Do not rush into ordering a fireplace connected item.
Whilst you are buying a fireplace it is definitely always wise not to rush, lets pretend for a minute you are wanting to order a breckwell fireplace insert and are checking out a suitable interior design website, if you purchase this fireplace product without a basic cost comparison you could very well miss out on the best deal which is in fact is being offered by a rival site retailing fireplaces. Obviously reproduction georgian fireplaces, soapstone fireplace inserts any goods tied to fireplaces or interior design should always be acquired without haste.
Searching for a gold cast stone fireplace mantel or another interior design item?
Whenever shopping for the best fireplace or interior design connected merchandise you should definitely list your main requirements, then you should list them in order of importance, Firstly your priority items or product, lets suppose you are wanting to buy superior gas fireplaces, and possibly top venting fireplaces and so on, if this is done you will not wander from your primary fireplace topic of interest.
Specialist fireplace sites
There are many great fireplace sites available today and a good amount of interior design info can give to you specialist access to many items ranging from vent free gas fireplaces to vent free natural gas fireplaces. These sort of interior design focused sites are ideal if you are looking for information on something such as a classic flame electric fireplace or even ventless heaters, never underestimate their value.
Cost comparisons for fireplace focused products.
As you are buying items associated with fireplaces you must always get cost comparisons from the various interior design comparison websites, a corner fireplace mantel may be purchased for thirty percent higher on one fireplace site compared to another, this kind of comparison websites are essential when purchasing fireplace related items.
Decent fireplace merchandise reviews.
So you are wishing to buy victorian fireplace mantels and a wall mount electric fireplaces however coming across the right interior design items has never been one of your specialities, what do you do? quite simply its the sites that publish fireplace based guides and price comparisons that are perfect for your fireplace and accessory associated requirements, even if you are looking for data on wood fireplace mantels at least such places should be able to give you access to the best vendor of these and similar fireplace items.
Purchasing fireplaces with the help of the ebay auctions
Ebay is super for locating fireplaces and related interior design products, just utilize their search box and type in a product such as a custom outdoor fireplace or items such as wooden fireplace inserts and a mass of closely related fireplace merchandise will appear in a matter of seconds, even if it turned out you were searching for a product such as a decorative fireplace you may often foresee items such as napoleon gas fireplace that may also have a connection with fireplaces and you might also decide to order.
Katrina Dwight is the owner of Dream Fireplaces which is a premier source of information about Fireplaces. For more information, go to: http://dreamfireplaces.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katrina_Dwight
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Monday, 10 May 2010
Your Antique Fireplace Creating Warmth and Comfort
The fireplace has served many needs over the past and still evokes a certain passion in many people when discussed. They have come a long way from the 15th century open hearths in the main room and modern fireplaces have come be one of the most desired objects when buying a home. However, the antique fireplace is at the top of the most wanted list for many homeowners and there are many antique fireplaces available for you to choose from.
One of the reasons many want the traditional fireplace in their home is because it will add to the décor, while also providing warmth and comfort. The first step in choosing your fireplace is to decide whether it should be made of stone or marble. Some may even choose iron. The main thing to remember is whatever your choice, it can change the look of your home. There are several styles to choose from such as Renaissance, Gothic, and Art Deco. This will all depend upon the look you are going for.
You'll also want to decide whether you want an antique fireplace or a reproduction. Generally, the antique fireplace will always hold it's value as long as it is taken care of and it will turn out to be a great investment. If you are more interested in what it will add to your décor, you could get along with a reproduction. However, while the reproduction will add to your décor, it will not add as much to the value of your home that an antique fireplace will or display as much character and charm. There's simply something about the antique fireplace that nothing else can provide.
The fact is your fireplace will be the focal point of the room and you can do many things to enhance the character of this antique. If you desire more light in the room, simply place a mirror on the mantel over your fireplace or in the summer when not in use, you can place decorative candles and vases inside the fireplace. However, be careful not to place objects around it that detract from the charm of your antique fireplace. You can also add to the ambiance of the fireplace by placing an oriental or classical rug in front of it and depending upon the look you desire, antique furniture and paintings will only enchant your visitors more.
