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Gas or Wood Burning? How to Choose the Right Fireplace for You

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It's hard to argue against adding a fireplace to your dream home. They provide a place for your family and friends to gather, and the flickering flames are captivating, allowing us to sit, relax, and enjoy the moment. Fireplaces can also be an economical way to heat your home as many of the best ones will have air tight doors or are sealed with glass for maximum efficiency.  So, you’ve decided that your home needs a fireplace, but the second decision is whether to go with a wood burning fireplace or a gas fireplace. You really can’t go wrong with either choice as they both carry unique pros and cons. Even so, if you’re torn between the two different styles, here are a few things to consider to help you make your decision.  What Designs Do You Like? Because you’ll look at or use your fireplace regularly, you should make sure that you’re getting a fireplace that is appealing to you and complements your home’s interior design. Many people enjoy the traditional

Tips for Choosing the Right Firewood for Your Needs

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People choose a wood burning fireplace for many different reasons. Whether they want to heat their home with it, cook over it, or just want the simple pleasure of sitting and listening to the wood pop and crackle, a wood burning fireplace can do it all. The thing is, not all wood will produce the same results with some types better for certain situations.  So, if you know what you enjoy most out of a fire and want to make sure you’re getting a consistent experience every time, here are the woods to look for.  For Warmth If you want to maximize the heat your fireplace puts out, then using the right wood is a must. Specifically, you should choose a seasoned hardwood like Ash, Hickory, or Oak. Hardwood is best for fires you want to last for hours because they take longer to burn and put off almost twice as much heat when compared to softwood. When you’re trying to heat your home or even just keep a part of the house warm without relying on an expensive heating s

How a Fireplace Pleases All Five of Your Senses

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As some of the most sought-after amenities in a dream home, fireplaces serve as the gathering point and focal point of any room. Have you ever considered how fireplaces naturally please all five of your senses? Understanding how the different senses interact with a fireplace can provide insight into why they’ve been so popular for centuries and why you should consider it essential for your dream home.  The Feeling of Radiant Warmth Undoubtedly one of the greatest benefits of a fireplace is the cozy heat that it provides. The discovery of fire changed the course of human history, and to this day, many people around the world depend on it to heat their homes. Beyond the practical need for warmth, the radiant heat of the fire can provide a calming and soothing sensation even on the coldest days. Also, with modern innovations, you can heat more than just one room with a fireplace, with the best fireplaces working in conjunction with the home's vent system.  The Si

How a Fireplace Can Add Value to a Home

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If you ask anyone what they’d like to have in their dream home, undoubtedly next to granite countertops, walk-in closets, and a home theater, a premium fireplace is probably high on their list. Fireplaces have been staples in home design for centuries, first as a means of heating the home and more recently as an aesthetic choice too.  Can a fireplace really increase the value of a home? Well, if you ask home buyers as this survey did, they’ll tell you that fireplaces are a sought-after feature for them, with 40% of respondents saying they’d pay extra. In addition, when asked the same question, 70% of realtors stated that they see a price increase for homes with a gas or wood burning fireplace . Why is this? Here are a few ways fireplaces can increase a home’s economic, design, energy, and personal value.  Economic Value As with other features of a home like countertop materials, room size, and more, fireplaces, especially those with a striking modern design like a

The Benefits of a Custom Fireplace for Interior Design

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Fireplaces have always been a gathering spot in a home. Some provide warmth throughout the home while others simply provide a beautiful aesthetic. Aside from the practical benefits, fireplaces can do wonders to bring a room together. And, in addition to their cozy nature and aesthetic, a quality fireplace hits all of the check boxes interior designers look for.  Strike a Balance In interior design, there are three types of balance. The first, formal balance, is when a space is split evenly between two sides almost like a mirror. The second form of balance is informal, where the visual weight of colors, lines, structures, and forms come together to work as one. The final form of balance, radial, is achieved when there is one focal point in the room with complementary elements radiating from it. Interior designers can use fireplaces to achieve all three of these balances with the right placement of other items in the room, along with the color selection. With a varie

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Fireplace

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Fireplaces are often the focal point of any home, where guests naturally gather. Aside from being a centerpiece of your home, your fireplace can provide as a great source of heat, and with the right configuration, you can use it to warm the entire home, which you may need if the power goes out. Even so, not all fireplaces are created equal, so as you shop around for fireplace manufacturers to bring your vision to life, here are a few things to keep in mind.  Style First, you should consider the style of the fireplace. The best fireplace manufacturers will offer fireplaces in various configurations with enticing materials and premium touches. With nearly limitless options available, you’ll want to determine what fits your aesthetic the best, and what you’d like to get out of your fire feature. For example, if you’re looking for a way to connect your indoor space with the patio, a see through fireplace could be the perfect option. Or if you want a more traditional a

How Adding a Fireplace Can Do Wonders for Your Business

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Fireplaces have long been a staple in residential homes because of the aesthetic and practical benefits that they provide. Especially in northern parts of the country where the winter months can be incredibly harsh, fireplaces in a home can be just as common as a garage or as a swimming pool in warmer climates. Commercial spaces and businesses can also benefit from having a custom-made fireplace in their space in more ways than one. From cost-savings to new opportunities to engage with customers, here are some of the top reasons you should consider adding a fireplace or fire feature to your commercial space. It Draws Attention For one, the fire has long been the natural gathering point for people for thousands of years. It's where our ancient ancestors gathered for warmth and to prepare a meal. Now, a fireplace is a place to get warm during colder winter months, and research shows that people are naturally drawn to it. With a wood burning fireplace in your b