Saturday, December 29, 2007

Rock Fireplaces Can Add Beauty To Any Home

Rock fireplaces hearken to a time when uniform bricks where not always available. Beautiful by design, these fireplaces have a long tradition of being the option of choice in homes all around the world.
Unlike their brick counterparts, rock fireplaces can work very well in a number of different settings. These designs can be made to look very upscale and "expensive," or they can be crafted to offer a more down-home rustic feel. Those who choose to add rock fireplaces to their home's design will find they have a few options available to them. These include:
Real rock: Real rock fireplaces are generally very expensive, but when they are created correctly they will last for a lifetime and beyond. Many of these fireplaces made hundreds of years ago still handle fires very well and require little maintenance beyond normal cleaning and minor repairs. The pricing involved in real rock comes from the difficulty in finding the right materials and ensuring they are properly cut to create a fireplace.
Fake rock: This is an option that has come and gone in popularity, but the truth is it can be the more affordable way to go. Faux rock fireplaces give the illusion of real rock and they can be rather sturdy by design without costing nearly as much.
Anyone wanting to add a rock fireplace to their home will find they have a few hoops to go through. In most regions, the addition of a fireplace to a house is considered a structural change. Inasmuch, an actual architectural design will likely be required along with a building permit. Inspections, too, will likely follow to ensure the rock fireplaces added have not made the home structurally unsound or unsafe.
Despite some government imposed hurdles, many homeowners choose to add rock fireplaces to older homes and even include them in the original designs of new construction. These creations can add a sense of "home" to a house that few other features can.
The options to actually add a rock fireplace to a house really present in only two fashions. They are:
Contractor: Hiring a contract to add a fireplace to a house can add to the expense involved, but it can also give peace of mind. When a masonry expert does the work, it will generally be guaranteed, which is always a good thing. Plus, these folks know how to handle the permitting process and other things that might be required to ensure the construction is within the code.
Self: Do it yourselfers can and do create rock fireplaces. Many times they will use fake rock to keep the expenses down, but it's a good idea to still ensure all permitting that might be required is taken care of in advance.
Rock fireplaces offer a certain charm that goes beyond brick. By creating a homey feel or an upscale feel, these fireplaces add warmth and even value to a home.
For more information on fireplaces, try visiting http://www.fireplacechoices.com - a website that specializes in providing fireplace related tips, advice and resources including information on rock fireplaces.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Lloyd

Outdoor Stone Fireplaces - The Perfect Gathering Place

If you want to transform the outdoor area of your home into a warm and friendly gathering place, then consider adding an outdoor stone fireplace. The beauty and elegance that this kind of fireplace gives is simply incredible.
Stone 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 fireplace. It's fire retardant, strong, and extremely long lasting.
Other types of stone used with these types of 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 fireplace for your home.
Another aspect of an outdoor stone fireplace is its ability to withstand all types of weather conditions. From summer heat to the freezing winter temperatures these fireplaces stand strong, making them the perfect compliment to a backyard pool or patio area.
You can find these outdoor 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 fireplaces are the least expensive, gas fireplaces also make for good choices.
You can find all types of outdoor 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.
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Discover more about an Outdoor Stone Fireplace as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces at http://www.FireplacesA-z.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Corner Fireplaces Offer The Enjoyment Of A Real Fire Minus The Smoke

Corner fireplaces are those fireplaces that have a standard firebox and mantel fitted diagonally into a corner of the room. They are very much like the standard fireplaces that have been used for the past five or six centuries, but have been given the name corner fireplaces to distinguish them from the other styles of fireplaces in the market today.
Usually installed in rooms with limited wall space and other space restrictions, Corner fireplaces are available in a variety of different sizes, models and colors. This provides home owners with a wider range of choice and enables them to choose the fireplace that will blend in to their homes the best.
In some instances, home owners request the fireplace be modified by being lengthened diagonally to fit the length of the wall.
Other than the standard version, corner fireplaces also come in a number of uncommon designs. There is the corner fireplace with two sides of glass placed in a corner, the Island Fireplace which has four sides of glass and the Peninsula Fireplace which has three sides of glass with two sides being longer than the third.
Like the Peninsula fireplace, the Bay fireplace is also built into a corner using three sides of glass. The difference between them lies in the varying lengths of glass used in their construction. The Peninsula model has two glass sides that are longer than the third. The Bay model uses two glass sides that are shorter than the third.
There are also electric corner fireplaces that can be plugged into any standard household electric outlet. Mostly designed for the purpose of creating an ambiance, electric corner fireplaces do, however, also have a heat setting that heats up a room quite nicely.
Unfortunately, as beautiful and tempting as electric corner fireplaces may be, it is always advisable to have another form of heating available in case of a power outage, especially in the cold winter months. Corner Gel fireplaces are also available as a portable indoor fireplace option. These can be moved easily and quickly from one place to another.
Corner fireplaces continue to be popular due to their similarity to traditional fireplaces. They offer owners the enjoyment of a real fire minus the smoke, fumes, ashes and other inconveniences.
Fireplaces, and especially corner fireplaces that are strategically placed in an out of the way corner of the room, always provide a cosy corner for a chat, a romantic tete a tete or a quiet read. This may explain why they have withstood the test of time and continue to be popular in society today.
Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Fireplaces for Years. For More Information on Corner Fireplaces, Visit His Site at Corner Fireplaces
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Muna_Wa_Wanjiru

