Published on May 29th, 2020.
A stone Decorative Fireplace adds a rustic, solid appeal to any room’s décor. The Decorative Fireplace has long been a centerpiece for many homes. It serves as a gathering point, a place where the family comes together and shares some good cheer, a warm drink, a good story. When you add wood and make a fire, you have a place where you can sit for hours and just soak in the warmth. The Decorative Fireplace is so ingrained in our culture, that almost every home has one and many paintings depict family gatherings around it.
If you are not one of the lucky people who have a house with a Decorative Fireplace, never fear because there are so many options out there. You have a million choices regarding building materials and construction. If you get a contractor, be sure that they have experience and a good list of references and that they know how to deal with local codes and ordinances. One of the first choices you are likely to make is what type of configuration you want. You can choose a free standing unit which is set away from the walls, or you may choose a unit that is built into the wall. Typically, free standing units burn wood or coal and are made of cast iron and have an exhaust pipe which goes through the wall or ceiling to exhaust combustion fumes. The benefit of a free standing unit is the flexibility of moving it to another room or simply getting rid of it without any major demolition and modification to your home.
Most people don’t like the look of cast iron. Free standing units are now available in a huge variety of styles and colors and materials. You can get a unit that looks like an audio video cabinet. The flames are centered where a television would normally be and you are protected by glass doors and optionally a chain link barrier. The cabinet is finished in wood accents and even has storage for firewood underneath in an attractive alcove. The exhaust pipe is hidden by the top of the cabinet so it has a very neat appearance.
If you have a large home, you would normally opt for a stone Decorative Fireplace built into the wall. You can also have it finished in brick or marble or granite, any number of materials are suitable. Installation is much more involved than it would be for a free standing unit, but it is well worth the hassle and cost as your family will enjoy it for years to come. If you have a talented stone mason, they can craft a wonderful Decorative Fireplace and mantle. Some ideas include half-round tops, or the traditional rectangular opening. There is no limit to what you can build. Just make sure that you look at plenty of pictures. You can get some great ideas such as marble accents, statues, granite tops, cooking inserts, ventilation fans, etc. You can also have a gas line installed and burn gas instead of firewood. This can come in handy on a cold day when you run out of wood.
A stone Decorative Fireplace adds a rustic, solid appeal to any room’s décor. The Decorative Fireplace has long been a centerpiece for many homes. It serves as a gathering point, a place where the family comes together and shares some good cheer, a warm drink, a good story. When you add wood and make a fire, you have a place where you can sit for hours and just soak in the warmth. The Decorative Fireplace is so ingrained in our culture, that almost every home has one and many paintings depict family gatherings around it.
If you are not one of the lucky people who have a house with a Decorative Fireplace, never fear because there are so many options out there. You have a million choices regarding building materials and construction. If you get a contractor, be sure that they have experience and a good list of references and that they know how to deal with local codes and ordinances. One of the first choices you are likely to make is what type of configuration you want. You can choose a free standing unit which is set away from the walls, or you may choose a unit that is built into the wall. Typically, free standing units burn wood or coal and are made of cast iron and have an exhaust pipe which goes through the wall or ceiling to exhaust combustion fumes. The benefit of a free standing unit is the flexibility of moving it to another room or simply getting rid of it without any major demolition and modification to your home.
Most people don’t like the look of cast iron. Free standing units are now available in a huge variety of styles and colors and materials. You can get a unit that looks like an audio video cabinet. The flames are centered where a television would normally be and you are protected by glass doors and optionally a chain link barrier. The cabinet is finished in wood accents and even has storage for firewood underneath in an attractive alcove. The exhaust pipe is hidden by the top of the cabinet so it has a very neat appearance.
If you have a large home, you would normally opt for a stone Decorative Fireplace built into the wall. You can also have it finished in brick or marble or granite, any number of materials are suitable. Installation is much more involved than it would be for a free standing unit, but it is well worth the hassle and cost as your family will enjoy it for years to come. If you have a talented stone mason, they can craft a wonderful Decorative Fireplace and mantle. Some ideas include half-round tops, or the traditional rectangular opening. There is no limit to what you can build. Just make sure that you look at plenty of pictures. You can get some great ideas such as marble accents, statues, granite tops, cooking inserts, ventilation fans, etc. You can also have a gas line installed and burn gas instead of firewood. This can come in handy on a cold day when you run out of wood.