Along with your antique fireplace, you'll want to consider adding antique fireplace tools. If you look at the modern fireplace tool sets, the first thing you'll notice is they are much smaller than the vintage sets. Antique fireplaces are generally larger than the modern-style fireplaces and therefore, the tools they used to maintain it are larger. You can find these tools in many antique shops in wrought iron, brass, and bronze. You may also want to get a fire-dog or andiron for your antique fireplace, as well. These are what you place the wood on in your fireplace. Before the 18th century they were plain, however, they soon became decorated with figures such as dogs, lions, and even mythological creatures, such as the dragon.
When considering a fireplace for your home, an antique fireplace will not only add character and style to your home, it will also increase the value of your home. Sitting by a warm fire in the evening is truly an image of home and you'll be able to share many memories with your family enjoying your antique fireplace.
Richard Billington is part of Westland London, a UK based company specialising in antique fireplaces and mantels. Westland London offer a wide range of antiques from various periods of history.
http://www.westlandlondon.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Billington
One of the reasons many want the traditional fireplace in their home is because it will add to the décor, while also providing warmth and comfort. The first step in choosing your fireplace is to decide whether it should be made of stone or marble. Some may even choose iron. The main thing to remember is whatever your choice, it can change the look of your home. There are several styles to choose from such as Renaissance, Gothic, and Art Deco. This will all depend upon the look you are going for.
You'll also want to decide whether you want an antique fireplace or a reproduction. Generally, the antique fireplace will always hold it's value as long as it is taken care of and it will turn out to be a great investment. If you are more interested in what it will add to your décor, you could get along with a reproduction. However, while the reproduction will add to your décor, it will not add as much to the value of your home that an antique fireplace will or display as much character and charm. There's simply something about the antique fireplace that nothing else can provide.
The fact is your fireplace will be the focal point of the room and you can do many things to enhance the character of this antique. If you desire more light in the room, simply place a mirror on the mantel over your fireplace or in the summer when not in use, you can place decorative candles and vases inside the fireplace. However, be careful not to place objects around it that detract from the charm of your antique fireplace. You can also add to the ambiance of the fireplace by placing an oriental or classical rug in front of it and depending upon the look you desire, antique furniture and paintings will only enchant your visitors more.
Along with your antique fireplace, you'll want to consider adding antique fireplace tools. If you look at the modern fireplace tool sets, the first thing you'll notice is they are much smaller than the vintage sets. Antique fireplaces are generally larger than the modern-style fireplaces and therefore, the tools they used to maintain it are larger. You can find these tools in many antique shops in wrought iron, brass, and bronze. You may also want to get a fire-dog or andiron for your antique fireplace, as well. These are what you place the wood on in your fireplace. Before the 18th century they were plain, however, they soon became decorated with figures such as dogs, lions, and even mythological creatures, such as the dragon.
When considering a fireplace for your home, an antique fireplace will not only add character and style to your home, it will also increase the value of your home. Sitting by a warm fire in the evening is truly an image of home and you'll be able to share many memories with your family enjoying your antique fireplace.
Richard Billington is part of Westland London, a UK based company specialising in antique fireplaces and mantels. Westland London offer a wide range of antiques from various periods of history.
http://www.westlandlondon.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Billington
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Carron stoves
Carron Stoves are currently testing a new baby version of the Carron stove to add to the current range.
The highly popular 6.7kW is version already on the market, but Carron stoves are about to release a 4 - 5kW enamel stove to fit in standard sized living or dining rooms.
The new stoves are being tested for Defra approval to legally burn wood fuels in smokeless zones, which we are sure will make the new Carron stoves the most competatively priced enamelled stoves on the high street.
The new model is expected to be available in the 6 enamelled colours as well as the usual matt black. This will also include the ‘mushroom grey enamel’ recently introduced to the larger Carron stove.
As soon as the new model is released around early July, it will be available to buy online from http://www.pendragonfireplaces.co.uk/.
