Create a stunning focal point for your home; ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

AS darker nights approach, our thoughts turn to pulling on the curtains and settling down in front of a cosy fire.

If the focal point of your sitting room is in need of an update, now is a great time to take a look at fires and fireplaces and organise a date for installation before cooler days arrive in autumn and winter.He said: "We take care of everything from start to finish with our team of experienced fire and fireplace installers.'' Liam, who has worked in the industry for a number of years before setting up on his own, says his priority is always to meet the specific needs of his customers."Whether you want a focal point, an efficient fireplace to heat your room, or a combination of both, Yorkshire Stoves & Fireplaces will aim to provide you with a solution,'' he said.You can always use a fireplace mantel to define whom we are just among the decorations that are acquire on it. No matter what you do with yours, it is guaranteed to set up the look as well as feel that you want. It is recommended that the do-it-yourselfer be experienced and not a novice. It is also effective to remember that not all fireplace mantels can be attached with screws and bolts. There are specific glues on the market that are made just for fireplaces. These are participating at any support store.For a great choice of stoves, fires and fireplaces, it's well worth taking a look at the newly opened Yorkshire Stoves & Fireplaces in Leeds Road, Huddersfield.A range of about 30 fires and stoves are always on display in the Leeds Road showroom along with a range of fireplaces in various designs using marble, wood, granite and limestone.CAPTION(S):The showroom is situated next to the Topps Tiles showroom and there is customer parking outside.Yorkshire Stoves & Fireplaces also stocks contemporary hole-in-the-wall fire designs.Many hang paintings above the fire place, when it comes to many cases a painting of a field on a warm summer day is hanging above the mantel with family photos when it plays a part in old-world frames on the mantel completes the warm cozy feeling of the room. For others, having new age d�cor is more the style that they want.There are many different odds and ends that you can do with a fireplace mantel. It all depends on the individual tastes of the homeowner. Fireplace mantels are to be found made of different materials as well as various methods. Many different cultures have contributed to fireplace mantels. Greek, Roman as well as even Italian are a few of the various methods to opt from.Liam said: "At the moment stoves are really popular, mainly because they are multi-fuel and will burn coal or wood etc. Homeowners are buying them to save money as gas prices continue to rise.'' Products and services offered by Liam and his team also include repair and service of gas fires and stoves, repair of stone fireplaces, surveys, advice and consultation, fireguards and bespoke fireplaces.Having a fireplace and mantel, the holidays can be an markedly joy time. This will make possible you to decorate according to the season, when it plays a part in fun innovative decorations as well as ideas. Of course, Christmas is the greatest enjoyment holiday to decorate your mantel. You can use lights and hang Christmas stockings, but for the mantel, you can lay out boughs of holly and seasonal flowers can add a joy festive seek to your room.

Liam Clough (pictured) at the new Leeds Road showroom and below examples of the stoves, fires and fireplaces now on display

Fireplace Mantels Basics

Think of a nice home when it plays a part in the winter time as well as you will find that a warm cozy living room with a fireplace is almost always included when it plays a part in the picture. A stone fireplace with the perfect mantel completes this lovely home picture almost every time. Once you think of what you need for the mantel, different people have different ideas.

co.uk for more information.Liam Clough (pictured) at the new Leeds Road showroom and below examples of the stoves, fires and fireplaces now on displayOpened by Liam Clough just over a month ago, the showroom is already attracting a lot of interest from local homeowners keen to find a new focal point for their home.One thing that may be a huge factor in deciding which fireplace is right for you will be the rates. Fireplace mantel are to be found extremely expensive. Stone and wood fireplace mantels embark on at here and there seven hundred dollars for just a bare, basic mantel. When you add when it comes to the details that you are looking for, it can result when it plays a part in a bill of several thousand dollars. There is an following to this enormous expense. There are fireplace mantel kits on the open market that make possible the do-it-yourselfer to acquire the fireplace mantel of their dreams. The kits advance at about two hundred as well as fifty dollars.For those who want a rustic look, stone and concrete fireplaces are also available. The superior expensive of all fireplace mantels is marble. This material adds a uniquely blunt appearance to any room. There are so many choices at this point for a fireplace mantel that actually making the choice will be difficult, as well as time consuming.

You can always use a fireplace mantel to define whom we are just among the decorations that are acquire on it. No matter what you do with yours, it is guaranteed to set up the look as well as feel that you want. It is recommended that the do-it-yourselfer be experienced and not a novice. It is also effective to remember that not all fireplace mantels can be attached with screws and bolts. There are specific glues on the market that are made just for fireplaces. These are participating at any support store.

Author: Daniel Roshard

Owning the Perfect Electric Fireplace with Heater

Choosing an electric fireplace with heater can be a lot of fun, because there are a lot to choose from. But there are a few things you'll need to consider before you make that actual purchase. The first thing is always make sure you read all the warnings before plugging one in.

Wood-burning Fireplace InsertsStylishly and conveniently updating an older fireplace, gas fireplace inserts use decorative logs and gas jets to suffuse a room with radiant heat. These fireplace inserts can be fueled through your home�s natural gas line or a propane tank (which are also available in varying sizes from smaller propane tanks to large tanks stored underground). Choices abound when it comes to gas fireplace inserts, with options on everything from venting (vent-free, natural vent and direct vent fireplace inserts are available) to blaze preference. For instance, if a yellow flame hearkens back to the hearth of your childhood, a ceramic fiber log set will create luxurious radiant heat with a gorgeous glow and realistic flame. Not that particular? Try the less expensive concrete gas log set and get set for a comfortable haven of warmth.Choosing the Right Fireplace Insert

Keep in mind even though this is an electric fireplace with heater you should still be careful around it. Make sure you never have water lying around it and don't allow your children to play with it. Find out if your electric fireplace with heater turns itself off or if you need this option. You don't want to find out the hard way. Adding an electric fireplace with heater to your home doesn't mean large electric bills. It means adding warmth, fun, and beauty. Who knows, you may like them so much that you come back for a couple more if you really like them.