Home Is Where The Hearth Is - Electric Fireplaces For Today's Home

A fireplace beautifully creates an instant ambiance that's warm and inviting. But what if you don't have one or live in an apartment? Today's market offers a range of alternatives that allows you to enjoy the benefits of a classic wood burning fire without time-consuming and costly maintenance. To create a welcoming atmosphere in your home, one convenient and easy-to-use option is the electric fireplace.
Electric fireplaces are generally easy to install, and depending on the type selected, can be as simple as plugging it in. Unlike other types of fireplaces, they don't need venting, attachments or hook-ups. Designed to imitate a wood-burning fire, electric fires have flames that flicker and appear to vary in color. And since they use electricity, they don't emit sparks, smoke or have to have soot and creosote buildup removed.
Electric fireplaces fall into two basic categories: the kind that fits into an existing hearth, usually referred to as an insert, and ones that are stand-alone and include a mantle and screen. If you no longer use an existing fireplace, inserts are an ideal solution. They come in variety of styles and are designed to transform an unused hearth into a place to enjoy a cozy fire. Most models of inserts are easy to install.
Stand-alone electric fireplaces are also designed to resemble wood burning ones, and depending on the style, will usually include a mantle and screen. Esthetically pleasing, they create a focal point in the room, as well as a suitable place to display treasured mementos, artwork and other items that make a room homey.
Since you can virtually set them up anywhere there is a power source, electric fireplaces are portable. This characteristic makes them ideal for apartments and condominiums. Should you decide that you no longer want it in the room you originally put it, you can easily relocate it. Typically, they generate heat and can be a practical secondary heat source in your home. They usually operate much like a space heater and are safer to use. They can feature options and controls that allow you to regulate the flame, brightness and amount of heat emitted.
Electric fireplace are available in many styles, from contemporary to transitional to traditional. They can be detailed to resemble a built-in fireplace, with classic design features like corbels, faux brick surrounds and granite mantel tops. Construction materials are typically wood and metal or a combination of both.
Many models include architectural elements such as bookcases, curio cabinets and even home theaters. When decorating an apartment or condo with an electric fireplace, you can make the most of your space by adding storage and display functions to the unit. An electric fireplace that incorporates a home theater typically features shelves, a place for the television and cabinets for multi-media components.
What kind of effect would you like to achieve? Wall mounted electric fireplaces have the look and feel of a fire, but with the dramatic impact of a work of art. They have the added benefit of appearing to float above the ground.
Want a fireplace but think you won't have enough space? Consider a corner fireplace. It will add warmth to your room, while utilizing corner floor space that might otherwise be unused. Perfect for creating a cozy nook to sit and relax after a long day.
Just because you live in an apartment or a house that doesn't have a chimney, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the comfort of a fireplace in your home. With all the different kinds to choose from, you're sure to find an electric fireplace the will perfectly suit your lifestyle.
For more information on electric fireplaces, please visit http://www.MoreFireplaces.com
Heather E. Brown is a contract writer, currently working as a Marketing Associate for online furniture distributor CymaxStores Inc
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_E._Brown

Basement Fireplaces

What better way to turn your basement from a dingy dungeon into a cuddly escape than by adding a fireplace to the space? A fireplace adds both physical and emotional warmth to a space, making it feel more inviting. The flicker of flames is soothing, its gently glowing ambient light casting a soothing lull over a space.
In a basement natural light tends to be lacking, due to the rooms location recessed in the ground. However the ever changing waves of a fireplace create a natural light focal point, which can actually turn the dim nature of this space into a cozy and private effect.
When choosing a fireplace for your basement, there are a number of things you have to consider. Gas or wood burning stoves / fireplaces are going to require some sort of venting apparatus. This can include a chimney, but is often as simple as hanging a tube out of a small hole or window.
Alternatively, electric fireplaces generally don't require anything except a plug. They can simulate the look of a real fire relatively well, and they can even give off heat in whatever amount you like. The only problem with electric fireplaces is that they tend to have a shelf life, which is determined on the model you choose, and when they break, they are expensive to get repaired.
Another consideration when installing a fireplace in a basement is water damage. Basements in some areas are subject to occasional floods. An electric fireplace can be hazardous if it is left plugged in when a flood unexpectedly occurs. For this reason, you should leave the fireplace unplugged whenever you are not physically using it, and you should try and keep it in a place that is at least a little bit elevated.
To make this easier you may want to consider having a switch installed which cuts off the power to the plugs in the room whenever you turn it off.
Article provided by pebblez.com where you can find a unique selection of timepieces carved from natural slate, sandstone, travertine, and marble.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Slate

Small Fireplaces - Gel Fuel, Electric, Wall Mounted or Digital?

