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I am planning a fireplace makeover. I have a shopping list for the tools and supplies I’ll need. I need to find some floor protection. I am going to go to a paint store in town to get that.

I will also need a utility knife and a hammer for my fireplace makeover. I think that I have those items in my laundry room. I will check before I head out to the store.

I read that I’ll need a pry bar and a wide putty knife for my fireplace makeover. I know that I don’t have those items and I’ll stop by WalMart before I start my project to purchase them. While I’m there, I’ll check on their price for safety goggles.

I went by my local Home Depot and purchased a dust mask and a grinder with a wire brush. The employee that I discussed my fireplace makeover project with told me that I was going to need those things.

My boyfriend stopped by Lowe’s and purchased a circular saw with a diamond blade. I think that my father has one of those, so that was a complete waste of money. My fireplace makeover project is going to stay on budget even though we purchased a saw that we don’t need.

My neighbor got excited about my fireplace makeover project and offered to loan me plastic sheeting to make a dust tent and his shopvac vacuum. I was hoping that he also had a fan, but I was out of luck.

I have a power drill in my utility room that has never been used. I was given this drill by an old boyfriend as a birthday present. I didn’t want it, but I graciously accepted it. The drill even has a mixer attachment that I can use for my fireplace makeover project.

I also have a tape measure and a carpenter’s pencil that my little brother gave me in a box of junk. I even found a margin trowel in the box. I’m not sure what it was doing in there, but I needed one for my fireplace makeover.

My mother asked if there was anything that she could give me for my fireplace makeover project. I gave her a list that included a tile cutter, grout float, grout sponge and a foam brush. She brought over the supplies and a casserole for dinner.

The last things that I need for my fireplace makeover project are scrap wood, a mantel kit, wood stain and polyurethane. I will also need tiles, 2X4s, 2X2s, grout and mortar. I am not going to use an acrylic additive in my mortar.

I thought that I was finished buying for this fireplace makeover project and I was really close to my budget when I realized that I had forgotten just a few things. I had to run out to the store and get staples, a notched trowel, plastic joint spacers, a level and wood screws. My father ended up having the pneumatic nail gun and the construction adhesive.

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First of all, you have to understand what you’re cleaning. It’s not regular glass; glass would explode at fireplace temperatures. It’s either some kind of tempered safety glass or, more likely, a transparent ceramic material. That’s why regular window cleaners don’t work very well.

Next, you have to know what you’re cleaning off. Wood fires produce creosote and soot, which forms a sticky black residue. Gas fires produce a whitish haze, which is made of mineral deposits from water condensation. Each requires a different cleaning method and product.

1. The first rule of fireplace glass cleaners: follow manufacturer’s directions.

The best approach to cleaning fireplace glass is to follow the directions that came with your stove. This is especially true if your fireplace glass is under warranty; using alternate methods or cleaners will probably invalidate your warranty. If you don’t have the manufacturer’s directions, you may be able to obtain them by checking the internet or writing or calling the manufacturer.

2. The second rule of fireplace glass cleaners: be safe.

Never clean fireplace glass when it’s hot. Always use gloves. You may also want goggles and/or a mask. If you’re using a commercial product, read the instructions and see what safety precautions they suggest. You can request a MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) from the manufacturer that lists any hazards and what protective gear to use.

3. Cleaning creosote.

Creosote is a thick, sticky, tarry substance that builds up on surfaces when wood is burned. The easiest way to get rid of creosote is to burn it off. Build a hot fire using dry wood. The temperature inside the stove needs to be 900-1200 degrees Fahrenheit to burn off the creosote, and wet or green wood won’t burn that hot.

After the glass has completely cooled, some people recommend scraping the creosote off with a razor blade. This could scratch the glass, however, so using a plastic or Teflon putty knife might work better.

