Step 47 - The Fireplace

The Fireplace

Light the Fires!

The fireplace makes an amazing transformation with the addition of the mantle and hearth.   The mantle is composed of several miter cut pieces of molding that trim the fireplace nicely.  The hearth in our home is a solid piece of slate, with matching slate inset between the mantle and the fireplace itself.   The unit is a ventilated gas log system from Heatilator, with a convenient wall switch next to the fireplace for easy on-off access.

Things We Learned Along The Way

Different Types of Home Fireplaces

Every living room should be built to be as cozy as possible especially during the winter season. To keep out the cold, living rooms are often built with fireplaces in them.

A fireplace is a type of architectural structure (usually built attached to one side of the living room) which is used for burning firewood. Smoke from fireplaces rise up to be emitted from chimneys found at the roofs of houses. Why are fireplaces important? This should already be pretty obvious; fireplaces are installed so that people can enjoy the warmth it gives, especially during the cold season. Since there are many types of fireplaces for your home, you will be able to select which one would fit your preferences and style.

This article shall introduce the five different types of fireplaces which can be installed in your home.

Type of Fireplace #1: The Brick Fireplace

The brick fireplace is the most common of all the different types of fireplaces. Since they are built from bricks, brick fireplaces are known for their durability and it is also very easy to maintain them. Brick fireplaces are very easy to install regardless of what your home type is.

Homeowners can choose their preferred color, style, and size to match the space they provided for the fireplace in their living rooms. Most brick fireplaces fit well into contemporary and conventional types of homes. However, they might not be as suitable to houses with modern looks.

Type of Fireplace #2: Electric Fireplace

You might be one of those homeowners who do not have that much space in their homes but would love to enjoy the warmth a fireplace gives. Electric fireplaces can easily fit into small apartments or homes which are not built with chimneys. If you are on a tight budget, electric fireplaces are a cheaper alternative than the other types of fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces contain glowing embers and wood which look real. In stores, electric fireplaces come in marble, brick, wood, and stone designs. Electric fireplaces are available in all shapes and sizes. If you are limited on space, but want the cozy feeling of a fireplace, you should consider a corner model fireplace.

Type of Fireplace #3: Stone Fireplace

Stone fireplaces are considered to be more attractive, stunning, and elegant to look at than brick fireplaces. They often become the centerpieces and the focal points of different homes. Depending on the theme of your living room, stone fireplaces can easily match and balance the overall look of your decorated home. This is one reason why they can be installed in modern-styled houses as well. Your theme may be Asian, French, or Italian and you will find that stone fireplaces are not out of place.

Stone fireplaces can be made from marble, rock, limestone, granite, or any other natural type of rock. There are many types of materials and colors to choose from when you are dealing with stone. A stone mason would be able to show a homeowner the many types of stones available.

Type of Fireplace #4: Gas Fireplace

Having to wait for real wood to burn in the fireplace can be tiring and annoying especially if you just came home tired and weary from work. One solution is the gas fireplace, where warmth and fire is instantly emitted. Not only does it produce the heat you need instantly; it also eliminates the need for you to constantly clean up wood chips and ashes which most fireplaces emit. Gas fireplaces are good alternatives especially to those living in the cities where pollution is high. Gas fireplaces usually come with a remote that can control flame height and temperatures. People seem to enjoy the ability to turn it on and off as they wish with the flip of a switch.

Type of Fireplace #5: Corner Fireplace

Although the normal spot of most fireplaces are in the center of a living room, it is not mandatory to do so. You can have fireplaces installed in the corners of a room as well. Smaller rooms and houses can benefit from these. They are smaller than the other types of fireplaces, therefore having them transported when moving to a new house would be much easier since they are lighter and smaller. Corner fireplaces are available in electric and gel.

Type of Fireplace #6: Two-Sided Fireplace

This type of fireplace is a see-thru model wherein you can view the fireplace thru two different rooms. The idea behind a two-sided fireplace is for bridging two rooms. It also offers each room a stunning fire presentation. Two-sided fireplaces are available in a vent-less fireplace, direct vent gas fireplace, a natural vent gas fireplace, or a wood burning fireplace. This type of fireplace has become more fashionable in the last few years. They are mostly used in higher end contemporary homes.

Whichever fireplace you choose, make sure it is not only the right fit for your living space, but also your budget.

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The Land

 

Planning

 

Construction

 

Framing Phase

Rough-in Phase

Drywall Phase

Interior Carpentry

Flat-work Phase

Paint & Stain

Finishing Phase

Completion