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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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You have several choices in regards to how to build a fireplace. First of all, if you do not have even an existing hole in the wall where a firebox resides, you will have to start a fireplace from scratch. Starting completely at the beginning can be a daunting task. Secondly, you will need to consult with your local building code office to see if you need a special permit in order to build a fireplace inside your home.

Deciding exactly where and how to build a fireplace is the biggest dilemma. If you are starting from scratch, you will likely want to build against a wall or in a corner. Whether you build a flue and chimney by hand or purchase a prefabricated kit, you will likely need the room necessary to cut into a wall or bring a metal pipe for venting purposes through the roof or wall.

If you are in the process of erecting a home, you will have an easier time learning how to build a fireplace. Creating from the ground up is a lot easier than taking an existing room and trying to figure out how to create a traditional fireplace (a firebox installed inside the wall with its own chimney). If have the unfortunate luck to be working with an existing space and you don’t feel that a traditional fireplace can be incorporated, you still have free standing options you can build out.

Another alternative on how to build a fireplace includes the purchase of a prefabricated kit as mentioned above. You can buy these kits online or through your local fireplace dealer. The same dilemma remains as building from scratch. Where do you put it? Again, how to build a fireplace via this method entails a location in close proximity to a wall or corner to promote proper venting.

The next decision in your quest on how to build a fireplace is what type of energy source do you want to use? Whether you have a traditional fireplace, or a stand alone unit, you will have to choose between wood and gas. In addition, the freestanding fireplaces have a few extra choices like pellet or gel fuel fireplace units.

As you can tell, learning how to build a fireplace is a little more complicated brick and mortaring something together. There are a lot of choices to make, especially if your home does not already come with an existing fireplace. Be sure and do your research in regards to safety, building codes, heating options, materials and even the style of your fireplace. When all is said and done, you can enjoy those “home fires burning.”

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Free standing indoor fireplaces can be defined as not being built within an existing structure like a home. Also known as sometimes as freestanding stoves, they come in many shapes and forms and also employ a variety of heat sources. Gas or electric models are the most popular. However, there are also free standing indoor fireplaces that use wood, gel fuel, coal and pellets. It is a matter of what type of space you are working with as well as your heat course preferences.

Thanks to today’s technology, you can choose amongst a large variety of colors, styles and materials. Do you want a country look? There are cast iron styles with pot-belly shapes. Do you have an Art Deco or contemporary design theme? Sleek stainless steel models with glass doors might be more suited to your tastes. There are also some that have enameled porcelain finishes and European models that are made with soapstone.

Free standing indoor fireplaces that use gas or burn wood will need to be vented through a chimney made of metal. Typically these types of fireplace models have to be installed near an exterior wall or close to an area where the building’s roof is accessible. The venting from the metal chimney has to go through one of these areas. If you are in a condo or apartment, please check with your landlord as to the rules and regulations for this addition.

Some gas models do have options which vent naturally as well as have direct venting or no venting at all. Some require the metal chimney and some do not. In addition, you can find models that fit into a corner. This is a great option if you are pressed for space and the corner is not usable for anything else.

Pellet stoves are an excellent choice for free standing indoor fireplaces. They burn clean and can be vented in a either up and down or sideways. They come in a variety of styles with the cast iron being the most popular. Another environmentally friendly option that is portable burns cleanly with a type of gel fuel.

To be safe, these free standing indoor fireplaces should be installed on top of a hearth pad. What this means is that these fireplaces need a nonflammable base to rest on. This could be bare concrete, a brick surface or even stone tile. Steel and glass are options as well. Check with the manufacturer’s instructions and find out the required distance the fireplaces should be from the walls and other combustible areas.

If you are keen on purchasing one of the free standing indoor fireplaces on the market today, be sure to do your homework. Take measurements of the room where you would like the fireplace. Talk with your landlord and a building inspector about the requirement for safe installation. Most of all, decide which heat source would work best for your lifestyle and accommodations.

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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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If you have an older home, chances are that the masonry around the fireplace might be a wee bit antiquated. A fireplace remodel is the perfect solution to sprucing up what is probably an eyesore in your home. Just fair warning … giving your fireplace a facelift just might make you want to use it more! There are a number of ideas to play around with in creating a new look.

Paint is the simplest solution along with adding a mantel shelf. Resurfacing your fireplace surround is a more involved process but brings great results.
Sometimes, a fireplace remodel is a bit trickier. For instance, if you have a wood-burning fireplace but you are allergic to smoke, you might want to convert it to a natural gas model. Or perhaps the natural gas option is more cost effective than buying firewood. No matter what the reasoning is, this type of conversion is a lot trickier. For instance, first you have to have a natural gas connection. If you don’t, you will have to most likely purchase a propane tank and run piping to the fireplace. That involves extra expense to the remodeling project.

If your fireplace remodel is due to safety or efficiency concerns, there are several things you should look for in the course of this project. First of all, your damper should be inspected for proper ventilation. If the damper malfunctions, your home could fill with not only smoke but also gas, if using propane or other natural gas resources. This can be deadly. Examine all the working parts of the damper. If you see any rust or busted pieces (as this can happen with older fireplaces), replace the parts immediately.