Then you have to scrub off what’s left. A commercial fireplace glass cleaner that’s designed to remove soot and creosote is probably your best bet. There are, however, several other options that some people swear by:
* Scrub the glass with damp newspaper dipped in ashes.
* Use a little dishwashing detergent in water. One of the new “power” detergents might work better than the regular ones.
* Orange-based cleaners.
* Oven cleaner.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners or pads that might scratch the glass.

Cleaning mineral deposits.

You can’t burn mineral deposits off, and you can’t scrape them off with a Teflon putty knife, either. Some people recommend scraping them off with a razor blade, but that may scratch the glass.

Again, a commercial fireplace glass cleaner formulated to remove mineral deposits or “white residue” is probably going to be more effective than homemade remedies. However, here are the homemade options:

* Vinegar in water.
* Scrub gently with baking soda or salt
* Oven cleaner.

Don’t use anything abrasive.

The best way to clean your fireplace glass is to use a commercial fireplace glass cleaner. When you use the right cleaner, it takes less effort and you get better results. Many people are happy with their homemade solutions, though, and you can get satisfactory results with them. They work better if you clean the glass frequently.

A dirty fireplace glass blocks both heat and light, so it makes your fireplace less effective and you lose the beauty of having a fire. Choose a cleaning method that works for you, and clean the glass several times a year to keep your fireplace functioning at its best.

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Fireplaces can really set the tone of a room, yet many homeowners just don’t know what to do with them. This is a shame because using a fireplace as a focal point is an important part of decorating. If you ask these homeowners why they don’t take advantage of the fireplace’s presence and use it as a decorating element, they usually reply that the fireplace facing is not very attractive. Well, guess what? You can change the fireplace facing! Yep, you can give your fireplace and your room a major boost in the looks department.

There are a several things to think of when you decide to change your fireplace facing. First of all, what type of material will you use? There are countless options. If your fireplace is from the floor to the ceiling, that is a lot of area to cover. Consider what materials will look appropriate and will strike the right chord in the room. Do you have a rustic western theme or country cabin theme going in your room? Limestone, slate or river rocks are great options that can really play into that type of décor. Even southwestern themes can play into the rough rock look. But what if your budget does not allow real rock? Consider veneer facings that look like real rock but for the fraction of the price and weight.

If you are going for an elegant, classy look for your fireplace facing, marble, tile and brick options are plentiful. With a variety of colors and textures to choose from, you can perfectly match the room’s ambiance. Plus, there is neutrality to these classic choices that would work well with almost any other décor as well.

Stucco and Venetian plaster brings a texture to your fireplace that is a throwback to the old days. Wood and decorative molding can be stained or painted to reflect the theme. Metal fireplace facing is an option as well. Sheets of metal flashing in stainless steel or copper are popular choices. Some people have scoured antique shopping districts for those old-time tin ceiling tiles. Many of them have fine detailing that offers a unique element to the room. These tin tiles could be refinished for a more polished look or left untouched for a homier feel.

Before you start prepping your area to replace the fireplace facing, you should consider your existing mantel. If you are please with it and have no plans to replace it, you will have to work around it. That means, the facing material you use has to be flexible or small enough to be installed between the mantel area and the firebox. Of course, if you have no mantel at the moment, you work will be that much easier!

When creating a budget for your fireplace facing replacement project, take into account your do-it-yourself status. Do you feel confident enough to handle the work yourself? If not, you will have to budget contract labor into your number crunching. Otherwise, your next step in the budgeting process is to price all of your materials and make sure you do not need any special tools. Just think, when all is said and done, you will have a new focal point in your room and you might actually use your fireplace – all thanks to a fireplace facing facelift!

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Are you trying to find some inspiring information about fireplace design ideas? There are some basic elements to any fireplace that are generally addressed in turn, in order to come up with a complete fireplace design. There are three main components to any fireplace design.

The three primary components to fireplace design include the hearth, the firebox and the type of opening that is employed between the firebox and the room in which the fireplace is located. The hearth is the area outside of the firebox, in general. The firebox is the area in which the fire itself will be burned.