Author: Jon Malech

Fireplace Design - A Real Burning Issue

Mantlepiece and grate styles have altered but the basic structural elements of a fireplace have not radically changed for hundreds of years. The early combination of a large stone or brick opening with a chimney built over it evolved from the obvious fact that smoke rises, rather than from a scientific understanding of how a well-designed flue system works. Consequently early wood and later coal-burning fires were very inefficient and it was not until a certain Benjamin Thompson (also known as Count Rumford) produced his thesis on the principles of fireplace design in 1799 that smaller grates and improvements in the internal shape of the openings were introduced.

A hearth, constructed from non-combustible materials such as stone or tile-faced concrete, projects out into the room to protect the floor from falling ashes. In most old houses the hearth was set flush with the floor, although sometimes a superimposed one was used to raise the level. The space within the fireplace opening, known as the back hearth, is usually level with the hearth itself. A dog grate for burning wood or coal can be placed on this back hearth. However, by the mid-nineteenth century the mass produced cast-iron register grate which filled the opening, had become the fashion.What is a Fireplace Insert, Anyway?If you can, ask around and read as many reviews as you can about the electric fireplace with heater before going out and getting it. Don't just buy the first one you see, it might not be worth the money. If you have any questions, try asking a manager if they can help you. Make sure you know exactly what you are looking for. Do you want one that has a fire or one that is fake? If you live in a hot climate you can get one that looks like the real thing but doesn't send off heat. If you want an electric fireplace that doesn't have to have real flames, you can order a Dimplex fireplace. With a Dimplex fireplace you'll be able to buy that electric fireplace with heater and never have to actually burn a log. The Dimplex gives off a 3D version of a log burning fireplace while releasing heat through a heater.Fireplace inserts are steel or cast iron fireboxes that are fitted directly into your original fireplace. Fronted by self-cleaning safety glass, fireplace inserts draw and exhaust heat and fumes through the original chimney or via a pipe directly vented through an exterior wall. Fireplace inserts are safer and more efficient than traditional fireplaces because combustible air is drawn into the firebox through one pipe, and toxic fumes are vented back outside through another. The resulting heat is forced back into the room�sans toxic fumes�via vents in the front, creating a more efficient heating system.

Within this fireplace an open fire burning wood or coal is a cheerful sight, but if it is your only source of heat, as it was for centuries, this romantic image can soon fade especially if the fire does not burn properly. Getting a fire started and keeping it alight then becomes a challenge, if not a chore. For wood and coal fires to burn well a good supply of air is needed under the grate, as well as a means of escape for the hot gases and smoke. With the fuel safely contained within the fireplace opening on a grate, free circulation of air is possible and waste ash can fall through the grate so the fire is not stifled. If the chimney is inadequate or the flow of air is restricted the fire will not function effectively.

Author: Richard Banks

Fireplace Inserts: Better Efficiency, Cleaner Air

Fireplace inserts do more than breathe new life into an old, wood-burning fireplace. Fireplace inserts also provide cleaner air in your home and create a more efficient heating system, helping reduce energy bills in the face of today�s skyrocketing gas prices.

An electric fireplace with heater can be just as romantic as a real wood burning fireplace if you give it a chance. Set the room up for a romantic night, plug in or turn on your electric fireplace and add a bit of music to the room. Turn the lights down low and bring in the dining room table and a setting for two. Toss out a blanket on the floor with pillows in front of the fireplace and enjoy the night.Keep in mind even though this is an electric fireplace with heater you should still be careful around it. Make sure you never have water lying around it and don't allow your children to play with it. Find out if your electric fireplace with heater turns itself off or if you need this option. You don't want to find out the hard way. Adding an electric fireplace with heater to your home doesn't mean large electric bills. It means adding warmth, fun, and beauty. Who knows, you may like them so much that you come back for a couple more if you really like them.It�s not all gas and wood when it comes to fueling your new fireplace insert. Fuel pellets made from compressed sawdust are available for wood-burning fireplace inserts. You can buy heating pellets in bulk, making it easier to budget for your heating costs in advance. Pellet fuel also emits the lowest amount of smoke emissions, according to the HPBA, and is available from specialty and home improvement retailers. If compressed sawdust isn�t for you, coal is another option for fueling your new fireplace insert. Also according to the HPBA, anthracite coal is the most commonly used in supplemental heating, and is a low-cost, readily available fuel for wood-burning fireplaces.A brick or stone enclosure forms the basis of the fireplace. Variously known as the fireplace opening or recess or builders opening, it may be set flush with the wall or built out into the room, forming a chimney breast. This chimney breast rises through the height of the house, emerging through the roof to form a chimney stack. At the top of the opening the gather and flue combine to carry the smoke up the chimney. If the chimney is shared by several fireplaces on different floors, it may contain more than one flue.Have plenty of time for maintenance? No time at all? Want ambiance, not heat? Ask yourself these and other questions before deciding on which fireplace insert to install. Then talk to the fireplace insert specialists at Brick-Anew to help determine the fireplace insert that fits your maintenance level, style, heat output needs and fuel availability. Complete your new fireplace insert with Brick-Anew�s fireplace screens, tools and accessories, and even give your existing masonry a total makeover with Brick-Anew�s patent-pending brick remodeling system. Then lie back in front of your roaring fire and say, �Now that�s a fireplace.�The masonry over the fireplace opening is supported by a lintel or a brick arch. Old inglenook fireplaces used massive oak beams, whereas a strong iron strap usually supports an early brick arch. Later fireplaces may have a straight arch supported by angle iron, and by the twentieth century cast concrete lintels were the norm.Still crave the crackle of a real wood fire? Want a fireplace insert with low-cost fuel? An EPA-certified wood-burning fireplace insert can create a blaze contained within a firebox that uses a glass door rather than a single, permanently sealed glass front. These inserts create a less smoky atmosphere than their traditional wood-burning counterparts while still radiating plenty of heat efficiently. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association, wood-burning fireplace inserts generate nearly 65 percent more heat than traditional fireplaces and cut smoke emissions by nearly 90 percent. An added bonus: wood-burning fires can provide warmth and light when a power or gas line goes down.To complete the assembly, a mantelpiece or mantel � or fireplace surround, as it is often called today � is fitted to frame the grate or fireplace opening. The mantel may be constructed from stone, slate, marble, wood or cast iron. The walls around it may be finished with wood paneling, or more commonly with plaster, and in some cases the mantel extends upwards to form an impressive chimneypiece. Mirrored overmantels were introduced in the late eighteenth century, and these became the classic feature of Victorian sitting rooms.Fireplace Insert Fuel Options