If you have a blower on your fireplace (it pushes the warm air throughout your home), be sure to inspect it too. Blowers should make minimal noise, so if you notice it getting louder, chances is it needs to be replaced. If a problem with the blower goes undetected or repaired, it can seize up and cause a potential fire hazard to your home.

The safety of your family and home is paramount. So before you start any type of fireplace remodel, consult with a home inspector, contractor or building inspection official located in your city or local area. Run your remodeling ideas past them first. Research safety precautions and know the specific parameters that will meet building code. Check out books from the local library if you have to. Do whatever it takes to make sure the job gets done right the first time. The last thing you want to do is have to start over with your fireplace remodel.

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Since the beginning of time humans have used fire to cook their food and heat their homes. Fireplaces served as the central meeting place of the home, where people could share food and stories of the day’s events, as well as keep warm.

Old English fireplaces were really not that different from fireplaces of the Dark Ages. In the kitchen you would find one massive fireplace of the walk-in variety, where food was cooked and also where, at any given time of the day, people of the household would gather for warmth.

Every main room would have its own large fireplace. Traditionally, houses were built slowly over a period of months or years. At first, a new home would consist of one large room with a large fireplace.

This main fireplace would be placed against one wall and the smoke, as well as much of the heat, would be vented up and outside via a flue and chimney. Next, a second room mirroring the first would be built. In this second room there would be another large fireplace. The flues would merge together and be vented out of one chimney usually.

Next there would be the addition of another room or two that were heated by radiating heat off of the first two rooms. Finally, a low second storey would be built and each of these rooms would have smaller fireplaces whose flues would be feed into the main flues already in place.

The style and structure of the traditional fireplace didn’t really change much until the 1700s. With all the masonry involved and the way that fireplaces were built into homes, it’s easy to see why little experimentation or innovation of the fireplace was accomplished.

In the 1700s, people began to experiment with fireplace design somewhat. It became clear that to have better heat distribution and efficiency, the wood or coals would have to be exposed to more of the room, instead of the heat going directly up and out the chimney.

There were many innovations involving these design ideas. But soon, the traditional fireplace would be replaced by the stove. In the mid 1700s Ben Franklin designed and patented the first wood or coal burning stove that utilized many of the attributes that people had begun to understand in order to increase fuel efficiency.

The wood or coal burning stove made use of various vents in order to bring in optimal amounts of oxygen, as well as to vent only the minimum amount of heated air. By the end of the 1700s the traditional fireplace was considered to be old fashioned in terms of household heating, and outright archaic when it came to cooking heat.

Over time, fireplaces have become smaller and more compact. Where the mantle was originally merely another structural component, as early as the 1700s the mantel had changed to be more of an aesthetic aspect, a shelf and a place to put a family portrait or mirror.

Today, people continue to fixate on the aesthetics of mantels and other eye catching aspects of the fireplace. There are prefab fireplaces and electric or gas powered fireplaces along with the more traditional fireplace designs.

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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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The easy way to have a fireplace mural is to hang one over your fireplace mantel. This could be something painted on a painter’s canvas and framed. However, this is not a true mural in any sense. What exactly constitutes a mural anyway? A mural can be defined as a painting on any permanent surface, whether it is a ceiling, a wall or even a floor. Murals can depict scenes from history or every day life. Murals can really be anything you want them to be.

A fireplace mural also can be created from other materials as well. Tile is the most common medium for this. A mural can be created for your fireplace by using tiny ceramic tiles to form a large picture. Just envision how tiny pixels on your computer monitor come together to form what you see on a screen. The concept is the same for these little tiles.

There are also larger tiles that you put together like a puzzle to create a larger scene. These tiles would have to be applied to your fireplace wall just as if you were putting in a floor. You would have to mess with the whole grouting business. Tiles can also be custom made for your fireplace mural. There are retail pottery places these days where you can go in and paint your own pottery and then the store fires it in a kiln for you. You can either paint your own mural on ceramic tiles or custom order them.

A fireplace mural can also be painted straight onto brick as well. You would have to do as artists do and “prime” your canvas before starting. Check with your local paint store as to the proper methods of prepping a brick wall for paint. Some fireplaces have a smooth wood, drywall or plaster surface above the facing of the fireplace. If this is the case, these surfaces make a great base for a fireplace mural. As mentioned with the brick wall, you would have to prime the area to prep it for your mural.

Once your surface is prepped for paint, you need to decide on the type of fireplace mural you want. If you are a natural artist, you can probably freehand a scene on the wall of the fireplace. Otherwise, consider either hiring a muralist or renting an overhead projector. With the projector, you could trace your design on a transparency and project the image on the wall.

From there, you can trace the scene then paint it.
No matter what method you choose for your fireplace mural, you are guaranteed a conversation piece that will wow your family and friends. It’s a unique idea and can truly reflect your taste and style.

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