Hearths

Let’s first talk about hearths. A hearth may be flush with the floor, raised above the floor, or sunk down lower than the floor. Additionally, there may be no hearth to speak of at all. In these cases the firebox should be at least two inches above the floor, as the hearth is what helps protect the floor from the heat of the fire.

Another type of hearth may include hearth seats of various kinds. The most traditional and popular type of fireplace with hearth seats are the kinds that feature simply two blocks on either side of the firebox opening.

Fireboxes

As with the hearth types, the different kinds of fireboxes generally have mainly to do with the height relative to the floor and / or hearth. There are raised fireboxes, flush fireboxes that are the same height as the floor, and there are dropped fireboxes that are somewhat lower than the hearth and / or floor in front of the fireplace.

Fireplace Openings

Of course the most widely utilized type of fireplace opening is the rectangular opening. Generally, a rectangular opening will be just that: rectangular in shape. However, even with rectangular openings, the sides typically flare outward from the firebox toward the face of the fireplace.

There are flat arch top openings where the sides are straight, yet the tope of the opening has a slight arch to the shape. As with the traditional rectangular opening, the sides typically flare outward from the firebox toward the face of the fireplace.

There are full arch fireplace openings where the opening contains no straight lines. These types of fireplace openings have one continuous curve all around the fireplace opening. This is the type of opening you are probably used to seeing in American Southwestern style fireplaces.

There are also corner fireplace openings that allow for there to be two open sides to the fireplace. As the name suggests, a corner opening fireplace is situated in such a way that an entire corner section of the firebox is exposed.

There are U-shaped fireplace openings where the firebox is exposed on three sides, the front, as well as the two side areas. These last two types of fireplace openings will generally produce better heat radiation. If you will be using your fireplace to heat your home, and not merely as decoration these are certainly worth looking into. For images of these various fireplace styles, take a look at http://www.fireplacesnow.com/FireplaceStyles.htm .

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If you are thinking of getting a fireplace there are a million different types of fireplace designs to choose from. Whether you want a classic brick fireplace designs or a more modern type, you are sure to find the design you’re looking for.

Knowing what you want your house to look like will be the biggest decision in choosing your fireplace designs. Always have a few designs in mind before making that final decision, just in case. If you already have a fireplace of your own, make sure it can be upgraded or changed before you try doing it yourself.

Make sure you know what type of fireplace that will fit well in your home before deciding on the type of fireplace designs you’ll want. The three types are gas burning, wood burning, and electric burning fireplaces. It doesn’t matter if you will use it or if it’s just for show, it does matter when making your designs. Many people still like the smell of a real burning log, a wood burning fireplace is for them. But some people prefer gas burning fireplaces because it is more convenient then trying to catch a log on fire and they no longer have to crumble papers or try lighting a fire. With the electric fireplace you can have a fire within a matter of seconds, simply push the button and out pops a fire and you don’t even need a vent for this. Depending on the style you prefer, this will determine the type of fireplace designs that’ll work best for you.

Brick Fireplace designs are one of the best designs for a wood burning fireplace. They are safe and easy to upkeep while not leaving marks from the smoke either. This looks excellent with a cast iron screen around it and will go with just about any type of décor you have in your home. A brick fireplace brings the warmth of the home into your living room, make your house inviting. With a brick fireplace you can even build one in your own backyard, so if you ever dreamed of that backyard barbeque this is the design for you.

If you want to have beautiful carvings around your fireplace you may want to look into the many limestone fireplace designs or stone fireplace designs. Marble fireplace designs are also great for those that never plan on using the fireplace and only want it in the room for decoration. Marble is stunning to look at, and the bright white would look beautiful against the wood burning logs. Fireplace designs that use ceramic tiles will allow you to choose from thousands of beautifully designed tiles that you may want around your fireplace. You can get a solid color, mix and match or even choose from certain themes. You may even want to choose to get a fireplace design on the inside of the fireplace. This can be a beautiful backdrop to your fire.

