Fireplaces Come Alive With Manufactured Stone

A fireplace can be the centerpiece of a home. Family and friends love to sit around a fire and enjoy the warmth while relaxing and talking. Unfortunately, unless a home comes with an existing fireplace, the cost is too outrageous to build from scratch. The cost of stone, labor by stone masons, building the firebox and chimney and securing the weight of it all can run into thousands of dollars and dilute the awesome image. Wood burners and gas logs are other options for having a fireplace. Get a little creative and build a mock structure around your stove, line with manufactured stone and enjoy the fire.

Installation of stone veneers is simple. The weight of these natural stone veneers is about ¼ of a natural stone block. This fact alone cuts back on the structural reinforcing, shipping and labor costs. All types of sizes and shapes are available to make your fireplace as natural looking as possible. Stones for rounding edges, large pieces for positioning the perfect mantle and different types of stone will match any type of decor. Stone veneers are made of non-combustible material, a must in placing close to fire.

The D.I.Y job can create a frame and form a wall using manufactured stone with just a few tools. A circular saw and standard hand masonry tools are suggested in addition to following the vendor's instructions and taking safety precautions. There will be no flying dust from using diamond edged blades that are necessary for cutting stone. The mess will be minimal and the project less time consuming that working with real stone. The material can be placed over any existing wall, even brick. Covering an old brick fireplace that is crumbling with stone veneer can change an eyesore into looking like a million bucks.

All types of stone can make a magnificent looking fireplace. Limestone, field stone, ledge stone, brick, stream stone or a combination of blended textures can add grace to a room and make a cozy meeting place for family members. Surrounding area walls can also benefit from the look of stone or just a few low panels to highlight the atmosphere.

Shopping for manufactured stone for fireplaces takes some homework in order to locate a dealer that offers support, service and a good warranty on products. A 50-year warranty is average for a reputable company to place on stone veneer and often longer when you have professionally installed. Many excellent manufacturers exist and will not be afraid to back a well-made product.

If you have always wanted a fireplace but were afraid of the cost, check into building your own and create a dramatic structural design that will make you the envy of your neighbors and friends.

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Outdoor Fire Place Design

The appeal of outdoor fire places has indeed increased significantly over the past few years. Currently the focus in home design is primarily on outdoor living areas, and as such much emphasis is placed on features which will make an outdoor living area more appealing and attractive. The trend of constructing outdoor fireplaces and fire pits has rapidly gained popularity across the United States.

If you are interested in making an outdoor fireplace a part of your outdoor landscaping options, then the first thing which you should do is to contact your local authorities. In several areas the burning of any form of fire at night is strictly prohibited, so getting permission to build a fireplace is essential. You certainly do not want to invest money and time in a project which you possibly will be unable to enjoy!

Outdoor Fire Place Design

Technically, there is not much of discernible difference between an indoor fireplace and an outdoor fireplace, as the basic construction is the same. Chimneys, not dampers are used in the construction of outdoor fireplaces, and a beautiful addition to any outdoor fireplace is the Mexican chimenea. These fireplaces design were traditionally made from clay but now are available in cast aluminum. These chimeneas are easily available at most garden centers or even at your local home improvement store.

The most popular materials used in the construction of these fireplaces are cast iron, bricks, stone and aluminum. However, if you choose to go with the brick design, ensure that the bricks used for the inner section of the fireplace are actually 'firebricks' as these are able to readily withstand high temperatures.

Pay particular attention to the location in which you plan to have your fireplace constructed. It is important to ensure that it is far away from your plants, draperies and other nearby garden structures to reduce the likelihood of stray sparks causing a fire. It is advisable that all outdoor fire places be at least fifteen feet away from your home and quite a distance away from tress, overhanging shrubs and electrical wires. Never leave a fire unattended to, and always make sure that the fire is completely extinguished before retiring for the night.

Overall, the main consideration when building outdoor fireplaces really should be on ventilation and safety as opposed to aesthetics. The focus on aesthetics is secondary once all the safety features are already in place. It is recommended that the design of your fireplace should be in tandem with the overall interior decorating theme of your home.

Outdoor fireplaces provide a stimulating area for hosting get-togthers with friends and family while increasing the overall value of your home. Quite possibly this is a major factor which has boosted its popularity so far within the home improvement arena. Best of all these outdoor fireplaces are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and will be perfect for any size lawn or patio. There are a multiplicity of styles available, so you will be able to find one which suits your tastes perfectly.

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