Pinpointe Fireplace Designs

Panacea Fireplace Log Tote WE-634555

2010-12-14T06:57:00.000-08:00

Product Description

Fireplace Log Tote, Heavy Canvas Construction, Enclosed Ends Help Keep Dirt & Wood Chips Off The Floor

Product Features

37"W x 25"H
Cloth handles
Black
Boxed

What People Are Saying About This Fireplace Log Tote

Excellent tote
This of great quality and is very usable for carring firewood in to the home. This keeps your clothes clean allows for multiple logs to be carried.

I ordered two of these for our wood burning needs. They are well made of sturdy nylon and vinyl. The construction design works great to keep wood chips, barks, etc from making a mess while packing in the house. The tote will hold more wood than most people would want to carry. I have used the totes for a month now and have packed quite a bit of wood with them. I believe they will hold up quite well and at this point I am very satisfied with them.

Does its thing well. Makes trips to the wood pile easy. I usually can fit 5 logs per trip. Beats the trail of dirt and mess carrying the wood in one by one. Can't beat the price.

Purchased this as a gift and the recipient was quite pleased with it's sturdy construction and the fact that it kept the wood particles off the floor. she uses it daily as a woodstove is her primary heat source.

This makes trips out to the wood stack much easier. It seems very well made, sturdy, and easy to handle. I can fit several logs at a time and the ends make it so debris does not fall out. I'm very glad to have it this year; definitely recommended.

Bought for some friends as a thank you... since the wood has to come in through the backdoor and through the kitchen into the dining room, this helps keep the wood mess to a minimum.

After years of carrying in logs one or two at a time, I finally decided to try A LOG tote. It's simply wonderful. Two trips to the log pile and I'm done and no pieces of bark strewn in my path. Extremely sturdy and easily contains the logs. I would highly recommend this item.

Makes carrying firewood a whole lot easier. No more getting your shirts all dirty carrying firewood. Holds enough firewood for a nice evening in front of the fireplace. Totally love it!

I just wanted something to carry the firewood in the house and this does the job, at an unmatchable price.

Got this for my husband for Christmas. He loves it. It's great because now he can tote several logs of wood in and not leave a mess through the whole house. Plus it's easy to clean and heavy duty.

Fireplace Hearth Designs Extend the Beauty of a Fireplace

2010-12-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

Upon walking in to any room, people will immediately notice the fireplace. This is just the natural focal point when installed in a room and most people will design the remainder of the room around this feature. One of the more common features of fireplaces are the fireplace hearth designs that are usually just an extension of the same materials used to build the fireplace. Even though this is what is normally done, it does not have to be this way.

The hearth is the surface of the fireplace on which the fire is built. It begins at the back of the firebox and extends out into the room a distance that is commonly determined by local building code requirements. The materials used to construct the hearth inside the firebox are what is known as fire brick. The hearth material used outside the firebox can be any material as long as it is fireproof. This allows the fireplace hearth designs to be of an unlimited amount of materials that are just confined to your imagination.

While using the same material on the hearth as the surround may be the usual way to go to maintain symmetry with a raised hearth, a hearth on the same level as the floor makes it easier to choose a contrasting material to the surround. Since the floor will already provide for a difference in the two materials, people tend to be more adventurous with their hearth choices on these fireplaces. By being flexible in selecting this material, the opportunity to create a truly unique fireplace hearth design presents itself.

You should not let your selection be influenced by the material on the fireplace surround. There are many materials that can be mixed and matched such as tile, slate, marble, granite, and of course, brick if that is your preference. Just be sure that the material extends far enough out into the room to meet the minimum code requirements meant to keep any combustible flooring safe from sparks or run away logs.

Once the fireplace hearth designs material has been selected, you can now plan the overall appearance of your fireplace including tool sets, fireplace doors or a screen. After all these items have been assembled, you will start to see how the fireplace develops into that uniquely beautiful focal point that every great room deserves.