Once you know where you will place your new fireplace, you can then make the decision on which type of fireplace you’d like and what you want your fireplace to look like. Know what shape it is that you want, for instance, if it’ll have sharp corners or rounded corners. If you want your fireplace in the corner, you’ll have to take proper steps. The final thing that will determine what type of fireplace designs you purchase will be price. Never go over the amount you have decided to spend. This will only leave you with an unfinished fireplace and some very angry workers if you hired someone to do the job. Make sure you have the money to spend and decide from there. A fireplace is nice to have but only if it’s complete. Wouldn’t it be nice to bring the family back into the living room? You’ll be amazed at how fast the family wants to gather around the fireplace and enjoy some family time once again.

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Fireplace crystals are here to help you replace those old logs. Are you tired of your house having that smoky wood scent? Tired of having to get down on your knees to clean the soot out of your fireplace? You no longer have to put up with it, not with fireplace crystals. These little glass crystals are placed in your fireplace. Now you can stop polluting your house, and still keep it warm at night.

Don’t worry about there not being enough heat, even though the fireplace crystals are small they provide plenty of heat. They may look like tiny pieces of broken glass but they enough heat in them to warm any room. Don’t worry about these glass fireplace crystals melting, discoloring, or smoking up your house. Glass fireplace crystals are great for a gas fireplace, which means you won’t have to make any upgrades. Toss in a group of these crystals, light it up and watch the flames shine as the crystals twinkle until the very end.

With fireplace crystals, you’ll no longer have to worry about cutting down a tree, stacking logs or finding logs in the middle of winter. Keep yourself warm inside the house. Fireplace crystals come in a variety of colors for you to choose from, or you can get them premixed. Imagine a Christmas fire with only red and green sparkling gems or maybe you’d like to be under the trance of the Northern Lights. This is all possible with fireplace crystals.

If you are just looking for a way to make your fireplace sparkle without getting rid of your logs, you can. It doesn’t matter if you have a wood burning or a gas fireplace. With fireplace crystals they have all types for you to choose from for your particular fireplace. Make sure to read the instructions though, you don’t want to put the wrong type in.

There are some fireplace crystals that you can actually sprinkle onto your logs if you want to enjoy the twinkle of crystals. This will make your fireplace sparkle with beauty as the tiny crystals light up your room. Once you sprinkle these on top of your logs and light up your fire you’ll be amazed at all the colors that will dance around your fireplace. You can choose certain colors or a rainbow of colors. These normally last for about half an hour, but it all depends on how big or small your fire is and how many crystals you’ve added to the fire.

While you can use fireplace crystals in fireplaces, fire pits, and camp fires you don’t want to use them to heat up any type of food. Keep your food separate from these little crystals. If you are out camping and know you will be roasting marshmallows, don’t toss these in quite yet. Crystals and food don’t mix, so remember to stay safe. Toast those marshmallows before tossing in any crystals.

Try picturing yourself nestled up to the person you love, on a blanket, in front of a roaring fire with sparks of red, purple, blue, green and yellow. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, get yourself some fireplace crystals and bring the spark back into your life. Have a little romantic rendezvous tonight.

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Of the thirty most popular fireplace brands, there are some very interesting styles and materials used today. For anyone thinking that the fireplace is large the same thing it has always been, with few improvements or changes in styles, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Interestingly, as the fireplace becomes smaller and more attention has become fixated on the mantelpiece, the styling of the modern fireplace have tended to focus on smaller areas, rather than the sweeping design changes of the past centuries.

The Dimplex fireplace company offers many electric fireplace models that include all the style of traditional fireplaces with the convenience of push button fireplace heating. The Newport model, for example, offers a romantic ambiance of a fireplace without any of the work or danger of having a wood burning fire.

Since no venting is required for electric fireplaces, these types of fireplaces can be installed anywhere. The Dimplex company uses what they call “electraflame” to produce realistic flame technology with a wide range of style options.

One nice thing about the electraflame fireplaces made by the Dimplex company is that you can have the look of a fire with or without the heat. These electric fireplaces can be plugged in to a regular 120 volt outlet. Since you can choose heat or no heat, these fireplaces are perfect for running any time of the year that you want that fire ambience.