Have plenty of time for maintenance? No time at all? Want ambiance, not heat? Ask yourself these and other questions before deciding on which fireplace insert to install. Then talk to the fireplace insert specialists at Brick-Anew to help determine the fireplace insert that fits your maintenance level, style, heat output needs and fuel availability. Complete your new fireplace insert with Brick-Anew�s fireplace screens, tools and accessories, and even give your existing masonry a total makeover with Brick-Anew�s patent-pending brick remodeling system. Then lie back in front of your roaring fire and say, �Now that�s a fireplace.�

Author: Sam Wilhoit

Fireplace Mantles or Fireplace Mantels?

Technically, using the word mantle instead of mantel for your fireplace is still correct. In architecture, you can use both terms to describe a shelf protruding from the wall above your fireplace, although mantel is the more common usage. Because the word mantle has so many other meanings it makes it easier when you are searching the internet to find websites that will help answer your questions about your home if you search for "fireplace mantel" instead of "fireplace mantle."

Most people only think about fireplace mantel d�cor during the winter holidays, when they're likely to pull out all the stops to make it gorgeous. But why decorate your mantel for one month of the year and leave it bland the rest of the time? Your fireplace is a focal point of the living room, and the mantel should be decorated accordingly.In addition to the fireplace mantel itself, the largest d�cor elements will be the fireplace screen and tool set. Those two elements should complement the mantel as well as the overall look of the room. Once you have those in place, you can begin to choose the d�cor items to hang above the mantel or set inside the fireplace.Because mantle has many other meanings, you will find it on lots of other websites that have little to do with your home. Mantle, at its simplest, means anything that covers, such as a "mantle of frost" or a "mantle of dust." Science websites use the term mantle often because it is also the word for the layer between the core and the crust of the Earth and comprises about 70% of the Earth's volume. Because mantle and mantel are interchangeable in architecture, it's easier for home oriented websites to use mantel.Fireplace Mantel D�cor and AccessoriesTips for Fireplace MantelsFireplace AccessoriesWhy "Fireplace Mantles" can be Confusing* Finding - Knowing what you're looking for can help you narrow down your search for a fireplace mantel. You have a wide range of options, including stone fireplace mantels, wood fireplace mantels, rustic fireplace mantels, antique fireplace mantels, and more. Make sure that the style of your mantel complements your d�cor. Do not purchase a regular shelf to hang above your fireplace, as it may not be able to withstand the heat from the fire below.* Decorating - The most important thing to remember when decorating your fireplace mantel is to be careful not to put anything likely to melt or catch fire on it. Candles should definitely be in holders to prevent drips onto your mantel or hearth.Possible choices include fireplace candelabras to place inside the fireplace instead of logs and andirons. Most people hang a painting or mirror over the mantel. Some people hang plasma TVs in that space, but you have to be careful about the wall temperature. If your wall gets too hot, you could destroy the TV.Fireplace mantels can be a lovely focal point in your home if properly chosen, cared for, and decorated. Whether you're installing a brand new fireplace or remodeling your home, you can start looking at your mantel options today.

Possible choices include fireplace candelabras to place inside the fireplace instead of logs and andirons. Most people hang a painting or mirror over the mantel. Some people hang plasma TVs in that space, but you have to be careful about the wall temperature. If your wall gets too hot, you could destroy the TV.

Author: Lisa Becker

What is a Candelabra fireplace?

One of the most wonderful fireplaces that are available today is the candelabra fireplace. If you install one it will change your very outlook about fireplace design. People who want their fireplace to look elegant, captivating as well as approachable should opt for this one. A candelabra fireplace would surely enamor your guests. The design of this type of fireplace is revolutionary and eclipses all other fireplace designs. It is simple yet very elegant to look at.

So, don�t forget, make sure that you always keep your fireplace and chimney very clean, for the safety of your household. In many families, there are children who could injure themselves, which is something that no parents want to face. Buying the right fireplace parts can make your life much easier, when looking to keep a healthy chimney and fireplace. For additional information on find the right fireplace parts to ensure the safety of your fireplace, log onto: ibuyfireplaceparts.com.Your chimney system can stay clean, thus reducing the risk of chimney fires. The long of your chimney will last longer if you continue to maintain it. Many people simply do not realize how vital it is to take care of your fireplace and chimney.Though it looks like candelabra as it is designed so yet it functions just like any other fireplace offering the same heat like a fireplace. If you want to make your home d�cor simply remarkable then this fireplace is just right for you. As a proud homeowner you would definitely expect artful appreciation from your guests and with a candelabra fireplace you are sure to get it. Your exquisite fireplace would turn out to be the talk of the town that would make you feel great.

Whether you choose a candelabra fireplace or a wood fireplace, proper maintenance is important. You can now purchase fireplace parts online. To find out further information about fireplace parts visit: ibuyfireplaceparts.com.

Author: Jim Stevens

The Right Place to Place Your New Fireplace

When homeowners are searching for the perfect residence for their families, many look at the living room area. A fireplace can completely transform a living room. This particular area of a home usually has a center or even a corner fireplace. The living room is not the only place in the house to have a fireplace; some people have fireplaces in the family room, kitchen, the bedroom and even Outdoor Fireplaces.

