Fireplace Hearth Designs Extend the Beauty of a Fireplace

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.

A Glass Fireplace Enclosure Saves Energy

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.