Stone Fireplace Designs - A Great Addition to Any Home

2010-10-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Many of us have spent a quiet evening by a rip roaring fire in an old rustic log cabin and have probably been amazed by the natural beauty that can be created with stone fireplace designs. While there are many materials that can be used to create truly unique fireplace designs, none allow for more individual expression than those made of natural stone. These fireplaces truly allow for your imagination to take over and usually turn out to look a little different than was first envisioned as the stones seem to come together and take on a life of their own. Since no two stones are ever exactly alike, each fireplace constructed will just naturally be of a unique design.

There are almost an endless variety of different types of stones available for purchase and many can be from your local area. Some people will choose to construct their fireplace from one type of stone while others will choose to mix and match the different shapes and sizes of stone to avoid the possibility of any type of uniform look. Some of the truly great stone fireplace designs you can see are in old rustic cabins where the occupants built their own fireplaces from stone they gathered from their own property or surrounding areas. Luckily, some of these can be seen by visiting state and national park lands that have chosen to preserve these true national treasures. A trip to some of these little cabins in the woods would be a great place to start if you are interested in the construction of a stone fireplace in your home.

Some of the different varieties of stone you can use are flat stones which can be laid either on edge or stacked flat; round stones which are of different shapes and sizes; river rock which resemble smaller flat stones and will be a variety of different shades and colors; and large slabs of stone or boulders that can really provide a massive look in the design of a fireplace. However, you would really only want to consider the use of the larger stones when they will be utilized in a very large room as they may tend to overwhelm the space when used in a smaller room. When you are able to acquire some of all of these and incorporate many different types of stone in your design you really have the opportunity to express yourself and create some truly unique stone fireplace designs.

One of the most important things to consider when planning a stone fireplace is the stone mason. The stone mason you choose will really determine how your project will turn out. Be sure to check with the local builders in your area and ask them for a recommendation. Also, get the stone mason on board as early as possible in the design of the project as he will be able to better guide you in the choices of stone and their placement. If you take the time to research all the different types of stones available and are able to find the right stone mason, you will find that stone fireplace designs are quite simple to envision and your plan will result in a fireplace you can enjoy for many years to come.

A Glass Fireplace Enclosure Saves Energy

2010-04-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of the most widely used amenities in modern day homes is the fireplace. While fireplaces are truly beautiful focal points for any room in your home, they are also huge energy wasters if their fireboxes are left openly exposed to the room. Many people will simply place a decorative fireplace screen in front of the firebox and this will serve its purpose when you have a rip-roaring fire burning. However, if the fireplace sits idle, with no fireplace enclosure utilized, it is almost like leaving a window open since most fireplace dampers are left open at all times or inadequately seal the flue when closed. A properly designed flue is meant to draw hot gases up the chimney, but also draws warm or cool room air when the fireplace is not in use.

The best way to prevent this issue is to install a set of high quality fireplace doors. The doors will serve as a fireplace enclosure to eliminate the constant updraft that the fireplace chimney maintains. By blocking off this opening, the warm room air produced in the winter, and the cool room air produced in the summer by your HVAC system will stay where it is meant to be and save hundreds of dollars per year on the average energy bill.

In addition to their energy saving features, this type fireplace enclosure is available in many different styles and finishes that will complement your fireplace and hearth season after season. These doors are a blend of beauty and style and a quality set will provide for a solid, long lasting enclosure that will easily pay for themselves in energy savings in just a few seasons. Most are available with bi-fold doors that open and fold flat against the wall to provide a wide open view of the firebox. Mesh screens are commonly included to prevent flying brands and embers thus providing the same protection as a free standing fireplace screen.

With all the positive features a quality glass fireplace enclosure provides, there is little reason not to utilize one. They are available to match any decor, any budget, and save you money too. They can be installed by any homeowner with basic tools and will provide a beautiful, safe, energy saving feature that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come.

