Archive for the ‘Types’ Category

Light Your Fireplace with Fatwood Starter Sticks

There are also some very nice fireplace accessories that are designed to storing fatwood and other forms of kindling.

For me, sometimes the hardest thing about having a fireplace is getting a fire started. Only when I have good dry logs, newspaper and some kindling, plus a little luck do I get a good fire going. Fatwood is a wonderful answer for starting a fire in your fireplace. There are also some very nice fireplace accessories that are designed to storing fatwood and other forms of kindling.

Fatwood is a term used for a particular type of kindling. The wood used for fatwood isn’t fat at all, but thin and burns easily because of the large amount of pitch it contains. It is because of the amount of pitch that some surmise is the reason for the term “fatwood”. This form of kindling in the south is also referred to as “lightwood”.

The majority of fatwood comes primarily from coniferous trees, such as Pines. These kinds of trees have a greater amount of pitch in them, making them burn more easily. Coniferous wood should not be used as regular fire logs because of this increased amount of pitch and should be restricted for kindling only. You may want to purchase a fatwood caddy to keep a good source for fatwood on hand.

Fatwood caddies designs vary from very simple to some beautiful wrought iron designs. Whichever style you select, it will make a beautiful addition to your fireplace. Fatwood caddies have a handle, which make it easier for you to carry wood from outside into your home. You can actually purchase beautiful fatwood caddies and starter sticks online from several quality websites, which also sell other fireplace accessories. Go online and view all the beautiful designs that are available.

Accessories for Gas Fireplaces

There are numerous decorative accessories available for your gas fireplace, but which one you select will depend on the style of gas fireplace you have.

If you have a gas fireplace then you know how much of a great addition it is to your home. Gas fireplaces provide inexpensive, efficient heat, with much less maintenance than a traditional wood fireplace. If you have a gas fireplace, or are looking to purchase one, you may be wondering precisely what kind of accessories there are available to you to use on your gas fireplace.

Gas fireplace accessories are available from the necessary to the decorative. With a gas fireplace there are two necessary accessories that you will need, they are glass doors and a good ventilation system. These two accessories will help keep your fire burning and keep exhaust gases from entering your home.

Gas fireplaces do not require the same intense type of cleaning as wood fireplaces. Therefore, tools such as brushes, pokers, and shovels. However, accessories such as receding screens and remote controls are excellent options. Especially, since they will permit you to turn on and off your fireplace as well as adjust the temperature level without leaving your seat.

There are numerous decorative accessories available for your gas fireplace, but which one you select will depend on the style of gas fireplace you have. For a more traditional look you may consider brick panels which can be mounted on the inside walls of the fireplace. You can also add other features such as louvers or finishing trim to an already existing gas fireplace to enhance its looks.

Firewood Log Racks are a Must for Wood Burning Fireplaces or Stoves

If you had an indoor log rack, then you’ll be able to make sure you always have enough wood right next to the fireplace.

For all of us who have a fireplace in our homes we are all too familiar with the task of having to go outside, usually during the coldest times of the day or night to get more firewood. If you’ve not brought in enough wood for the whole evening, then it is inevitable that you’ll have to make a trip outside away for the warmth of the fireplace to get more wood. If you had an indoor log rack, then you’ll be able to make sure you always have enough wood right next to the fireplace.

The majority of fireplaces are crafted with a traditional design. Many are accented with old-fashioned looking fireplace tools. What many fireplaces don’t have is a nice wrought iron log rack, which match or compliments the fireplace tools. There are countless styles and models available on the market. You can find log racks ranging from the plain and simple to all kinds of beautifully hand-carved designs.

When looking for a log holder make sure that it has a built-in handle or canvas carrier. This provides an easy way to carry the logs, saving you several trips outside into the cold.

If you need new fireplace tools or simple need tools, several fireplace dealers offer complete sets, which includes a log holder, and all the utensils, brush, shovel, poker, and tongs. A great benefit of purchasing a complete set is that everything matches.

Coal Carriers Add Interest to Your Fireplace

A good set of fireplace tools, wood of course, and a good old-fashioned coal carrier are essentials for a home fireplace setting.

If your home has a fireplace, there are a few accessories that are must haves. A good set of fireplace tools, wood of course, and a good old-fashioned coal carrier.

Like many people, I first thought that a coal carrier was used for carry coal in for fuel purposes. It wasn’t until after my grandfather had me empty the coal carrier that I realized it was for carrying and storing hot coals removed from your fireplace. Coal carriers are an essential accessory need to keep your fireplace clean and safe. During my last year in college, several of my friends and I rented a home with a fireplace. One night my roommate placed the coals and ash from the fireplace into a paper bag, and then placed that bag on the back porch. Within 30 minutes, the back porch was engulfed in flames. The next day, my grandfather hand delivered a coal carrier and proceeded to lecturer each of us on fireplace safety.