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Published on February 11th, 2011.
Modern fireplaces not just about heating the house, they are also about interior design. They are still functional and economical, but their aesthetic value has increased so much so that they can often be classified as art pieces. There are far more styles to choose from than there ever were before, and anyone, can find the perfect gas decorative fireplace for any home, be it large or small, urban or rural, and regardless of their particular sense of taste. In the past stone decorative fireplace surrounds were more for protecting the house from the flames and storing ambient heat, even if they were beautifully crafted, but the most contemporary decorative fireplaces can provide heat while also contributing to any interior design schematic. So much so, in fact, that they are often the primary fixtures in a room, and set a certain tone for the interior design schematic altogether.
Despite the availability of other materials, stone is still a popular material to build contemporary decorative fireplaces out of. The procedure for producing one of these modish modern stone decorative fireplaces generally involves four stages: design, construction, delivery and installation.
In designing contemporary decorative fireplaces the project commences with a basic design concept. Then a simple measured image is drawn up, which then is transformed into a life-size representation that permits a more detailed look at the moldings and the carving details so that more minute dimensions can be determined. After all of this information is ascertained, the details are sent to a stone mill, and the materials are ordered (10-ton blocks are commonly ordered as a starter piece, but each project will require something different). At this point a three dimensional representation of the drawing will be created. Some artists describe this process, which is the most time consuming part of the creation of modern decorative fireplaces as “finding” the sculpture inside the stone block. The drawings are transferred to the stone to the exact measurements, with specific adjustments made according to needs.
Then the images are shaped, and all the details are eventually carved out of the stone with specialized chisels, hammers and other tools. Then the pieces are shipped and delivered to wherever the fireplace is to be installed.
In the end the decorative fireplace is installed by a stone mason, who will connect the carved piece or pieces directly to the wall with specialized galvanized wall ties. The shaped stone pieces are usually connected together with bronze pins, the gaps filled in with mortar, and finally sealed with grout material. The whole process can take many days to complete, but the result is a magnificent custom modern decorative fireplace with a distinctive style.
Contemporary decorative fireplaces have increased in popularity because they double as functional industrial design-oriented heaters and interior design-oriented décor. They house real living flames that can be fueled by wood, gas, or other fuels. They are great sources of heat and enjoyment, and generally raise the value of the home by at least as much as they cost. They can be viewed either as functional art pieces or artistically-designed appliances, and are the ultimate marriage of the utilitarian and the aesthetic.
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Published on February 11th, 2011.
Once you’ve decided you would like a new decorative fireplace mantel, the hardest part is deciding if you want a stone, metal, or wood decorative fireplace mantel. Sometimes aesthetics are the most important issue to consider, sometimes you have to think about your budget as well, and every once in a while you have to take installation into consideration. Below are three popular mantel types and their strengths and weaknesses.
Stone Mantel
It is very easy to add a granite, marble, or slate facing to your fireplace. A contractor can help you do this easily or you can purchase a facing kit online. If you want a shelf in addition to a face surrounding your decorative fireplace. you should opt for wood, tempered glass, or even synthetic shelves. Stone shelves tend to be very heavy and may do damage to your wall if installed improperly. When you use stone only on the face of your decorative fireplace. the stone is cut very thin and you increase the area of your wall that supports the stone, putting less strain on your wall. If you have a contractor or have found a company that will design and install a custom decorative fireplace mantel for you, then the sky’s the limit. However, if you do have a budget to consider, you may want to look at more traditional options or invest in a synthetic shelf that looks like the stone of your choice.
Wood Fireplace Mantel
You have lots of choices if you are interested in a wood decorative fireplace mantel. Solid wood mantels are the best quality and have a tendency to age well. Although you will need a large budget for a solid wood mantel, they are very good investments if you know you will be in your home for a long time. More budget friendly wood mantels can be made of engineered wood, known as MDF, or have a wood veneer on them. Both are usually made to mimic solid wood. They can be very attractive and are usually very durable as well. Most engineered wood mantels don’t have a grain to them so they can be altered without damage to the mantel. Veneers are inexpensive when they are laid over less expensive materials, but when they are used to display a stunning grain pattern they can get pricey, so don’t assume that just because a mantel has veneer on it that it is cheap.