A Gas Fireplace Can Be a Convenient Alternative

2010-02-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

One of the most commonly sought after amenities home shoppers look for is a fireplace. Unfortunately, many existing homes lack this feature and the addition of a fireplace in existing construction can be extremely costly and beyond the means of many homeowners. But now, thanks to the modern gas fireplace, any homeowner can add this feature and enjoy the warmth and beauty gas fireplaces can provide. Even if adding a vent pipe or flue is not possible in your situation, vent free gas fireplaces are manufactured that can be installed anywhere a gas supply line is available.

Should you be involved in the construction of a new home, your options for including a fireplace are many. You can choose to add a free standing fireplace or built-in fireplace. You can choose to construct a masonry fireplace and burn wood or install gas logs. You can install a prefabricated fireplace with either gas logs or wood burning capabilities. If you have an existing fireplace and are tired of the hassles of burning wood, you can easily convert this feature to a gas fireplace and eliminate that hassle.

Gas fireplaces are very fuel efficient and thanks to modern gas burners, your gas fireplace can be installed without venting to the outdoors thus eliminating heat loss all together. These units, however, are not without their issues. The burning of gas produces moisture, and with vented models this moisture is carried to the outdoors. However, when using a non vented gas fireplace, you can only burn the fire for six or seven hours at the time in order to prevent mold or mildew that could form from the moisture the unit produces. Also, if you choose a non vented model, be sure to have the unit checked yearly to insure it is operating properly and all safety features are in working order.

A gas fireplace option is being utilized by more and more homeowners as wood is becoming extremely expensive to purchase. In past years, many people had access to and cut their own firewood. Today, this is becoming more rare as most homes are built in subdivisions on small lots, thus making access to a free source of firewood less likely. Even if cost is not an issue, many people tire of the cutting, hauling, and stacking of firewood and the constant cleaning of the firebox. So, installing a gas fireplace is a great option for eliminating this chore and also the mess that is created when carrying wood through your house.

While the flames from gas fireplaces do not look exactly like wood burning and you will no longer enjoy the sound of the fire crackling and the faint smell of wood smoke, a gas fireplace can be a great option for many homeowners in many situations. Should you choose to purchase and install one of these units as a new installation or in an existing firebox, a gas fireplace can provide many years of satisfactorily operation and numerous hours of enjoyment for you, your family and your guests.

Outdoor Fireplace Design Creates the Perfect Ambiance

2010-02-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Outdoor fireplaces have become all the rage these days and it is no wonder this is the case. It is most relaxing on a cool evening to gather the family on the patio around a rip-roaring fire while you sip a cup of hot chocolate. If you are considering installing an outdoor fireplace, the thought process is much the same as the one for the construction of any fireplace, be it inside or out. However, there are a couple of things you will need to consider in your outdoor fireplace design. There are a few limitations when it comes to construction materials that are really quite obvious. Since your fireplace will be exposed to the elements, any materials that cannot stand up to the outdoor elements will not be an option in the construction. There is also no need for a damper since you are not concerned about the heating or cooling loss of an indoor fireplace.

The fire step in your outdoor fireplace design is, of course, the material you will use for construction. Options include, but are not limited to, granite, cast iron, limestone, copper, and of course masonry. The most common material used in fireplace design seems to be stone. Stone certainly makes for a beautiful choice in fireplace materials and the stone will also stand the test of time and last for many years to come. The second most popular choice appears to be brick which has many of the same advantages as stone. However, no matter what material you use for your outdoor fireplace, as long as it fits in with your overall outdoor living space design and is a durable material, you should be satisfied for a long, long time.

Once your material choice is made, you now must consider the size of your fireplace. There is really no rule of thumb for this process except be wise in attempting to match the size of your outdoor fireplace design with the other elements in your outdoor living area. If the fireplace is too small it will seem to get lost in your space. Of course, at the other end of the spectrum, if it is too large, it will tend to overwhelm your space. Also, larger fireplaces will require more fuel to properly provide heat to the patio area.