Although most of today's homes no longer rely on a fireplace for heating purposes, they are still in high demand. Fireplaces will always have a special allure. The vision of cozying up in front of a roaring fire, mug of hot chocolate in hand, while snow falls gently outside the window or sitting in front of a rippling fire while you and your beloved spend a romantic evening together are two appealing scenarios that may come to mind when thinking of a fireplace. If you live in a small home, apartment or condominium, you may not have the luxury of a built-in fireplace. However, today you can purchase a fireplace that would fit into even the smallest of spaces. There are various options to choose from.
These include:
Virtual/Digital fireplaces
Compact fireplaces
Wall-mounted fireplaces
Tabletop fireplaces
Whether your style leans more toward modern, contemporary or anywhere in-between, one of the above-mentioned fireplaces would suite it perfectly.
Electric or Gel Fuel Fireplaces
When looking into purchasing a fireplace for your small space, you will discover that some use gel fuel and others electric. The advantages are both are eco-friendly, do not require venting or special hook-ups and are clean and odor-free. However, you may want to consider the cost and convenience of both before making a particular small space fireplace purchase.
Gel Fuel
Each gel fuel can lasts approximately 3 hours. They come in a case of twenty-four and cost $65 on average. By doing the calculations, it can be determined that one case of gel fuel will last around 72 hours. Due to the cost, most retailers will inform you that small fireplaces that run on gel fuel are mainly for decorative purposes rather than heating.
Electric
The advantage of purchasing a small fireplace that runs on electricity is the ease of use. It is also unnecessary to spend your valuable time (not to mention gas), to make trips to the store to get what is required to keep the fireplace going. The disadvantage is that your electric bill may increase significantly. However, this can be remedied by monitoring the amount of time the fireplace is in use.
Virtual/Digital Fireplaces for Small Spaces
Many may not consider a virtual fireplace as a serious fireplace option. However, before it is written off completely, it should be noted that today's technology has brought the virtual fireplace a long way from the mock fireplaces of yesteryear. Today's virtual fireplaces are basically a DVD that you put into your television or personal computer that creates a realistic illusion of a crackling fire. The DVD loops around and plays continuously until you turn it off.
Depending on your expectations, you may find yourself disappointed either by the quality of the video or that it is just not "real" enough for you. However, a virtual fireplace is perfect for small spaces. If you have room for a television or computer, you are already one step closer to having a fireplace. It may only be a facsimile of the real thing, but it is worth looking into if you have limited space and you want to add an ambiance of romance or the warm cozy feel that a real fireplace adds to any room.
Compact Fireplaces Made for Small Spaces
A normal size fireplace is around 40-50 inches wide. Those in the range of 25-35 inches wide would classify as a compact or small fireplace. Most traditional fireplaces are available only in floor models. Compact fireplaces are wonderful space savers as many are designed as corner units.
Wall-Mounted Fireplaces Perfect for Small Spaces
Wall-mounted fireplaces obviously take up no floor space. For that reason alone, a wall-mounted fireplace would be considered the ultimate in space saving design. If your style in décor is traditional, you may have difficulty finding a wall-mounted fireplace to suite your taste as most have a contemporary look and feel. However, as wall-mounted fireplaces increase in popularity, it is probable that the selection will grow offering more variety in design.
Tabletop Fireplaces Uniquely Designed for Small Spaces
Tabletop fireplaces are in one word "unique". If you are not wanting a floor model or wall-mounted fireplace, but you desire a small fireplace that is not only fun, but also out of the ordinary, then a tabletop fireplace may be just what you are searching for.
From a smokeless glass-fire tabletop fireplace made specifically to enhance the view of the dancing flames to a contemporary tabletop fireplace with stainless steel logs mounted on a slate base, these small scale fireplaces are miniature works of art that are bound to be great conversation starters.
Today, there are various options to choose from to have a cozy romantic fireplace in even the smallest of spaces. From compact, wall-mounted, tabletop, to a virtual/digital fireplace, there is sure to be one to suite any home or even office décor.
Tameka Norris has been living in small spaces since she was 10 years old. She now runs a website titled Furniture for Small Spaces to help people who go through the same frustrating circumstance of trying to make big bulky furniture fit in places that barely offer enough room. She offers nifty tips and tactics, a Q & A section for people in need of answers, photos of her own small space trials, projects for the DIYer and recommendations on furniture choices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tameka_Norris