There are lots of manufactures that design fireplaces and the appropriate fireplace parts. As a homeowner you may select from a variety of corner fireplaces to fit the d�cor of your home. For example, if you are lacking wall space in your room, then a corner fireplace is for you. Many doorways along with windows leave no space for a fireplace. If there is a corner fireplace in your room, make sure to place your furniture towards the fireplace. This will be the center of your family room, whenever you invite guest. Some designers recommend that you install your corner fireplace in a bedroom or even a dining area.Whether you choose a candelabra fireplace or a wood fireplace, proper maintenance is important. You can now purchase fireplace parts online. To find out further information about fireplace parts visit: ibuyfireplaceparts.com.

Whether you decide to install your fireplace, don�t forget to have the proper equipment and fireplace parts. Websites such as ibuyfireplaceparts.com offer a healthy selection of fireplace parts.

Author: Jim Stevens

The Perfect Fireplace Still Needs Maintenance

Maintaining your Fireplace can be done with buying the correct fireplace parts. Many fire outbreaks have been cause to accidents which lead to residential fires. The best way to explain this cause could be due to the lack of maintenance. Also, fireplaces have chimneys which need proper care that most people hate touching. A fireplace part consists of a chimney sweep that makes it so much easier to clean your fireplace area.

You should understand the design of your candelabra fireplace and how the object itself will be displayed at your place. Match the colors properly and position your fireplace at the right place. Any deviation from this will spoil your home d�cor.You should always practice good �upkeep� with your chimney along with the fireplace to guarantee proper safety. Remember, the ventilation systems need to be kept clean as well, chimney sweeps can help credulously in keeping a home at its safest level.By having the proper fireplace parts, a truly desirable experience will await you when you use it. Now one must realize a corner fireplace is always place in the corner of the room. The fireplace is usually in a self contained box that is designed to fit in any corner of a room. This fireplace can heat or just simply add a style to your living room area. Electric fireplaces are a good option when considering the amount of work that one wants to put into it.

So, don�t forget, make sure that you always keep your fireplace and chimney very clean, for the safety of your household. In many families, there are children who could injure themselves, which is something that no parents want to face. Buying the right fireplace parts can make your life much easier, when looking to keep a healthy chimney and fireplace. For additional information on find the right fireplace parts to ensure the safety of your fireplace, log onto: ibuyfireplaceparts.com.

Author: Jim Stevens

The Dangers of Fireplaces

The high cost of heating fuel and the fear of ballooning utility bills may temp you to use your home�s built-in fireplace as a supplementary heat source for your home.

7. To add scent throughout your home, tie 5 or 6 cinnamon sticks together in a bundle using Christmas ribbon. Make as many bundles as you wish and place around your home in baskets or bowls.8. To decorate your table, tie Christmas ribbon to the stems of glasses and/or handles of cutlery14. If you live in a milder climate, consider decorating with Amaryllis plants. These beautiful plants come in red and white, grow tall, and provide a very elegant look.Building functional, relatively safe masonry fireplaces or to a lesser degree, installing factory made fireboxes and stacks has become a lost art. Not every mason knows how to do it properly or for other reasons it is just not done properly.How much: There�s no surefire way to figure out how much firewood you will need for a year, but there are some guidelines for estimating. In 1998, Vermont homeowners who heat primarily with wood burned almost 5 cords; those who burned wood as a supplement to other home heating systems used just over 2 cords; and those who burned firewood only for pleasure used less than half a cord.

Many fireplace potential problems are not visible and can�t be found no matter who inspects it�So take my advice and consider your fireplace un-safe for prolonged use. It is just not worth the risk.

Author: Jim McDonald

Avoid the "How Much?" Hassle When Buying Firewood

How much firewood should I buy, and when should I buy it? These are questions that may lead busy homeowners to postpone ordering their firewood. Here are some answers from fireplace experts.

11. Add Christmas garland to door frames, window frames and mirrors. You can use tape to secure the garland to the surfaces.Continual or even occasional use of a fireplace builds up creosote on the chimney liner. This is especially true with a chimney built with commonly used clay flue liner tiles. Creosote comes out of the burning wood as a gas and then condenses on the relatively cool flue tiles as a tar like substance.1. Display your favorite Christmas collections. If you don�t have a collection, now is a great time to start! My son and I collect nutcrackers and every year we have a wonderful time selecting just the right one. With a permanent marker, I write the year on the bottom of the nutcracker. Not only do we enjoy looking at the nutcrackers during the holidays, we also enjoying the fond memories of selecting them.

So, if you just use your fireplace for romance and relaxation, buy a half cord of firewood each spring and let it season until fall. If you supplement a heating system with a woodstove or fireplace insert, buy two cords. If you heat exclusively with firewood, you�ll need about 4 to 5 cords, depending on the severity of your winters.

Author: Monte Penney

15 Christmas Decorating Ideas

Decorating your home for the holidays does not need be stressful or expensive. Being one of the most popular times of the year to decorate, get your family involved and have fun making your home beautiful for the holiday season.