Now that the materials and size have been determined, it is time to select your outdoor fireplace design. There are a few great options for where to go to help you design your fireplace. Of course, the Internet can provide a wealth of information and plans for outdoor fireplaces. You can also seek out a competent brick and stone mason in your area that can provide you with choices in this area. Lastly, your could consult with an architect to assist you with your design. That last one may be effected by the size of your budget. An architect will charge you for their services, but will also help you oversee the construction to ensure you get what you pay for.

Now that those decisions are underway, we need to consider what type of fuel you will choose to burn. Many outdoor fireplace owners choose to burn wood for a variety of obvious reasons. A wood burning fireplace can be loaded with lots of wood and will produce a large amount of heat. There is also the crackling and popping of real wood in addition to the overall appearance of the fire as it burns. After all, ambiance was one of the main reasons you chose to install an outdoor fireplace and nothing burns nicer than real wood. However, if you have limited access to wood, or just do not want to have to deal with the cutting, splitting and stacking it involves, you could choose to install gas logs in your fireplace. They do not heat quite as well and will not produce as realistic of a flame, but they are much more convenient then wood and definitely have a place in outdoor fireplace design.

Once your outdoor fireplace is constructed and the mortar has set up, grab the hot dogs and marshmallows and head outdoors for a relaxing evening around the fireplace. I am sure you will find that when you have family and guests over for outdoor events, your outdoor fireplace will become the main gathering and focal point of your outdoor space. As you see this occur, you will know that your outdoor fireplace design is a success and will provide you with many enjoyable evenings for years to come.

Fireplace Mantel Designs - A Finishing Touch

2010-01-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that a fireplace adds much to the ambiance that makes a certain room a great place to hang out. Second only to the kitchen, the room that contains the fireplace is where all the people gravitate to whenever there is a friend or family gathering. There are many elements that go into the overall design and features of any fireplace. However, the final touch, and the one that really sets off the overall look of the focal point that is a fireplace, is the mantel.

Fireplace mantel designs are usually dictated by the overall style of the entire fireplace project. If the face of the fireplace is stone, the mantel will generally take on a more rugged look. If the face is marble or some other type of tile, the mantel will usually be a more polished, slick type finish. One of the most versatile types of fireplace finishes when it comes to fireplace mantel design is brick. When the fireplace is faced with brick, the mantel can be rugged or a more fine finish depending on the overall look you are trying to achieve.

Whatever your choice may be when it comes to fireplace mantel designs, keep in mind that the mantel is the finishing touch to one of the most important aspects of your overall homes decor. The fireplace will be the point where many memories are made over the years and the location where your family is likely to spend many quiet evenings together. With this being the case, do your best and spend a little time doing research to help ensure you make a choice of fireplace mantels that will help beautify your fireplace as well as the rest of your home.

Converting Wood Burning Fireplaces to Electric Fireplaces

2009-12-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

Many people tire of dealing with the hassles of a wood burning fireplace such as cutting, splitting and stacking wood. Not to mention the mess or cost of wood if you have no place to cut your own and have to purchase it. I came across this article about converting to electric fireplaces that I found to be extremely interesting and thought I would share it. My thanks to the author for allowing me to republish it.