Metal Mantels
You usually see wrought iron, copper and/or bronze outdoor fire pits, but a metal accent to your mantel can be a very attractive way to enhance your living area as well. There are also very modern-looking all metal decorative fireplaces that burn ethanol fuel and do not need chimneys. If you love the look of a more old-fashioned decorative fireplace and still have your heart set on metal, a freestanding fireplace may be a good option for you. If you decide to put a metal face on your decorative fireplace or would like a metal shelf, remember that metal conducts heat and make sure to take precautions to insulate your decorative fireplace mantel from the fire it surrounds.
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Published on February 11th, 2011.
Adding a stone decorative fireplace to your backyard space provides warmth and elegance. While bonfires and chimneas are excellent starters, real stone fireplaces are more elegant, long lasting and they will likely increase the value of your home. Adding a real stone decorative fireplace to your patio will simply make it inviting. Additionally, a real fireplace is safer and longer lasting than chimneys or fire pits.
How can you obtain the elegance and richness of a stone fireplace at a reasonable price? The answer is thin veneer. Real stone veneer can be placed as a facing on fire worthy bricks or fire stones and nobody will guess you did not build the whole decorative fireplace with solid stones. Why? Well, simply because thin stone veneers are made with real stones. They are not cultured stones. This means they are more fire resistant, they resist chipping and fading. And even if they do get chipped, the color is solid right through the stone because they are real stones.
Why Add a Stone Fireplace to Your Outdoor Living Space?
Fireplaces can extend the seasons. With a cozy decorative fireplace you and your family and friends can spend cool spring evenings and late fall nights by a cozy fire outside. Just imagine drinking hot tea or cocoa, roasting marshmallows and eating s’mores by a real stone decorative fireplace in your outdoor living space. You’ll feel like you are indoors, all warm and toasty, yet you can enjoy the smells and sounds of the gorgeous outdoor evenings with your loved ones. Winter days can also be pleasant to spend by your outdoor stone decorative fireplace if you live in milder climates.
Cool summer nights can make wonderful dinner parties. A stone decorative fireplace can set the tone for the entire evening. Turn on some pleasant music and let the crackling of the fire draw your guests together. Or sit out in the quiet by yourself or with your loved ones and enjoy a quiet evening only interrupted by the gentle crackle of a real decorative fireplace. fire pits or chimneys, stone decorative fireplaces can be safer for friends and family to be around. Fire pits can be hazardous to small children while chimneys can be easily knocked over. However, a well built decorative fireplace with an iron screen can protect your family from sparks and while the stone walls can protect people from getting burned if they accidentally lean against it.
How To Use Natural Veneer
Natural thin stone veneer is used exactly like fake stones. Simply build a decorative fireplace with cheap fire bricks or fire stones according to the manufacturers directions. Then install the stone veneer on the outside of the structure. Nobody will be able to tell if you used 1 and ½ inch veneer or 10 inch stones. Your secret will be safe and your pocket book will be fatter.
Stone veneer comes in a wide variety of styles from square cuts, round cuts, and even natural looking stones. They cost a lot less to purchase and are easier to install than real decorative fireplace stones. You can choose form a variety of colors and textures too. They look like real stones because they are real stones quarried from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Arizona pits.
Stone veneer is shipped in easy to handle corrugated plastic boxes. They are just as easy to install and maintain as fake veneers. Simply prepare the surface, apply the mortar, then apply the stone and mortar in between.
Adding A Stone Fireplace
If you already have a decorative fireplace in your backyard or patio or even if you’ve been considering installing one, a natural thin stone veneer is the way to go. You won’t have to replace an old decorative fireplace simply “thin stone veneer it” instead.
But above all else, one of the greatest benefits is that you will have less work and less cost when you build a new decorative fireplace by using this stone. A natural stone decorative fireplace will add elegance, safety and a sense of class to your patio or backyard. Minimize your costs today by using natural thin stone veneer when you build your stone decorative fireplace. eplace.
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Published on February 10th, 2011.
Stone Fireplace fronts: Before you start to clean your decorative fireplace front, make sure that you lay newspaper or paper towels around the area. There is a very good chance that this will be messy. While cleaning the front, it is very important to start by soaking the stone in an all-purpose cleaner. This will allow the soap to penetrate the soot. Next use a softer brass brush to scrub the soot areas. You may need to add more cleanly as you go along, so a bucket is necessary. Scrub hard, but not hard enough to disturb the grout holding the stones in place. After you have finished scrubbing the soot, rinse and wipe down the area to ensure you do not leave a soapy residue. For tougher stains, it is recommended that you use a stone-cleaning chemical in minimal amounts.