Most experts agree that a fireplace wastes more energy that it supplies. A roaring fire can draw three to four hundred cubic feet of air per minute; this air has to come from outside the home to feed the fire. It may be warm in front of the fire but cold air entering the home through cracks or around door seals will more than offset any gain produced by the heat from the fireplace.Christmas decorating is a great time to create traditions and spend quality time with your family. Get out some snacks and drinks and create a little �decorating party� that you�re family will love and look forward to year after year.15. Don�t forget to decorate your fireplace mantel and hang your Christmas stockings. A few fireplace mantel decorating ideas are adding garland, different styles and sizes of Santas, teddy bears, and candles. You can also display your favorite nativity scene if you have a large enough mantel.When to buy or gather: Firewood needs at least 6 months to season, so early spring is a great time to buy or gather your wood. Any insects living under the bark are dormant and likely to die before fall. Prices are generally down and supplies are good. Try to buy only what you will use in a year. You can carry over some wood into a second year, but it may give off more smoke than recently seasoned wood and it is more likely to harbor insects. You will find that land owners whose property has been logged will welcome you if you ask permission to salvage firewood. Loggers leave behind about 50% of each tree, cluttering the landscape but providing you with free firewood. With a chain saw, safety goggles, and a wood splitter, you can tailor your firewood to the dimensions of your fireplace while you save money.There can be many problems with primarily ornamental type fireplaces that can put your home and family at risk. For occasional use these fireplaces may be safe enough, but continual heavy use can cause design and material problems to put your safety on the line.13. Attach garland and Christmas bows to your chandelier. You can also weave strings of red beads in the garland that will dangle down from your chandelier and reflect the light, which will add sparkle.Happy Holidays!9. To dress up your chairs, tie Christmas bows around the chair so that the bow is on the back of the chair.So, if you just use your fireplace for romance and relaxation, buy a half cord of firewood each spring and let it season until fall. If you supplement a heating system with a woodstove or fireplace insert, buy two cords. If you heat exclusively with firewood, you�ll need about 4 to 5 cords, depending on the severity of your winters.Here are 15 Christmas decorating ideas:10. Using a small brush or q-tip, paint the edges of pine cones with glittery gold craft paint. After the pine cones dry, place them in a decorative basket.4. Place a collection of Christmas books on your coffee table.Over a period of time, quite a bit of creosote can build up coating the inside of the chimney with a combustible material. This combustible material only has to reach ignition temperature to become a roaring un-controllable blowtorch. A pro-longed fire in a fireplace may bring the flue temperature up enough to cause ignition�and let me tell you�I speak from personal experience, that chimney fires are no fun and will scare the ever-loving daylights out of you and possibly burn your house down.3. Decorate your house plants by hanging small Christmas ornaments on them.6. Wrap your staircase banister with indoor Christmas lights, garland, and bows.12. Tie bows around door knobs using festive and colorful Christmas ribbon.What�s a cord? Glad you asked. A cord of firewood is 128 cubic feet of closely stacked wood, including the air space between fire logs. The terms �face cord,� �rack,� �truck load,� and �pile� have no agreed meaning or legal meaning. In fact, Oregon consumer laws ban the use of these terms in commerce! So, a stack of firewood 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall, and 8 feet long is a cord, as is a stack 2 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 16 feet long. When buying wood, try to negotiate with the seller in terms of real cords or percentages of real cords. You can also use the examples above to estimate amounts, or you can just look at the amount he is offering and decide if it�s worth the price to you.5. Fill a glass bowl with pine cones and Christmas balls and place on a shelf or table.

Happy Holidays!

Author: Lesley Dietschy

Accessories That Will Transform Your Backyard

Numerous individuals who are remodeling their houses will consider remaking only what they can do on the interior of the home. They work out a architectural plan on what they can do to broaden to fit another bedroom or bathroom.

4. Draperies. Again it's all about layering and adding weight to the walls particularly if your window treatments are sheer, billowy and romantic. If your window coverings are sheer or simple blinds, add heavier fabrics overtop those fabrics for an entirely new treatment. Find some ready made panels to attach over top your windows in a velvet or brocade fabric. Remember if you love the look of winter white install some off-white or cream velvet panels for the ultimate in winter chic.The backyard has more room to it - which means that you have more possibilities to do what you desire. If you do not already have one - you can add an in ground pool and if you are feeling truly crazy you can build a Jacuzzi on the end of it.In your front yard you can plant flowers around your walkway and on the edge of your home. Make sure that they are colorful and will provide a great aroma around your home that you can enjoy. Plant an exotic tree in the centre of the front yard and maybe place a bench that surrounds the trunk.Although attractive and functional, the cast-iron firebacks are too heavy for many people to manage easily. Their weight also adds to their shipping costs, and therefore to their total price.What most people don�t consider is how they can also reconstruct the yard that skirts their house. This yard has plenty of potential and it is the one part that anyone can see when they drive by. Individuals can tell what kind of home you have and how well you care for it by the way that your lawn appears.

With this outdoor fireplace you can cook marshmallows at night or even cook some hot dogs as if you are at camp over again. If a fireplace is not for you then you can always opt for a fire pit - which will commonly sit in the heart of the patio.

Author: Naomi West

5 Ways ToTake Your Home From Bleak To Chic This Winter

With the temperatures plummeting and blizzards pounding the Midwest, now is the best time to escape indoors to your own private winter hide-away. It's easy to cozy up your home with some chic and affordable finds to suit your family's lifestyle and your design style.

With this outdoor fireplace you can cook marshmallows at night or even cook some hot dogs as if you are at camp over again. If a fireplace is not for you then you can always opt for a fire pit - which will commonly sit in the heart of the patio.2. Furniture Layout. If you're lucky enough to gather around your living room or family room fireplace this winter you may want to consider a quick change to the furniture layout or floor plan - cozying things up a bit. If your fireplace is centrally located within a wall and is flanked by windows or bookcases that are the same dimensions on each side, then you're dealing with a more traditional space and personality - which speaks to a more traditional furniture layout. Pairs are important here. To take advantage of the roaring fire flank a pair of comfortable and inviting chairs on either side of the fireplace which will keep you and your guests warm and cozy. Place your sofa directly facing the fireplace for a comfortable conversation area and a great view of that crackling fire. After all it's the focal point of the room.Both cast iron and stainless steel firebacks dramatically increase the room-warming capacity of your wood or gas fireplace fire. The addition of this simple fireplace accessory to your hearth can mean warmer toes and lower heating bills.The traditional cast iron fireback, popular in earlier times and making a revival now, is a sheet of heavy, black, cast iron. Often they are cast with a design, such as a fleur de lis or eagle, to add a decorative touch to this functional fireplace accessory.A more modern fireback design, one that is growing in popularity, is made of a sheet of very gently curved, tempered stainless steel. These stainless steel firebacks warm your room in two ways. First, like the cast iron firebacks, they radiate the heat of the fire forward into the room. But they also reflect the heat, as well as the light, of the fire into the room.

So light that fire, grab some hot chocolate and enjoy cozying up in your winter chic home.

Author: Lori Gilder

Free Radiant Heat

For some people, a fireplace might as well be a video of flaming logs. Their primary interest is the welcoming ambiance a fireplace�s blaze presents. If, however, you expect your fireplace to provide heat in exchange for your log-carrying, fire-building efforts, (or in the case of gas logs, in exchange for your gas bill), it�s time to maximize your fireplace�s heat output.

