fit into a fireplace.

When looking at a fireplace insert, first look for EPA certification; most inserts must pass EPA certification ensuring that they are cleaner for the environment. Because the technology is actually relatively new, some salesmen and factories do try to pass off inserts that failed certification or just weren’t even sent through it in the first place. Also, make sure that you do some research before even hitting the floor; some inserts do better for some uses than others, and that may be a consideration.

Some options you want to consider are blowers and those that protrude past the hearth. Blowers increase the efficiency of the fireplace insert, and can be controlled either manually or by thermostat. Those that protrude past the hearth radiate heat, enabling you to heat the room faster, but may present a greater safety hazard if you have children (note that any heated surface represents a safety hazard; however, one that protrudes can’t be placed behind a grating as easily as one that fits into the fireplace).

However, inserts do have one potential problem. In order to clean the fireplace, the insert must be removed, which can be problematical as inserts can be as heavy as 400 pounds. Because of this, it is advised that you leave cleaning to professional chimney sweeps. Also, be aware that the insert must have a connection to the flue, so that creosote won’t build up and cause a fire (this doesn’t apply to vent-free inserts). Also, bee aware that your local laws may have their own specifications; Washington State, for example, has tighter regulations regarding how much emissions can be allowed into the environment.

However, a fireplace insert can be a worthy investment, especially if you are looking for a cleaner way to use a wood fireplace without all the smoke.

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The term fireplace kit can refer to either the logs, grate and fixtures for a gas powered fireplace, or an entire fireplace configuration including the firebox, masonry and whichever accessories may come with the fireplace kit.

Most uses of the term “fireplace kit” refer to modular fireplace kits of the second variety. These handy kits contain everything that you need to install your own fireproof masonry firebox into a recessed area of your existing wall.

It should be noted that there are two man types of fireplace kits. There are both indoor fireplace kits and outdoor fireplace kits. It can only help matters to specify which type you are interested in while performing any net research or comparison shopping.

The typical fireplace kit comes with all the necessary fireplace components that must be used to construct a sound masonry fireplace. The firebox and smoke chamber are the most technical and functionally critical elements of a masonry fireplace.

Most fireplace kits also come with a damper, firebricks for lining the firebox, as well as enough cement dry mix with which to install the various components. These kits generally also include handling dowels. These help you to maneuver the fireplace components into place. Also, complete step by step instructions should come with any fireplace kit that you are considering buying, unless you want the project to be that much more ‘fun’.

One of the first things that should be considered when opting for a fireplace made from a fireplace kit is the location in which the fireplace will reside. Whether the fireplace will reside on an outside wall or in the very middle of your home, the most important consideration is that the fireplace has its own foundation support.

Without a solid foundation, the fireplace will surely sink or shift over time. The biggest concern is, however, the safety hazards involved when a fireplace is not supported securely. Obviously, if the thing were to cave in a floor while a fire is burning, this could lead to extensive fire damage as well as structural or floor and ceiling damage to your home.

Another thing to consider is the finish of the fireplace. If the fireplace will be covered with some type of spray on masonry finish, then it is not as important for other structural aspects to be addressed. If you will be using some type of masonry veneer, this is a much more solid approach, but other aspects will have to be considered to make sure that the entire fireplace is supported properly.

Installing a fireplace kit is a pretty straightforward project. As long as you can read and follow instructions, and aren’t completely inept with some basic shop tools, you should have no problem getting your fireplace kit up and running.

Experienced masons that have put together fireplace kits before can usually have an entire kit cemented together within an hour. Since much of this time is taken up by the physical labor involved in moving the pieces into place, the project shouldn’t take you all that much longer.

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Nothing makes a home feel more warm and cozy than a beautiful fireplace. In the past fireplaces were more of a necessity than an added form of comfort. Most homes relied upon the fireplace as their main source of heat. Although our needs have greatly changed since then, many people enjoy the beauty and warmth that a fireplace can add to their home. Whether you live in a warm or cold climate, a properly decorated fireplace can add to your home’s value. Choosing the right fireplace accessories to decorate with are almost as important as deciding upon the right size fireplace for your home.

Today there are many different types and styles of fireplace accessories on the market to choose from. Two main factors to consider before making a purchase are style and convenience. You will want to buy products that both compliment the design and look of you fireplace but that are also not too difficult to use. It makes little sense to spend hundreds of dollars on items that are for decorative purposes only. To get the most value for your money you will want to only purchase items that both compliment your decor and that are easy to use.

The following list contains a description of some commonly used fireplace accessories:

1) Fireplace match holders can be made from a variety of materials including wrought iron, brass, oak, and copper. They come in a wide range of styles and prices. Whether you desire a very simple look or something more ornamental, there are many different types of match holders to choose from. No matter what style you prefer, match holders are both practical and convenient. It can be very frustrating to have to search for your starter matches every time you wish to build a fire. With a match holder, everything you need is ready at hand.

2) Damper pulls are one of the oldest and most commonly used of all fireplace tools. Most often composed of brass, damper pulls are used to open and close a fireplace damper. A damper pull is usually about a foot in length and contains a hook on the end. The hook is what is used to easily open and close the damper. When your fireplace is not in use, the damper pull can be hung from the wall, mantle, or a fireplace stand.

3) Fireplace grates are probably the most important of all fireplace tools. A properly installed grate offers many advantages such as better protection for the floor of your fireplace. Often times without a grate the floor can become very hot and eventually become damaged. A grate helps to lessen the amount of heat that actually reaches the floor. A fireplace grate also permits the wood to burn better. Since the wood is not touching the floor, the air beneath the burning wood will be a higher temperature allowing the wood to burn more effectively. They can make clean up easier since the grate holds the wood in place and cuts down on the amount of embers that are scattered about the fireplace floor.

4) Fireplace screens add a great deal of charm and beauty to your fireplace. Available in brass, pewter, copper, glass, iron, and chrome, fireplace screens offer both style and added security to your fireplace. A fireplace screen can help to prevent pets from becoming injured and keep hot sparks from damaging the floor area outside of your fireplace.

The right fireplace accessories can make your fireplace look more appealing and make building a fire a more pleasant experience. Good fireplace tools make starting a fire simple and require very little effort. The easier it is to start a fire and maintain your fireplace, the more likely you are to enjoy the warmth and beauty a fireplace has to offer your home.

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