How to Convert a Wood Or Gas Fireplace to an Electric Fireplace
By Rick D Morse
Converting an existing wood or gas fireplace to a clean and energy efficient electric fireplace is simple and easy. You don't need the skills of a mason, a cabinetmaker, or an electrician to enjoy the comfort and ambiance provided by an electricity powered fireplace. These units are delivered to your door ready to be installed and enjoyed for many years to come. If you can open a box and plug in an electrical cord, you have all the skills you will need to convert a wood or gas fireplace to an electric fireplace.
Many people are afraid to try new ideas, simply because they are new. The uncertainties that come with trying to install something yourself can be intimidating. Installing an electricity powered fireplace in your apartment, condo, or home is as simple as plugging in a blender or a coffeemaker. At the same time, you will enjoy clean, inexpensive, supplemental heat for your home while enjoying all of the ambiance of a real fire.
Eliminate the Mess and Worry of a Wood Fireplace
Certainly, wood fireplaces have their appeal. The smell of a wood fire, the crackling burn of logs on a grate, and the sight of smoke rising from the chimney are all big attractions. At the same time, your wood fireplace can be pretty demanding. Cords of wood must be purchased, stored, and brought into the home. Very often, this means spiders, earwigs, and termites are also brought into your home. If the wood gets wet, you must go without a fire until it dries.
Once you have enjoyed your fire, the ashes must be collected and disposed of without causing a fire risk to your home or the neighborhood. Also, in this day of environmental awareness and responsibility, the smoke and other emissions must be considered. Creosote, which can build up in your chimney, must be removed by a professional to avoid the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Once the winter has passed, your wood fireplace will go unused for most of the year.
Gas Fireplaces are Not without Risks
Gas fireplaces provide a greater measure of convenience than wood fireplaces, but they also carry their own risks. Gas fireplace pilot lights must be maintained and there are always concerns about gas leaks and venting problems. These maintenance requirements demand the use of a skilled professional to ensure your safety, adding extra cost to your gas fireplace.
Gas fireplaces generally cost 17 to 24 cents per hour to operate, whereas electric fireplaces provide realistic looking flames for about 3 cents per hour and flames with heat for around 8 to 12 cents an hour. Over time, one of these fireplaces can pay for itself while providing you with years of realistic looking flames, convenience, and comfortable heat.
These Inserts are Easy to Install
Electric fireplace inserts are easily installed in existing wood or gas fireplaces without any sort of renovation. You do not need a contractor or any other assistance. When your electric unit arrives, you simply open the box, place it in your existing fireplace opening, and plug it in. It has no maintenance requirements and you have the added convenience of being able to start your fireplace from the comfort of your easy chair with a remote.
The flame technology used in these fireplaces provides you with all of the ambiance of a real fire without any of the mess, inconvenience, or risks. Your electricity powered fireplace can provide supplemental heat for up to 400 square feet with 4700 BTUs per hour, allowing you to lower your thermostat and your heating bill. Electric fireplace logs and ember beds provide an attractive ambiance and you can operate your electric unit with or without heat.
The Flexibility of Fire with or without Heat
Unlike wood and gas fireplaces, you can enjoy sitting in front of your electric fireplace logs at any time of the year. These fireplaces allow you to operate the flame and heat independently of each other for year round enjoyment. You can use the flame alone if you want the ambiance of a fire without the heat, even in the middle of summer. Obviously, this is not possible with wood or gas.
Fireplaces serve as a wonderful gathering place, providing warmth and other comforts to family, friends, and visitors. Your realistic looking electric fireplace logs and ember bed will provide you with everything good about a fireplace without any of the negatives. Your fireplace can be installed in a matter of minutes and turned on with the push of a button. You get the best of both worlds with an electric fireplace and a lower cost. Once you discover the ease, convenience, and ambiance that this type of fireplace provides, you may very well decide to invest in a freestanding fireplace for some other part of your home. Furniture quality Amish fireplaces, modern corner units, and every style in between are available for your comfort and enjoyment.

Rick Morse is the CEO for Electric Fireplaces Direct. They provide quality, energy efficient electric fireplace units with realistic looking electric fireplace logs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_D_Morse
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Convert-a-Wood-Or-Gas-Fireplace-to-an-Electric-Fireplace&id=3237859

The Beauty of Brick Fireplace Designs

2009-10-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to replace the feeling of warmth you get from a fireplace on a dark and drizzly chilly day. Along with the warmth, the scent of the burning wood adds a cozy ambiance to a home that can spark memories of Christmas past or just a shared cup of hot chocolate. The majority of these wonderful feelings are enjoyed in front of traditional fireplaces faced with brick. Brick fireplace designs have been utilized in home construction since the mid 1600s and are still a favorite even today. One reason being that even as the brick ages and takes a beating through the years, it does so without losing its original charm and actually acquires a certain character of its own.