The cast iron firebacks work on the same principle as heating radiators. The metal is heated (by hot water in the case of radiators and by the fire in the case of firebacks), and then that heat is radiated into the room.A fireback is a sheet of metal, sized in proportion to the fireplace, that�s placed against your back fireplace wall. Firebacks can be set on the hearth�s floor and just leaned against the back fireplace wall, but often they are secured by placing them in supporting braces which keep the fireback from sliding. Firebacks come in two main styles: the cast iron fireback and the stainless steel fireback.3. Flooring. Whether your home has carpeting, hardwood, stone or tiled flooring there are some quick and easy solutions to cozy up your space. Add more layers for warmth. Right on top of your existing flooring material don't be afraid to layer one or even two area rugs for texture and color.Incorporate a deep striped pattern, textured sisal or even a faux animal hide rug on top of the original flooring. Relax the formality and potential stiffness with some colorful patterns and textures.Instead of traveling to a spa or driving hours to vacation at the beach why not make your own tremendous haven located in your front and backyard. Be inventive and try to consider all the items that you would enjoy to have in your yard. I have seen people plant exotic trees and flowers, small bridges over man-made brooks, and a small pond with fish in it.5. Accessories. This is a simple quick fix. Remove all your existing accessories, store them and re-visit them again for another season. Look for vintage blankets, throws and pillows and blend textures. Mix and match your blankets from plaids to knits, to faux fir and drape them over sofas, chairs and ottomans throughout your home. They will keep you all warm and cozy during those frigid nights. Replace your old sofa pillows with knit sweater pillows, tea towels and even printed burlaps for added interest pattern and texture. Natural elements are all around us. Bring the outdoors in - even now by incorporating, birch trunks, light green foliage, pine cones and candles and sprinkle these elements in with family photos, framed in metals or whites for that monochromatic sophistication.So light that fire, grab some hot chocolate and enjoy cozying up in your winter chic home.1. The Fireplace. Nothing makes you feel more comfortable and cozy than a roaring fire on a cold winter day. A fireplace instantly infuses character and charm into any room and gives the space its personality. But to give it the winter makeover you're after - pack up the old accessories adorning the mantle and swap them out for some new seasonal ones. Be your own photographer, bundle up and head outside to capture some black and white photos of some winter scenes. Blow up your favorite image and frame it in a simple black, metal or white frame and set it on the mantle. To one side of your new winter scene, cluster a collection of three antiqued or vintage silver urns (or similar) in varying heights - and include some eucalyptus, feathers or other greens to give the composition added volume. On the other end situate some natural elements like a birch vase, pinecones, candles or dull greens to flank that artwork as well.Keep the accessories in the center to a minimum and very low. Perhaps a metallic framed photo or two. Either way, make sure there is some height on each side of the wintery photograph.

Both cast iron and stainless steel firebacks dramatically increase the room-warming capacity of your wood or gas fireplace fire. The addition of this simple fireplace accessory to your hearth can mean warmer toes and lower heating bills.

Author: Susan Penney

How to Choose a Wood Pellet Stove

Pellet stoves can provide supplemental or even primary heat in your home, helping to cut your heating bills. There are a couple models to choose from: a freestanding model that will take up living space, or a fireplace insert if you have a traditional fireplace already.

Wood pellet stoves are becoming very popular as a way to supplement or heat a home entirelyThe popularity of pellet stoves is increasing, especially now that heating costs are going up so much more. With some foreknowledge, some good questions, and a reputable dealer, you will be able to make a purchase that will serve � and heat � your family comfortably for years to come.Not all fireplaces have mantels, of course. Most do however have either, a single shelf, a marble or tile surround, or a traditional wood carving. Accessories such as mantels, iron tools, guards and screens are an important decorative feature of fireplaces and can often set the tone of a room. And indeed the mantel itself has become a real focal point of rooms as they allow photos, antiques and family heirlooms to take pride of place within the room. Between the style of fireplace mantels, gas grills and wood burning stoves and their surrounds, you either define a room from the start or give it an entirely new look you'll enjoy for years.Using pellets of compressed sawdust, that provide obvious benefits for the home and environment, woodburning pellet stoves come in a wide variety of styles,both traditional and modern, as well as size, finish and heating output. More clean burning than traditional stoves, some wood pellet stoves are equipped with fans and thermostats for distributing the heat output more evenly within the room. As a rule of thumb most wood pellet stoves store about three days fuel, and require on average cleaning once a month; a simple job of just emptying an ashtray. Whilst freestanding wood pellet stoves offer greater design positioning flexibility, fireplace insert models are available as well as wood pellet furnaces that can be installed in basements or outhouses to heat the whole house. Depending on the manufacturer such as St.Croix stoves or Lancaster pellet stoves, these appliances can provide a heat output of anywhere between 10000 and 50000 BTU per hour.One, if you like to watch the fire flames flicker, be sure to get a stove with a good flame pattern and a good sized viewing glass.Fireplaces, which can increase the value of your home, are more than ever the focal point of a room. The style of fireplace mantels and its d�cor, whether stone, marble or finely carved classic moulds sets the tone and character of your home. To enhance your fireplace you may opt to include classical or oriental rugs, antique furniture, and traditional elements. Then again, you might favours abstract paintings, art deco, or even a glass-screen.The choice is really up to you and is about personal choice. It ultimatly depends on how you want to use your fireplace within the room � as a feature or a backdrop.The bottom-feed models aren't as likely to get stuck with ash particles, but the fire can burn back into the pellet hopper. You still need to clean the ash out of these regularly. So another consideration is how large the ash pan is and how easy it is to remove and clean.If you really come to love the efficiency of your pellet stove, keep in mind that you can even get a larger unit to replace your entire furnace!There are other considerations when considering the purchase of a pellet stoveThere are other considerations when looking at BTUs, such as the quality pellet you burn, the temperature where you are, the insulation factor of your walls and roof, and more. Make note of these things and ask lots of questions of some reputable dealers.A fireplace insert is probably the best option if you have a fireplace. Wood burning fires in the fireplace are only about 25% efficient, and a pellet stove beats that hands down. This option also saves you from having to give up living space for the stove.You will also have to choose between a top-feed system and a bottom-feed system. And of course, there are pros and cons to having either one.One of the big benefits to a pellet stove is that you don't need to keep the fire stoked � the pellet hopper delivery system automatically feeds the pellets as necessary. You only need to be sure the hopper stays full, but you won't need to keep stoking the fire as with a wood burning stove.Fireplaces only became common in 1367, when a gentleman while visiting in Rome, was dismayed at the fire pit in his room so he ordered his servants to build a chimney. They did so, adding his coat of arms above the two fireplace mantels. That fireplace is now part of history as ever since it has been the model of almost any room with a fireplace.