If you do opt for the heat producing variety of electric fire, the Newport model provides up to 5000 BTU / hour of radiating heat. Though it can be nice to have a fireplace that doesn’t necessarily put off heat, it can also be a great option to have some localized heat for the colder days in the year. The radiating heat produced by this electric fireplace is circulated with the aid of a fan.

This model of electric fireplace also includes and adjustable thermostat that will keep the heat output of the fireplace within your comfort zone. This means that you do not have to constantly keep an eye on the fireplace or the heat it puts out. This is just another advantage to having an electric fireplace, as wood burning fireplaces must be under constant supervision.

The glass that covers the fireplace will remain safe to the touch whether the heat is not being produced or is going full blast. This makes the fireplace particularly safe for children and pets to be around.

Another advantage of electric fireplaces is that they do not contribute to moisture problems as many un-vented gas fireplaces tend to do. Of course adding heat to your home in general will tend to dry out the air and you may find the need for a humidifier during the coldest months of the year.

For a look at some of the different fireplace styles and fireplace brands, take a look at http://www.fireplacesnow.com/ . Here you’ll find a list of manufacturers, pictures of different fireplaces, as well as several other invaluable resources you can use to determine which type of fireplace will best meet your needs.

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Whether you are decorating a new home or restoring an old one, architectural details have a subtle but significant impact. Whether you are looking for ornate crown molding or an old stone fireplace, antique dealers are a good place to start your search.

What if you had an unlimited budget and could do anything you want to decorate your home, and you’re in love with French country style? You think of wide rows of lavender, golden sunlight on country fields and dark leafy trees, and that’s what you want for your color palette. You’ll use shades of purple, dark green and golden wheat colors.

Before you even think about furniture, you start dreaming of golden Venetian plaster walls, tall casement windows and dark purplish brown stone floors. You’d love a French country fireplace as a focal point. You want it made from a gold-colored marble with an aged patina, so that it enhances the colors and lighting of the room, and you want it to be as authentic as possible.

Antique dealers who specialize

There are antique dealers who deal specifically in fireplaces and fireplace accessories and there is even an antique dealer in France who specializes in fireplaces from old French country manors. Since cost isn’t an issue, one of the specialists in antique fireplaces could find you an authentic French country fireplace that would fit perfectly in your room.

Reproductions

If you love the thought of an antique French country fireplace, but pass out at the thought of the expense, some dealers who specialize in antique fireplaces can find or create a reproduction for you. You get the look you want, but with less expense. If you are restoring an older home with an antique fireplace, but it is badly damaged, these specialists may be able to repair and restore it for you.

Architectural salvage

Architectural salvage dealers are another good source for antique fireplaces. They are generally less expensive than a specialty shop, but may not have the specific fireplace that you want. If, however, you have a certain look or style in mind, but are flexible about the details, they may be able to take care of you. You might not find the exact French country fireplace you are dreaming about, but you could probably find a simple golden marble fireplace that would give you the same feel, and would cost quite a bit less than importing one from France.

We don’t usually think of antique dealers when we’re doing a major remodeling project until we’re ready to buy furniture. There are, however, antique shops that specialize in architectural pieces, and finding those special pieces can make all the difference, especially if you are designing a period room. While you’re looking for a fireplace or some crown molding, you might find unexpected treasures, such as tin ceiling tiles or antique stained glass windows. Architectural antiques like those are lovely, and will make your home uniquely beautiful.

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I ended up replacing our old clay chimenea with a copper chimenea this last spring. Though I had intended to replace the clay one with another just like it, a stunning copper chimenea caught my eye and ai just had to have a closer look.

I was heading out to replace my chimenea. The old and trusty thing had taken a beating in the last hurricane that blew by near where I live. I hadn’t been home so I could put all the outdoor things away safely in the garage. And the poor old clay chimenea had suffered the most of all the backyard things.