In addition to the beauty of the brick, more practically, brick fireplaces became common over the years because of the raised hearth which allows for sitting and eating surfaces. Brick fireplace designs also take advantage of brick's natural ability to absorb the heat from the fire and radiate it out into the room. These are the reasons you almost always see people gravitate to and gather around the brick fireplace at family gatherings or other celebrations.

The great thing about utilizing brick in a residential fireplace design is that there are so many different variations in the application of the brick which allow you to get quite creative with your design. The bricks can be laid in the traditional staggered brick pattern, they can be set at an angle, turned up on their edge or any combination of patterns that you can imagine. There are numerous brick finishes and styles available to provide an ‘antiqued’ look or if you prefer a more contemporary feel to your brick fireplace, you can do that too. If you are looking for a more rustic look, reclamation yards are good places to find used handmade bricks from an earlier period in history. Some even choose to paint the brick in order to match a particular color scheme. Whatever your personal preferences may be, there is absolutely no doubt that you can get quite creative with brick fireplace designs.

Regardless of your choice in design, you can rest assured that your brick fireplace will be durable and require little attention through the years. Fireplaces constructed utilizing brick and masonry chimneys typically are very low maintenance as they only require occasional inspections and cleaning. This type construction also allows for peace of mind when you consider fire danger as brick is a natural fireproof material on its own.

In order to finalize the design of your fireplace, be sure to add a strikingly beautiful mantle to top off your design. The mantle is to a fireplace much as icing is to a cake. It adds that crowning touch that really makes the whole thing come together to make brick fireplace designs the masterpieces they are intended to be.

Fireplace Design Ideas

2009-10-18T17:17:00.001-07:00

One of the first things I notice when touring new homes is the many different fireplace design ideas that are utilized to highlight a room. There is almost no limit to what can be done with the construction of a new fireplace. Once the type of heat is decided, the fun really begins. There are two major decisions that must be made early in the process when it comes to residential fireplace designs. Where in the room the fireplace will be located and the type material that will be used in the construction.

As far as the location goes, most fireplaces end up on the center of a long wall and while this is always a good choice and adds a lot to a room, the center of a wall is hardly unique placement. More and more we are beginning to see fireplaces placed in the corner of a room. While this placement may seem to take up additional space, it does allow for several different furniture arrangements which may not be possible with the usual center wall placement. Another option is a two sided fireplace design that is built into a wall that separates two rooms. This allows for the enjoyment of the fireplace from two different rooms at the same time without having to construct two separate fireplaces. I have also seen fireplaces built at the end of a wall that partially separates two rooms. This actually allows viewing from three different sides and of course permits the fireplace to heat more efficiently. One of the most unique fireplace placement ideas I have noticed is the four sided island fireplace built in the middle of a large room that allows enjoyment of the fireplace from all four sides. While some of these are not very common placements, they definitely show the uniqueness in residential fireplace design ideas that a little imagination can provide.

Once the placement of the fireplace is decided upon, the type materials used to construct the fireplace become the focus of the project. This is where you will really make or break the project. Fireplace design materials are one of the few cosmetic features of home construction that cannot easily be changed. This is why it is extremely important to be sure of your choice of material. A couple of my favorites are the stone fireplace designs and of course the brick fireplace designs. While these are usually the most common, other materials are being utilized more and more in modern fireplace construction. The use of tile, granite, marble and other natural materials are finding their way into the residential fireplaces being built today with some stunning results.

Where ever you choose to place your fireplace or whatever material you choose to use, keep in mind that the fireplace will be the focal point of the room and you will be sure to make the best choices. By doing some thorough research and by visiting some new homes under construction to see the current architects fireplace design ideas, you will be blessed with a fireplace that will provide warmth and visual enjoyment for many years to come.

Fireplace Doors -The Final Touch in Fireplace Designs

2009-10-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

Fireplace doors are a great investment. They are designed to help you save on energy costs, beautify your home, and protect your home from hot embers that may pop out into a room. Your fireplace is not just a means of providing heat for your home, it is usually the focal point of the most highly used room in a house. Fireplace doors accentuate the beauty and appeal of flickering flames and glowing embers thus contributing to the overall aesthetic looks of the fireplace and the room decor.