Another method is by vacuuming or sweeping the entire fireplace and surrounding affected area out. It is very important to have the vacuum head about 1/2 inch from surface to avoid scratching. It is recommended to wear old clothes, rubber gloves, a baseball cap, a disposable paper dust mask, and safety goggles during this process, especially when removing any loose particles. Most importantly never start wiping down or rubbing this type of soil off with rags, or a black paste will smear and spread beyond your wildest imagination. Again be sure to place newspapers under affected surfaces during this process so excess soot can fall on it and be disposed of easily.
A third method, the simplest of the three, is to sprinkle salt on the affected area. Allow the salt to sit for at least 15 minutes. The salt will dig deep and losing some of the soot. Finish up this job by vacuuming the area, again with the vacuum head raised to avoid scratching.
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Published on February 10th, 2011.
The decorative fireplace is the heart of any room and something that we commonly establish the rest of the décor on. This is why several of us will do what we can to be sure that it is designed just the way that we wish.
The toughest thing about designing and building a new decorative fireplace is the amount we have to pay to do it. The materials are not low-priced and attempting to hire a professional so that it is done the right way just adds to the adding cost of everything. One of the strongest ways to avoid these costs is to use faux stone.
This is a kind of cultured, man made stone that appears just like the real material. During the 1960’s this would be utilized to accent certain aspects of the decorative fireplace – but many people were unhappy with how tacky it looked. Now though the material has been perfected and new techniques have made it both versatile and fascinating to utilize in any house. There are two ordinary types you can utilize, concrete and manufactured.
Manufactured Stone
Manufactured stone is the more popular because it might be utilized in both indoor and outdoor decorative fireplaces It has a different appearance that makes it appealing to utilize in contemporary houses. Though it is not real it looks like a mixture of limestone, marble, and travertine.
Concrete Stone
This is the most versatile of them all. Many individuals enjoy to utilize this kind of faux stone because it may be molded into any texture, size, color, and shape of the natural stone you need to have. It is light, lasting, and stronger than most materials. Most people prefer to use this in a rustic home.
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Published on February 9th, 2011.
If you want to transform the outdoor area of your home into a warm and friendly gathering place, then consider adding an outdoor stone decorative fireplace The beauty and elegance that this kind of decorative fireplace gives is simply incredible.
Stone decorative fireplaces made from natural stone or a number of other outdoor materials, make for the perfect area to entertain family or friends.
Stone is also the perfect material for an outdoor decorative fireplace. It’s fire retardant, strong, and extremely long lasting.
Other types of stone used with these types of decorative fireplaces include marble, sandstone, granite, stucco, and cast coral. You can even mix several of these materials together and use different sizes in designing your own one of a kind decorative fireplace for your home.
Another aspect of an outdoor stone decorative fireplace is its ability to withstand all types of weather conditions. From summer heat to the freezing winter temperatures these decorative fireplaces stand strong, making them the perfect compliment to a backyard pool or patio area.
You can find these outdoor decorative fireplaces in gas, electric or of course, wood burning. Is there anything better than tossing another log onto the fire while sitting around with friends? While wood burning decorative fireplaces are the least expensive, gas fireplaces also make for good choices.
You can find all types of outdoor decorative fireplaces from prefabricated to masonry, among many others as well. But nothing can compare to the durability and beauty that comes with an outdoor stone fireplace. Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.
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Published on February 9th, 2011.
Stone Fireplace Tiles gained immense popularity in recent years by home-makers. These natural panels give you the opportunity to provide your home interior and exterior the natural-yet-luxurious look you’ve always wanted. If you search for new ideas about easy do-it-yourself tiling options – read the following article.
Some basics
What is the secret of Stone Fireplace Tiles redecoration? It is the fact that it is actually based on a collection of unified small flat stones manually and carefully attached onto a mesh backing of 12″ by 12″ size. If you already had the chance to visit the exotic island of Bali – Indonesia, you’ll probably notice that most of these tiles are made of Bali beach stones. You can practically tile anywhere and for any purpose: Shower bases, bathroom walls & floors (including sink walls), kitchen walls, borders, patio floorings, decorative fireplaces and even swimming pools and decks.
What is in it for us?