Poor old Sparky had bit the dust. My family and friends and I regularly sat around old Sparky on the evening times, summer, fall or winter, to enjoy the evening sounds and each others’ company. It was certainly sad to see the old thing go -it had lasted over fifteen years- but these things do happen.

Now Sparky was your regular old clay chimenea and I had every intention of finding another clay chimenea just like it. In fact, Sparky had been purchased at one of the many roadside vendors here in EL Paso. I frequent these vendors for wonderful finds of all types of Mexican handmade wares.

But today, the same roadside vendor from whom I’d bought Sparky years ago, had several shining and different looking chimeneas up for sale. I asked him about the new chimeneas and he was very pleased to show them to me, saying that he’d been looking for a manufacturer of these copper chimeneas for some time and had finally secured a contract with one.

He quickly and easily removed the top portions of the chimenea to reveal the unit as being more of a three in one chimenea, barbeque grill and fire pit. The fire pit is a wide and low copper dish into which one puts wood or other combustibles.

Since this type of chimenea works with or without the chimney attachment, removing the chimney makes a nice fire pit that can be enjoyed as is. Additionally, with the chimney removed, one can rest a barbeque grill on top of the circular screen piece for a decent barbeque area.

These copper chimeneas can cost as much as $300 if you buy them online or from a home store of some type, but I got mine for $170. If you have any flea markets in your area, I suggest you try these before shelling out the big bucks at the local home depot or whatever.

Anyhow, though we miss the old clay chimenea, we’ve grown to love the new copper chimenea replacement. It’s really a work of art and just shines sitting out there on the back deck. If you’ve ever wanted a chimenea, I suggest trying a copper chimenea.

Also, I recommend getting a chimenea cover to protect your new copper chimenea. I did have to purchase my chimenea cover from a retail store, and I’m glad I did. The cover keeps the copper from tarnishing as quickly.

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For a dramatic fireplace, try a custom concrete fireplace mantel. These cast stone mantels come in many colors, finishes and textures and are also available at reasonable prices. Offered in early American to French country, styles will vary. Many companies that provide fireplaces made of concrete will work directly with you in designing the perfect fireplace and concrete mantel for you. A decorative concrete mantel can make the difference in an ordinary decor a spectacular one. By using a concrete manufacturer of fireplaces and mantels, you can choose any shape, color or design that you desire.

When searching for the perfect concrete fireplace facade, look for one with clean lines and the appeal that you hope for. If it’s an earthiness look that you want, don’t purchase a straight lined fireplace but look for a unique chunky, possibly worn appearing fireplace. Concrete fireplaces can come in any shape you can imagine so you are sure to get exactly what you are seeking. Lately using concrete for your fireplace or its mantel is all the rage. With concrete now being used in countertops, bathtubs, floors and other areas of the home, a concrete fireplace can be quite striking. Some fireplaces will include wood in their concrete design offering a 3 dimensional look.

A concrete fireplace is similar to the average brick, masonry or stone fire place. Offering the same fire resistance, a fireplace of concrete offers the ability to be shaped into any form and giving a natural look to the fireplace. Most people don’t realize that concrete can be colored to match any decor or color scheme. Most people seek out a concrete mantel and fireplace because concrete can offer a one of a kind design. This can add more value to your home. The cost of concrete is similar to a stone fireplace. While this cost is for a similar shape and size fireplace, there are other benefits of a fireplace made of concrete. A concrete hearth actually radiates just enough heat to feel comfortable when sitting on it.

There are two options to installing a fireplace made of concrete. You can have your fireplace cast by a manufacturer who will use your measurements and design. These fireplaces are pre-cast with bolts to tie into the framing. Another way to install a fireplace of concrete is to cast it in place. Often Styrofoam is used as a pattern, making sure that the design will fit perfectly. Some concrete hearths are etched to give the appearance of an aged hearth. A sealer is placed over the finished fireplace to give it shine and help to keep it from scorching. Consider a concrete fireplace when redesigning any home. It’s sure to add warmth to any home.

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