In addition to providing a much needed decorative touch to your fireplace, fireplace doors save energy by eliminating cold drafts and odors. An important consideration in the purchase of doors is the gasket material used where the doors contact the face of the fireplace. Make sure that the doors have a continuous woven gasket which in combination with a positive locking latch will help eliminate heat loss from the home through the fireplace opening. When properly constructed and fitted, studies have shown that fireplace doors can decrease air loss by as much as 90% if the doors are kept closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Another important feature of fireplace doors is the safety that they provide. Not only do they prevent hot embers from popping out into the room, they also prevent items from falling into the fireplace opening. The doors also help keep small children and pets from accidentally coming in contact with the open flames of the fire.

While fireplace doors come in many different styles and finishes, there are basically just two main types. The more traditional style doors that open and close by sliding back and forth on tracks, and cabinet style doors that open and close like regular cabinet doors. Regardless of the the type doors you choose, the shape of the opening will be the determining factor on whether you will purchase a set of available stock fireplace doors or whether custom made doors will be necessary.

Once you have decided that fireplace doors would be a worthwhile investment, it's time to break out the tape measure and take a few measurements. You will need to know the height and width of the fireplace opening. Since fireplace construction is not always exactly perfect, measure the height of the opening in a couple of different places and the width of the opening in at least three places. Note the smallest of these measurements and you are now ready to head to the fireplace supply stores and begin shopping for your new fireplace doors. Once you are home with your new doors, installation is rather straight forward and well within the abilities of most homeowners using very basic tools.

There are just a couple of other things you need to consider when using fireplace doors. Optional mesh curtains or mesh doors allow for the full enjoyment of your fire's warmth with the doors safely open. If you're going to burn wood, we strongly recommend adding mesh. Also, if instead of burning wood in your fireplace, you have gas logs, the doors should always be open when the gas logs are being used. The burning gas produces moisture which can cause the doors to corrode if left closed. Following the tips in this article will allow you to purchase and enjoy that perfect set of fireplace doors, as well as save money and energy, for many, many years to come.

Aesthetic Elements in Residential Fireplace Designs

2009-09-28T08:42:00.001-07:00

Once the heating side of the equation is nailed down, it is time to address the aesthetic element. The first major decision involving the appearance in residential fireplace designs is the placement in the room. The vast majority of fireplaces are built in the center of an exterior wall, but your choices are not limited to this. You could choose to place the fireplace in a corner which is ideal for smaller homes. If your home is large enough, consider a multi-sided island fireplace. These can provide a four sided view and also radiate heat in all four directions making this a great choice for efficiency. A see through fireplace can separate two main rooms thus providing two fireplaces for the price of one. As you can see, there are choices for placement other than just the traditional placement on an outside wall and you should consider these before a final decision is made.

Next comes the most important aspect of the visual element of any fireplace. The material used to face the front of the fireplace can set the tone for the rest of your home decoration and allows for personal expression. Many homes built in the post World War II era, have the more traditional fireplaces faced with brick that matches the brick used on the exterior of the home. However, you have many choices other than brick. Some choose to just face their fireplace with smooth, painted sheet rock in order to match the walls in the rest of the room. This method can be utilized if you want the function of a fireplace but desire it to be less of a focal point. Another popular choice is stone. Some of the more dramatic fireplace designs I have seen are achieved with stone. There are many different shapes and sizes of stone and since it is a natural product, no two stones are alike thus resulting in a truly unique fireplace. Flat stone can be laid with the face of the stone exposed or with the edge exposed. If flat stones are not your style, look at the unique qualities of round stone which also make for an interesting fireplace design. In addition to stone, other natural products such as tile, marble and granite are used in many residential fireplace designs today. As you can see, there are many good choices for materials to use in the design of an individual's fireplace.