The highly popular 6.7kW is version already on the market, but Carron stoves are about to release a 4 - 5kW enamel stove to fit in standard sized living or dining rooms.
The new stoves are being tested for Defra approval to legally burn wood fuels in smokeless zones, which we are sure will make the new Carron stoves the most competatively priced enamelled stoves on the high street.
The new model is expected to be available in the 6 enamelled colours as well as the usual matt black. This will also include the ‘mushroom grey enamel’ recently introduced to the larger Carron stove.
As soon as the new model is released around early July, it will be available to buy online from http://www.pendragonfireplaces.co.uk/.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Fireplace Showrooms UK
If looking for fireplace shops in your local area, simply enter the relevant keywords for your search. For instance 'fireplace, shops, London'. The following website would appear with relevant local showrooms.
The same applies for any major town, just type in your own town name in place of our example.
We have added a few links below of the major population areas throughout the UK. Just click on the link to find local suppliers where you live.
- Fireplace shops Bristol
- Fireplace shops Leeds
- Fireplace shops Birmingham
- Fireplace shops Sheffield
- Fireplace shops Manchester
- Fireplace shops Liverpool
- Fireplace shops Newcastle
- Fireplace shops Edinburgh
- Fireplace shops Glasgow
We have put together a list of fireplace shops, fireplace showrooms, multi fuel and wood burning stoves, gas fires and other fireplace retailers throughout the UK.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Victorian Fireplace Mantels
The Victorian era was often referred to as The Battle of the Styles, due to the popularity of the many decorative designs from previous eras. Depending on a family's status, the Victorian fireplace mantel was made from slate, marble, wood or stone. The early and mid-Victorian period preferred the Gothic and Elizabethan styles: the Gothic was associated with the true Christian principles of morality, honesty and purity and the Elizabethan era invoked nostalgia for a chivalrous bygone age.
The late Victorian age brought a mixture of styles. In direct contrast to the Georgian, Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, the Victorian era avoided sameness and had a richness that appealed to all. It was customary to decorate mantels with plush velvet pelmets; over-mantels had many shelves and brackets and sometimes the whole mantelpiece was backed with a mirror - plate glass became fashionable around this time. The late Victorians particularly loved Jacobean architecture, with its rich profusion of Renaissance and medieval motifs.
The Victorian architect William Burges reveled in the middle ages and he had the privilege of designing the amazing fireplace in the medieval great hall at Cardiff Castle. The stone over-mantle represents the Cardiff Castle itself and the Earl of Gloucester is shown riding out to war through the castle gates, to a fanfare of trumpets from the battlements above. The scene was colourfully painted in natural colours.
The degree of decoration on a Victorian fireplace mantel revealed social class and the social importance of a room. In working-class houses the fireplace was plain, but the over-mantle was very ornamental and made of wood, which was stained or painted.
The industrious middle classes were able to mass-produce designs that would have only been previously available to the wealthy, and thus they had impressive fireplaces in the drawing and dining rooms - fireplaces presented in other rooms too, such as bedrooms, but these were on a much smaller scale. The wealthy were lucky enough to be able to choose any decorated designs that appealed to them.
Marble became too expensive towards the end of the 19th century, so painted pine and mahogany, slate and cast iron were used for the greater number of Victorian fireplace mantels.
Sarah is the writer of MasterFireplaces.co.uk, an in depth resource on fireplace. See wide range of traditional, modern, gas, electric and Victorian fireplaces.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Symonds
The late Victorian age brought a mixture of styles. In direct contrast to the Georgian, Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, the Victorian era avoided sameness and had a richness that appealed to all. It was customary to decorate mantels with plush velvet pelmets; over-mantels had many shelves and brackets and sometimes the whole mantelpiece was backed with a mirror - plate glass became fashionable around this time. The late Victorians particularly loved Jacobean architecture, with its rich profusion of Renaissance and medieval motifs.