By using this quick solution we gain the following:
* Can be used for dry surfaces as well as wet surfaces such as shower flooring or as a sink backsplash.
* It can easily be adjusted to very small / narrow surfaces where other fixed size tiles such as conventional ceramic tiles can’t.
* Easy to be cleaned and maintained.
Tips to go!
* Most recommended grout is sanded grout – it is suitable for both internal and external use.
* When you prepare the grout avoid adding too much water in the initial mix – that additional water can result in weak grout that can flake.
* Laminate the stones with a sealer prior to installation – it’ll protect it from liquids, dirt and detergents transforming it even more durable.
We could easily find many other advantages provided by this popular and easy home improvement alternative simply because it offers countless opportunities for professional and unprofessional installers whether they decorate at home or in the office.
On the bottom line
It may be surprising but Stone Fireplace Tiles installation is quite fun and relaxing, it requires no special physical or technical effort on your side. For a successful installation it is advised to use the following tips & advices just before you start installing.
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Published on February 9th, 2011.
We live in a world of information technology whose presence can be found anywhere, and stone decorative fireplace designs are no exceptions. A decorative fireplace used to pursue incredibly simple and down-to-earth functions in the past. However, an emerging concern over natural resources such as wood and coal persuaded manufacturers to try innovative designs. Today, you have multiple stone decorative fireplace designs, with a great variety of fuel options.
- Wood – Wooden fireplaces are not used extensively these days because of their poor burning efficiency. However, it is still a great option for suburban homes, where these can be found effortlessly. This makes burning wood quite inexpensive.
- Coal – Coal based stone decorative fireplace designs are capable of producing sufficient heat and this is why many people are inclined to using them. The price of coal is largely dependent on the availability of the same in your local area. Coal is very cheap in some places while it can be expensive in other locations.
- Gas – Gas propelled decorative fireplaces are known for their inexpensive nature. It’s very easy for the user to refill gas propelled decorative fireplaces because a good number of companies are offering gas refilling services.
- Pellet – Wooden pellets are the latest talk in town. Compared to the traditional stone decorative fireplace designs, these ones come with great features such as integrated circuits. The micro-processor will determine how much pellets are required for generating sufficient heat. Wooden Pellets are also known for their energy efficiency. The energy efficiency can be attributed to its compressed structure and IC powered fuel burner.
These are the four types of stone decorative fireplace designs, based on the fuel they use. Based on your convenience and inclination towards technology, you can choose one model that matches your requirements. Gas and pellet decorative fireplaces top the list in terms of their ability to perform better.
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Published on February 8th, 2011.
When it comes to all of the different types of decorative fireplaces available to you, the stone decorative fireplace design is one of the most popular. A big reason why this design is so popular is because a stone fireplace can look traditional as well as contemporary. If you have been thinking about installing a decorative fireplace in your house, stone is your best option because the look of it never goes out of style. Of course, there are a few things you will need to think about when deciding upon whether this type of decorative fireplace design is right for you.
The first thing you need to think about is whether the stone you will use is going to be functional or merely decorative. Your home’s fireplace will have to be built according to local building codes. Naturally, most all of these building codes involve a fire box. The fire box is what contains the fireplace which means that it will not be built from stone, but the outside of the decorative fireplace (the hearth and the walls surrounding it) can be constructed using stone (or materials that give the look of stone).
If you are set upon having a decorative fireplace that uses stones, to build the inside of the decorative fireplace your only option is to build the decorative fireplace outside. Fire codes usually don’t allow stone fire boxes inside a home. Of course, there are plenty of fire box construction materials that can be manipulated to look like stone. If you have questions about this, ask the person who will be building and installing your decorative fireplace and see what options are available to you.
You should also take your location into consideration when deciding whether or not stone fireplace designs are right for your home. There are some areas that won’t offer you the stones you desire that will give you the look you are going for. Believe it or not, there are parts of the world in which stone is considered a novelty! If you live in an area where building things from stone is not common, you can have them shipped to you, but because of its weight, the shipping costs involved in this are usually expensive. If at all possible, consider using stone in your local area (if applicable). This could end up saving you a large sum of money.
Make sure you check your local building codes before attempting to build a decorative fireplace entirely from stone. Read through all of the regulations that surround this type of design installation. Outdoor decorative fireplaces usually enjoy more leniency than indoor fireplaces but make sure you do your research before committing to your project. This will keep you on the right track.
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