A good coal carrier has to be large enough to contain both coals and ash. You can purchase a separate ash bucket. However, these are not sturdy enough to store hot coals. By purchasing a large enough coal carrier, you are actually saving money. Also, examine the bottom the coal carrier before you purchase one. The bottom of a good coal carrier will always be strong and raised, allowing you to place the bucket on the floor without worrying about scorching your floor.

Coal carriers are useful for cleaning your fireplace and for when you’re leaving your home and don’t feel comfortable leaving a fire in the fireplace. You can scoop out the hot coals and logs, place them in your coal carrier, and take them outside where they can be extinguished.

Brass Andirons Add Decorative Touch

Andirons are generally crafted from one of two kinds of metals, brass, or iron.

There are several different styles of fireplace, from the simple brick to elaborate marble, or painted tile antique hearths. Regardless of the style of your fireplace, one way to enhance its beauty is with a nice set of andirons. Like fireplaces, andirons come in a verity of different shapes, sizes, and styles. Andirons, however,
do more than enhance the beauty of your fireplace; they also serve a vital function.

Andirons are generally crafted from one of two kinds of metals, brass, or iron.  Both metals can endure a tremendous amount of heat, and both are available in very simple to very elegant designs, however, brass tends to have a more stylish flare as the brass glistens and reflects the dancing flames. Whether you select brass or iron, both will serve their purpose for years to come.

The beauty of brass andirons has been admired for centuries. Many families have actually passed down antique andirons through the family for generations. If you do not have antique andirons in your family, you can purchase actual antiques ones or reproductions. There are several companies, which specialize in brass reproductions, which are as beautiful as the antique andirons you may have seen in historical homes.

Typically, brass andirons are sold in unconnected pairs. This is to allow you the ability to space them apart, depending on the size of your fireplace, or on the size of the logs you’re you are burning. Brass andirons feature strong cast iron log holders, keeping the brass from coming in direct contact with the flame.

Decorative Wrought Iron Andirons

Since wrought iron andirons are not attached to each other, you can space them apart depending on the size of your logs.

If you have a fireplace, then you know you have to have good air circulation, to have a good fire. It’s important that the logs be lifted off the ground a couple of inches. There are several kinds of fireplace accessories available, which can provide the solution to this problem. Wrought iron andirons are usually the best and most attractive solution.

Traditional wrought iron log racks work well, are sturdy, and can be nice to look at. However, wrought iron andirons have a major advantage over fireplace racks, they are not attached to each other, so you can space them apart depending on the size of your logs.

Andirons have other advantages as well. They are all crafted with tall front support beams, they can enhanced the beauty of the fireplace and become the focal point of the room. Many people are naturally attracted to the fireplace, and decorative wrought iron andirons can make a truly impressive statement. I was lucky enough to receive a set that belonged to my grandparents. The support beams are beautifully detailed pineapples—The symbol of welcome.

Another benefit of wrought iron andirons is that the iron absorbs and retains heat. Even after the fire has gone out, the andirons remain hot, continuing to heat the room for longer periods of time.

Using Andirons to Accessorize Your Fireplace

Andirons are possible the most popular design element for any fireplace, functional or decorative.

A fireplace should be the focal point in any room. However, it takes more than a beautifully handcrafted wood, stone, or marble mantle to turn a fireplace into a focal point, it also takes beautiful accessories to enhance the area around the fireplace and transform it into the most stunning part of the room. Fireplace accessories such as fireplace screens, andirons, fireplace fenders, and fireplace tools complete the total look of a fireplace and enhance a room’s décor.

Beautiful Andirons:

Andirons are possible the most popular design element for any fireplace, functional or decorative. For those who are not familiar with the word, andiron is the term given to the metal supports used for holding up logs in a fireplace. However, in the south the term for many centuries was dog iron or firedog. Both terms are still
used today, though andiron is the most widely recognized and used term.

Andirons serve several purposes, they support the logs, allowing oxygen to circulate and causing fire to burn brighter and hotter. This is why so many andirons are constructed from brass. The glow of the fire makes reflexes off the brass making the fire seems brighter. When you are not using your fireplace, beautifully crafted andirons will add to your room’s décor.

For those concerned about budget, consider purchasing either a screen or andirons and a fender. A screen, which you would keep up year around, will disguise what is in your fireplace. However, if your fireplace is your favorite feature of your room, then consider splurging on a full complement of antique or antique replica
fireplace accessories.