The Victorian architect William Burges reveled in the middle ages and he had the privilege of designing the amazing fireplace in the medieval great hall at Cardiff Castle. The stone over-mantle represents the Cardiff Castle itself and the Earl of Gloucester is shown riding out to war through the castle gates, to a fanfare of trumpets from the battlements above. The scene was colourfully painted in natural colours.
The degree of decoration on a Victorian fireplace mantel revealed social class and the social importance of a room. In working-class houses the fireplace was plain, but the over-mantle was very ornamental and made of wood, which was stained or painted.
The industrious middle classes were able to mass-produce designs that would have only been previously available to the wealthy, and thus they had impressive fireplaces in the drawing and dining rooms - fireplaces presented in other rooms too, such as bedrooms, but these were on a much smaller scale. The wealthy were lucky enough to be able to choose any decorated designs that appealed to them.
Marble became too expensive towards the end of the 19th century, so painted pine and mahogany, slate and cast iron were used for the greater number of Victorian fireplace mantels.
Sarah is the writer of MasterFireplaces.co.uk, an in depth resource on fireplace. See wide range of traditional, modern, gas, electric and Victorian fireplaces.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Symonds
Saturday, 1 May 2010
What can I burn on my stove?
Local laws and regulations dictate the type of fuels you are allowed to burn on your appliance. For instance, in certain areas you are required by law to burn smokeless fuels only, usually in built up areas. This is due to the emissions given off which can affect air quality and cause pollution known as smog.
However, certain stoves are exempt from these laws due to the way they burn off waste gasses and come with a 'certificate of exemption' for smokeless zones. A comprehensive list of approved wood burning stoves can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/.
Wood
Wood is not a smokeless fuel as it contains water. If it is burnt freshly cut or wet (green) it gives off steam and water vapour. This in turn produces flammable, acidic tars which can damage the appliance and chimney by clinging to the lining. In worst cases, the tar will seep through brickwork externally and internally and cause pungent aromas.
Wood should be stored dry undercover for a minimum of 1 year, ideally 2 years. The end grain will split when ready to burn. The fine white residue left over when burning wood is NOT ash, but the remains of the woods cell walls which will burn off if your appliance burns hot enough. Hence there is no need to remove the waste from a wood fire until excessive amounts have built up, as repeated use of the appliance will burn off some deposits from previous firings.
Type of wood to burn
Also known as bituminous coal, house coal is not a smokeless fuel. It is relatively cheap but harder to obtain nowadays, as it is a dirty fuel to burn. Coal is easy to light and leaves only a small amount of ash, burns very hot with an attractive flame. However, it does make a lot of tarry smoke which stains stove glass, sticks inside flues/chimneys and emits large volumes of flammable gas which can make appliances difficult to control.
Coke
Coke is classed as a smokeless fuel. It is a natural coal which is processed to remove the smoke emissions. These are then distilled to make products such as aspirin, creosote and ink amongst other things.
Anthracite and Welsh Dry Steam Coal
This is a smokeless fuel and is a natural hard, shiny form of coal. Anthracite is difficult to light and burns extremely hot for a long time. It is best used in the 'small nuts' size.
Peat
Peat can be used as a smokeless fuel in some areas (check with your local authority) and is made up of semi-decomposed natural woody material. Moorland or bog peat is almost black and once dried can be burned just like wood.
Lignite
Lignite is not a smokeless fuel but is a natural material that can be categorised between peat and coal. Although it lights easily and burns well, it can produce excessive amounts of ash.
Briquettes
Smokeless varieties include brands such as 'Homefire' and 'Phurnacite' which are compressed blocks of fuel. They can burn consistently for long periods. Other brands are made from lignite, peat or house coal and may not be classed as smokeless. Refer to manufacturers instructions for more information.
Petroleum Coke
Brand names such as 'Petcoke', 'Longbeach' and other various names are made from oil waste. Although easy to light and control, it burns far too hot with a lack of protective ash which means it MUST NOT BE USED unless well mixed with another fuel. Please be aware that the life of the appliance will drastically be reduced and we strongly advise against their use.