Okay, the hard part is over. Now we just need to decide on the mantle and the type of hearth and our fireplace design will be complete. Let's first address the hearth. The fireplace hearth allows for a couple of choices. You can have the hearth and firebox level with the floor which some say seems to make the fireplace less obtrusive in a room. Or the hearth can be built up which allows a place for you to sit and enjoy the warmth of that nice roaring fire. The last thing we need is a mantle. The mantle is not only decorative but also functional. It will be a place where family pictures are displayed and of course the Christmas stocking will be hung by the chimney with care. There are as many different kinds of mantles available as there are ideas, so take your time and choose a mantle that will compliment the other design elements of your fireplace.

Now that all the features of our fireplace have been decided upon, we just need to ensure we have a brick and stone mason that is experienced with fireplace and chimney construction. Contact your local building department and see if they can or will give you some recommendations on the best masons in your area. Otherwise, contact local builders. I am sure they will know the best of the best stone masons in your vicinity. If you take the time to research all the different fireplace elements available, you will find that residential fireplace designs are quite simple to envision and your plan will result in a fireplace you can enjoy for many years to come.

Heating Fuel Choices in Fireplace Designs

2009-09-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to find something more enjoyable than sitting beside a nice warm fire on a chilly, cloudy winter's day. And with today's many fireplace designs, the experience is even more enjoyable than ever. The design of a fireplace in most homes is generally dependent upon the style of the rest of the home or the function of the room it is in. Today's modern fireplaces range from contemporary to Victorian, modern, country and everything in between. If you can imagine it, it can most likely become reality.

When considering the design of a fireplace, you must remember that a fireplace consists of two separate functions. One being the heat element and the other being the fireplace designs visual element. The first decision made will usually be the type fuel it will utilize or the heating element. There are many primary forms of heat available for a home, such as a gas fired furnace or oil filled heater, that allow you to be less concerned with the type fuel in your fireplace. When I think of a fireplace, my first thought is the scent of burning wood. While some find that to be a very appealing smell, others would just as soon not have their clothing, curtains and other fabrics retain that lingering smell of smoke. Luckily, there are choices that can help with this issue. Other residential fireplace designs allow for the use of a vented or ventless gas fireplace, electric fireplaces that simulate the real thing or even a wood burning furnace.

While we know that seldom is anything ever as good as the real thing, these new gas log and electric fireplaces do a pretty doggone good job. In addition to their good looks they come with the benefit of not having to cut or buy wood year in and year out. Nor do you have to split or stack wood, carry it into the house and clean up the mess it makes. Once you consider all this, those electric and gas log fireplaces look even better.

Now that you know the type fuel to be used there are a few other necessary decisions to make about the heating side of your fireplace design. If you have chosen a gas log fireplace, you may choose to build a non-vented fireplace. While there are definite advantages to this type of application it also has it's drawbacks as well. One advantage of non-vented fireplace designs, and it is a major one, is the fact that you can place these in any room of the house and place them any where in the room. This, coupled with the other benefits I mentioned earlier, provide a compelling argument for installing gas logs along with a non-vented fireplace. However, before you make the final decision to go the non-vented route, know that once you do this, you can never go old school and burn wood.

If your decision involves the installation of a vented fireplace, you have another decision to make and that is in the type of vented fireplace to build. The two types are prefabricated and masonry fireplaces. While the prefabricated fireplace is cheaper to install, the masonry fireplace will likely last many more years. You may also consider a free standing fireplace. These are also available in many different styles. Whichever way you decide to go, professional installation is a must for this project as the actual construction of fireplace designs is likely outside the scope of abilities of even the most experienced do-it-yourself homeowner.

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2009-09-18T06:18:00.001-07:00

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Welcome to Pinpointe Fireplace Designs

2009-09-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by my fireplace designs blog and I hope you find the information provided here to be helpful. As a fireplace is the focal point of any room it occupies, you cannot overlook the importance of its beauty.

It is my intention to provide you with information and a few ideas that will help you as you consider the best residential fireplace designs for your home. If at anytime you feel the need for additional information, feel free to contact us at wetwaterfountains@gmail.com