Wood pellet stoves are becoming very popular as a way to supplement or heat a home entirelyThe popularity of pellet stoves is increasing, especially now that heating costs are going up so much more. With some foreknowledge, some good questions, and a reputable dealer, you will be able to make a purchase that will serve � and heat � your family comfortably for years to come.

Author: Dave Roth

How to shop online for Fireplaces, Stoves & Accessories

Fireplaces and fireplace mantels are fast becoming a core feature in homes across the world as they add a real feature point to any formal or indeed casual living area. Funnily enough fireplaces have had a relatively short history, considering that fire itself has been around for hundreds of thousands of years.

Fireplaces can be purchased online from any number of internet shopping malls. Consistently browse online stores, looking for the best price, as they often update their prices. Many online stores include thumbnail sketches of rooms with fireplaces installed, so you can see what the installation looks like.Unlike wood stoves, a pellet stove needs electricity to power the motors, so keep that in mind when deciding where to put your stove.As noted earlier, wood pellet stoves come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and finishes, but the first important decision when making a choice is the basic configuration of the stove. Freestanding pellet stoves offer the greatest flexibility in installation choice. Supported by a pedestal or on legs, freestanding pellet stoves are designed to be installed in almost any living area of the home, but they must be installed on a non-combustible floor protector. An added advantage is that wood pellet stoves can be installed much nearer to combustible surfaces than is required by more traditional heating stoves.

Fireplaces can be purchased online from any number of internet shopping malls. Consistently browse online stores, looking for the best price, as they often update their prices. Many online stores include thumbnail sketches of rooms with fireplaces installed, so you can see what the installation looks like.

Author: Katrina Dwight

Wood Pellet Stoves - The Future Is Heating Up

If you are tired of hauling and splitting loads of cordwood, storing it and then carrying it again into the home, but still desire the ambience and radiance of a wood burning stove, then it may be time to check out the benefits of a wood pellet stove. Although on a direct cost comparison basis, the pellet fuel works out more expensive, it does come ready to use, and the wood pellet stove takes considerably less effort to operate and clean.

Top-fed stoves can be safer in that the fire stays out of the hopper. On the other hand, a top feed model is more likely to become clogged with ash and clinkers.Pellet stoves and wood stoves look similar on the outside, but inside they're nothing alike. Pellet stoves have a few moving parts, some of which need occasional maintenance. And, as the name implies, they burn wood pellets rather than wood logs. These pellets are made of recycled wood shavings, sawdust or even corn and wheat bits.Wood pellet stoves that are designed to be fireplace inserts can be readily installed into existing fireplaces and decorative panels are available to cover the space between the fireplace insert and the fireplace opening. Some wood pellet fireplace inserts are approved only for use in masonry fireplaces, whilst others can also be installed in approved factory built metal fireplaces. Built-in wood pellet stoves are an economical choice that offers homes without an existing fireplace, the look of an insert in a fireplace setting. Non-combustible materials such as brick can be applied to the area around the front of the wood pellet stove to give the appearance of a fireplace. Once again a non-combustible floor protector is required, sometimes with additional spacers to provide an air space under the unit. Pellet furnaces are larger appliances designed to heat an entire house through ductwork. They are usually installed in a basement or outhouse and like all wood pellet stoves require efficient venting to the outside through an approved vent or flue.

As with all types of heating stoves, it is important when installing wood pellet stoves to ensure that they have an efficient means of expelling the waste gases and smoke, usually a chimney or compatible flue. It is advisable to seek advice from a certified dealer/installer who will advise and if required supply and install a suitable venting system. Indeed most suppliers of wood pellet stoves offer a complete installation service.

Author: Richard Banks

Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter - Overlooked Sources of Heat Loss in the Home

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long � the heat loss, cold drafts, and wasted energy! Well if your home has a folding attic stair, a fireplace, and/or a clothes dryer, that may be just what is occurring in your home!