Household Wastes
Please remember that stoves and fireplaces are not incinerators and great care should be taken if burning occasional household waste, such as personal information etc. Do not burn plastics as they can give off toxic fumes and batteries/aerosols will explode. Never use liquid fuels such as lighter fuel.
I would advise that you try a variety of fuels (or mixtures) to find which burns most effectively in your appliance.
However, certain stoves are exempt from these laws due to the way they burn off waste gasses and come with a 'certificate of exemption' for smokeless zones. A comprehensive list of approved wood burning stoves can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/.
Wood
Wood is not a smokeless fuel as it contains water. If it is burnt freshly cut or wet (green) it gives off steam and water vapour. This in turn produces flammable, acidic tars which can damage the appliance and chimney by clinging to the lining. In worst cases, the tar will seep through brickwork externally and internally and cause pungent aromas.
Wood should be stored dry undercover for a minimum of 1 year, ideally 2 years. The end grain will split when ready to burn. The fine white residue left over when burning wood is NOT ash, but the remains of the woods cell walls which will burn off if your appliance burns hot enough. Hence there is no need to remove the waste from a wood fire until excessive amounts have built up, as repeated use of the appliance will burn off some deposits from previous firings.
Type of wood to burn
- Alder: Poor heat output and burns quickly.
- Apple: Burns slowly and steadily, good heat. Pleasant aroma.
- Ash: Excellent qualities, will burn when green, but not as well as when dry.
- Beech: A rival to ash when dry, but, it does shoot embers a long way.
- Birch: Good heat but burns quickly. Pleasant aroma.
- Cedar: Good heat when dry. Crackles and snaps. Fantastic aroma.
- Cherry: Burns slowly, with good heat. Pleasant aroma.
- Chestnut: Not bad. Apt to shoot embers. Small flame and heating power.
- Douglas Fir: Poor. Little flame and heat.
- Elder: Mediocre. Very smokey. Quick burner, with not much heat.
- Elm: Must be well seasoned to burn well, but is rather smokey.
- Hazel: Good.
- Holly: Good, will burn when green, but best when seasoned.
- Hornbeam: Almost as good as beech.
- Laburnum: Must be avoided. Poisonous tree, acrid smoke, taints food.
- Larch: Crackly, scented, and fairly good for heat.
- Laurel: Not bad. Has a brilliant flame.
- Lime: Poor. Burns with dull flame.
- Maple: Good. Burns quite well.
- Oak: Poor flame, acrid smoke, excellent for heat when dry, burns slowly and steadily.
- Pear: A good heat and a good scent.
- Pine: Good flame, but spits. Nice aroma and blue flame. Burns quite quickly.
- Plane: Burns pleasantly, sparks if very dry.
- Plum: Good heat and aromatic.
- Poplar: Don't bother.
- Rhododendron: The thick old stems, being very tough, burn well.
- Robinia (Acacia): Burns slowly, with good heat, but acrid smoke.
- Spruce: Burns too quickly and with too many sparks.
- Sycamore: Burns with a good flame, with moderate heat. Useless green.
- Thorn: One of the best. Burns slowly, with great heat and little smoke.
- Walnut: Good, and so is the scent. Aromatic wood.
- Willow: Poor. It must be dry, but burns slowly with little flame. Apt to spark.
- Yew: One of the best. Burns slowly, with fierce heat and pleasant aroma.
Also known as bituminous coal, house coal is not a smokeless fuel. It is relatively cheap but harder to obtain nowadays, as it is a dirty fuel to burn. Coal is easy to light and leaves only a small amount of ash, burns very hot with an attractive flame. However, it does make a lot of tarry smoke which stains stove glass, sticks inside flues/chimneys and emits large volumes of flammable gas which can make appliances difficult to control.
Coke
Coke is classed as a smokeless fuel. It is a natural coal which is processed to remove the smoke emissions. These are then distilled to make products such as aspirin, creosote and ink amongst other things.
Anthracite and Welsh Dry Steam Coal
This is a smokeless fuel and is a natural hard, shiny form of coal. Anthracite is difficult to light and burns extremely hot for a long time. It is best used in the 'small nuts' size.
Peat
Peat can be used as a smokeless fuel in some areas (check with your local authority) and is made up of semi-decomposed natural woody material. Moorland or bog peat is almost black and once dried can be burned just like wood.
Lignite
Lignite is not a smokeless fuel but is a natural material that can be categorised between peat and coal. Although it lights easily and burns well, it can produce excessive amounts of ash.
Briquettes
Smokeless varieties include brands such as 'Homefire' and 'Phurnacite' which are compressed blocks of fuel. They can burn consistently for long periods. Other brands are made from lignite, peat or house coal and may not be classed as smokeless. Refer to manufacturers instructions for more information.
Petroleum Coke
Brand names such as 'Petcoke', 'Longbeach' and other various names are made from oil waste. Although easy to light and control, it burns far too hot with a lack of protective ash which means it MUST NOT BE USED unless well mixed with another fuel. Please be aware that the life of the appliance will drastically be reduced and we strongly advise against their use.
Household Wastes
Please remember that stoves and fireplaces are not incinerators and great care should be taken if burning occasional household waste, such as personal information etc. Do not burn plastics as they can give off toxic fumes and batteries/aerosols will explode. Never use liquid fuels such as lighter fuel.
I would advise that you try a variety of fuels (or mixtures) to find which burns most effectively in your appliance.
Friday, 30 April 2010
What You Should Know About Cast Iron Fireplaces
When most people think of a fireplace, they envision one made of brick or even stone. But today more and more folks are turning to a cast iron fireplace. Here are some of the things to look for when considering getting your own cast iron fireplace.
Fireplace set up
A fireplace made from cast iron will generally feature a cast iron fireplace insert. It also includes a hearth, fireplace surround and fireplace mantel.
While the firebox and insert itself is made of cast iron, the other parts to the fireplace can be made from any type of materials you desire. For example, the fireplace mantel design can be out of wood or stone.
Design
This type of fireplace design is open to several different options. Since it is cast iron, you could choose to have a standard insert or it could be angled or arched for that matter.
You have total control over any custom made cast iron fireplace.
Heat source
You can decide on what type of heating source you want, whether it is gas, propane or even electric. The insert can be designed for any of them.
Finding a cast iron fireplace is not difficult. You can look online and find suppliers everywhere. Many websites have online catalogs that make browsing and shopping very convenient. Ordering is simple and delivery can be with in 10-14 days.
If you are looking for something different in a fireplace you may want to take a closer look at the different types of cast iron fireplaces. They offer solid benefits such as longevity, cost and ease of clean-up and may be the solution you've been searching for.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.
You can learn more about a Cast Iron Fireplace as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces and fireplace accessories at http://www.fireplacesa-z.com/
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards
Alternative sources for your Victorian fireplaces would be Pendragon Fireplaces.
Fireplace set up
A fireplace made from cast iron will generally feature a cast iron fireplace insert. It also includes a hearth, fireplace surround and fireplace mantel.
While the firebox and insert itself is made of cast iron, the other parts to the fireplace can be made from any type of materials you desire. For example, the fireplace mantel design can be out of wood or stone.
Design
This type of fireplace design is open to several different options. Since it is cast iron, you could choose to have a standard insert or it could be angled or arched for that matter.
You have total control over any custom made cast iron fireplace.
Heat source
You can decide on what type of heating source you want, whether it is gas, propane or even electric. The insert can be designed for any of them.
Finding a cast iron fireplace is not difficult. You can look online and find suppliers everywhere. Many websites have online catalogs that make browsing and shopping very convenient. Ordering is simple and delivery can be with in 10-14 days.
If you are looking for something different in a fireplace you may want to take a closer look at the different types of cast iron fireplaces. They offer solid benefits such as longevity, cost and ease of clean-up and may be the solution you've been searching for.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.
You can learn more about a Cast Iron Fireplace as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces and fireplace accessories at http://www.fireplacesa-z.com/
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards
Alternative sources for your Victorian fireplaces would be Pendragon Fireplaces.
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