In addition to the classic mantled ventless fireplace, other decorative options include a wall mounted unit that can bring a modern and contemporary feel with clean-cut polished brass or stainless steel moldings. These simple, yet sophisticated designs bring an understated elegance to a room and blend well with almost any decor.What Does Zero-Clearance Mean?An easy, low-cost solution to this problem is to add a fireplace draftstopper. A fireplace draftstopper is an inflatable pillow that seals the damper, eliminating any air leaks. The pillow is removed whenever the fireplace is used, then reinserted after.Did you know that your attic space is ventilated directly to the outdoors? In the winter, the attic space can be very cold, and in the summer it can be very hot. And what is separating your conditioned house from your unconditioned attic? That thin sheet of plywood!Why does a home with a fireplace have higher heating bills? Hot air rises! Your heated air leaks out any exit it can find, and when your warm heated air is drawn out of your home, cold outside air is drawn in to make up for it. The fireplace is like a giant straw - sucking the heated air from your house. This is like leaving a window open all year round!Do you have a folding attic stairway in your house? When attic stairs are installed, a large hole (approximately 10 square feet!) is created in your ceiling. The ceiling and insulation that were there have to be removed. And what is installed to cover this opening? A thin, unsealed, un-insulated sheet of plywood!Fireplaces:The ventless fireplace relies on the room's oxygen to burn a gas fire, therefore, special consideration must be given to the size of the room where you install the ventless unit. Having no chimney or external ventilation, the ventless fireplace emits its vapors into the living space and should have plenty of "breathing" room to release its emissions.Not Just for HeatAttic Stairs:So who says you can�t enjoy a fireplace in any environment? Whether you have a haven or hide-away, homestead or house, it just doesn�t get any easier than an electric fireplace. Brick-Anew offers a full line of stunning electric fireplaces and an amazing selection of fireplace glass doors, tools, accessories and more. Call the experts at Brick-Anew now to help you choose the perfect electric fireplace and complete your little spot of heaven.Some states have outlawed the ventless fireplace heating units due to the high release of carbon monoxide let loose into the air. A long-term usage of these fireplace substitutes can lead to a depletion of oxygen and thus create a suffocating atmosphere in the room. Before making an investment into a ventless fireplace, check with your city or county officials for restrictions. In addition, condo and apartment dwellers may wish to check with the building codes to ensure there are no prohibitions on the ventless fireplace units.Want to slide a blazing fire under the television in your entertainment center? Want to warm up that gaping 64� inch hearth with a reassuring flicker? Got a spot you just can�t figure out how to fill? Sending your teen-ager off to college in a cool clime? The great thing about electric fireplaces is the variety of size in which they�re available. With sizes from 20 inches to more than 60, electric fireplaces are a snap to move and set up�anywhere you choose.An easy, low-cost solution to this problem is to add an attic stair cover. An attic stair cover provides an air seal, reducing the air leaks. Add the desired amount of insulation over the cover to restore the insulation removed from the ceiling.Today�s outrageously affordable, smartly configured, portable electric fireplaces are glowing in hundreds of thousands of homes, with no original masonry or pre-fabricated fireplace required. That little fact means you can have a radiant hearth and luxuriant warmth in an apartment, single family home, townhouse, condo, cottage�you name it. And its simple firebox, surround, mantel and grate make for a lightweight purchase you can easily carry to that fifth-floor walk-up. Got it inside? Simply plug in to any available outlet and enjoy an instant fire at your fingertips.These often overlooked sources of heat loss and air leakage can cause your heat pour out and the cold outside air pour in � much like leaving a window open, costing you higher heating bills, causing cold drafts, and wasting energy.The ventless fireplace units offer an endless supply of design, color and configurations to get your creative juices flowing. And with a price that's just right, the ventless fireplace is budget friendly and easy to use. If you prefer an eclectic taste in decor, try several ventless fireplaces to bring out the mood and expression you wish to create for each room. From aristocratic English traditional to futuristic sparkling chrome, the ventless fireplace takes center stage and can set the dominate tone for your living space.But what can you do about the three largest �holes� in your home � the folding attic stair, the fireplace, and the clothes dryer? Here are some tips and techniques that can easily, quickly and inexpensively seal and insulate these holes that you may not have known you even had.

If your home has a folding attic stair, a fireplace, and/or a clothes dryer, you can easily, quickly and inexpensively seal and insulate these holes. At Battic Door, we have developed solutions to these and other energy-conservation related issues. For more information please visit our website www.batticdoor.com or send a S.A.S.E. to P.O. Box 15, Mansfield, MA 02048.

Author: Mark D. Tyrol, P.E.

Electric Fireplaces Warm Up Any Living Space

Plug-and-play family? Check. No time to burn? Check. Still crave a soothing fire to relax away the tensions of your fast-paced day? If these questions have you nodding, then it�s time to check out an electric fireplace from Brick-Anew�an inexpensive, portable convenience to add luxury to your modern life.

Dryer vents use a sheet metal flapper to try to reduce this air leakage. This is very primitive technology that does not provide a positive seal to stop the air leakage. Compounding the problem is that over time, lint can clog the flapper causing it to stay open. This is like leaving a window open all year round!Often a gap can be observed around the perimeter of the door. Try this yourself: at night when it is dark, turn on the attic light and shut the attic stairway door - do you see any light coming through? These are gaps - which add up to a large opening where your heated/cooled air leaks out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year! This is like leaving a window open all year round!While electric fireplaces kick out enough heat to warm a smaller space�up to 400 feet�they also employ a unique feature. At the touch of a button, you can enjoy the romance and ambiance of dancing fire-light without the heat. While the �flame� doesn�t mirror a real flame entirely, modern technology provides refracted light and colored light bulbs to create depth, shadow and flicker. Perfect for sultry summer evenings, after a day at the beach, during dinner parties on a warmer night, or no occasion at all, the heat-free setting on an electric fireplace boasts a quick splash of cool ambiance their traditional fireplace counterparts just can�t match.The portable freestanding two-sided ventless fireplace units can be moved to the center of the room and offer a stylish way to warm your hands by the fire. Choose from traditional or modern craftsmanship to enhance any room or outdoor living space. And if antiquities are your style, you may opt for the pot belly stove appeal, a fully ventless fireplace with added utility for stovetop cooking.Size MattersThe ventless fireplace is made in a variety of styles, traditions and sizes, many of which are constructed with a full mantle. Choose from oak, maple, redwood, mahogany and more to match the color and mood you wish to create in your space. Handsome units to reflect a traditional or contemporary room are finely crafted, yet lightweight and portable to set them up where ever they are the needed the most on a chilly night.Benefits of Electric FireplacesA recent study showed that for many consumers, their heating bills may be more than $500 higher per winter just due to the air leakage and wasted energy caused by fireplaces!Clothes Dryer Exhaust Ducts:

So who says you can�t enjoy a fireplace in any environment? Whether you have a haven or hide-away, homestead or house, it just doesn�t get any easier than an electric fireplace. Brick-Anew offers a full line of stunning electric fireplaces and an amazing selection of fireplace glass doors, tools, accessories and more. Call the experts at Brick-Anew now to help you choose the perfect electric fireplace and complete your little spot of heaven.

Author: Sam Wilhoit