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February 17, 2010
Whether the fireplace needs an updated look or you just want to add protection and safety for minimal cost buy a hearth rug and change the look of your home.
Make sure the hearth rug you choose is made of fire resistant fabric or fibers. Any old area rug will not offer what a quality hearth rug can. Many hearth rugs come in a half moon pattern, with a flat side to butt against the hearth and a curved side to extend into your room. They also come in a variety of patterns from cozy to modern.
To add class and remodel cheaply, buy a hearth rug today.
February 4, 2010
It’s important to follow a few simple safety tips when building home fires. These guidelines and products will help keep you, your family and your property safe.
Keep the stove or fireplace clean. A clogged chimney or a fireplace that is coated in residue will result in a smoky and possibly dangerous fire. Make sure to have your unit professionally cleaned at least once a year by a certified chimney sweep.
Keep the fire under control. Building a fire that is too large for your fireplace or wood stove is not only wasteful; it’s also dangerous. Large fires can get out of control quickly and can also cause cracks in your chimney. Start with small logs and add to your fire gradually.
Shield your fire. Grates and screens placed across the front of the fire will prevent errant sparks from igniting your furniture or causing burns. Glass screens are most effective, although wire mesh screens will also work.
Monitor your fire. Don’t ever leave a fire burning without someone in attendance. When you go to bed or leave the house, ensure that the fire is completely extinguished and adjust the air intake vents on the unit to prevent oxygen from reaching the fire.
Know what to expect. Fire logs and hard and soft woods are all safe to burn in your wood fireplace or stove, but make sure you know what you’re burning so that you know how it will react. Hard woods burn long and hot, while soft woods tend to flash up quickly and create a lot of sparks.
Burn only approved materials. Did you know that putting your Christmas tree in the fireplace can cause a fast and very dangerous flash fire?
Creosote Destroying Firelogs. These firelogs will destroy built up creosote and help prevent further creosote build up. Burn your fire as usual; each “split wood” piece will produce 8,000 BTU’s when burned. Easy sweep Creosote Destroying Firelog’s contain no wax, are safe to burn in woodstoves, fireplaces and fireplace inserts, and they will not void the warranty of your appliance. Buy firelogs online for $19.99. Four treatments per package.
Chimfex Fire Suppressant. This fire suppressant is indispensable as the first line of defense for controlling fires that occur from creosote build-up in chimneys. A homeowner or professional fire fighter can use Chimfex as a safe, fast and easy to use tool to combat a chimney fire with no water damage. Use in wood stoves, fireplaces or fireplace inserts. Chimfex is Made in Rutland, Vermont. Buy Chimfex Fire Suppressant online for $38.99.
Fatwood Firestarter. Natural wood firestarter products. 100% naturally heavy resined pine, non toxic, non chemically formulated and do not need to be kept out of reach of children. Light with a match and doesn’t require the use of paper or other kindling. Ideal for use with catalytic combustors. Burn time 8-15 minutes of stick and are recommended for use in wood/coal stoves, pellet stoves, fireplaces, campfires and barbeques.Buy Fatwood firestarters online in 8lb. and 10lb. bags.
Fireplace Gloves. Fireplace gloves are a safety necessity when it comes to fireplace and wood stove accessories. Pick up logs that roll out of the fireplace, stock your woodstove, and remove ashes safely and easily with a set of leather fireplace gloves. Long fireplace gloves offer maximum protection. Buy fireplace gloves online.
February 3, 2010
You have the fireplace you’ve always dreamed of – a hearth where your family gathers for relaxation and warmth. Now all you need is quality and attractive fireplace accessories to complete the picture. Search out these functional accents with the overall scene in mind.
If you own a wood burning stove, your fireplace will not function safely and efficiently without some well chosen fireplace accessories. A fireplace screen is essential to protect your flooring from sparks and ash and to fence off the opening from wandering children and pets. Be sure to choose something large enough and sturdy enough for your family’s needs. Look for a screen that suits the style of décor in your room – from fancy to simple, any style is available.
You will also need a place to store logs and kindling. Often a bin is sufficient, but make sure it is sturdy with a wide bottom to prevent tipping and mess. Look for one with a handle for easy transporting. A shelf or log holder can also be used and is usually more elaborate and decorative. Some have a suede or leather bottom hanging on an iron or brass frame, holding the logs easily and providing some style on the hearth. Make sure that the log holder is large enough for a few lightings but not so large that the wood will sit inside too long.
Look for some tools to use for cleaning and maintenance. A brush for the hearth is essential, with a comfortable, long handle and bristles that can pick up a fair amount of ash. Also a flat shovel is useful for scooping up ash and a lidded bucket or bin will be necessary for carrying it away. Use your bin to transport the fireplace ash into your garden as compost. Bellows are another tool that should be kept handy when burning wood.
Many fireplace accessories are made for safety and maintenance, but can still add style and a finished look. Try to purchase each piece with the whole picture in mind – some accessories even come in matching or coordinating sets. Things like fan kits and damper pulls may come with your fireplace and can be used to coordinate other pieces.
Gas fireplaces often have less accessories due to their burning technology. Still, mantels, hearth rugs and even decorative screens can be found around gas fireplaces, lending a certain atmosphere to the setting. Consider the overall look you want to convey and find fireplace accessories that suit that look. You will be much more content enjoying your fire with all of the functional accents in place around it.
February 1, 2010
If your new home has a fireplace, finding the right fireplace tool set will ensure countless winter evenings spent comfortably and safely in front of a roaring fire. Buying fireplace tools may seem like a simple task until you realize the wide variation in styles, finishes and quality offered by various manufacturers.
A standard fireplace tool set includes a shovel, a poker, large tongs and a stiff bristled broom. You can purchase the tools separately but in sets your also receive a stand that stores the tools when not in use. Most stands allow the tools to hang which keeps them out of the way and provides a neater appearance than loose tools leaning against the hearth.
The poker is the most used tool for wood burning fireplaces. It has a small reverse hook a few inches from the bottom end to allow burning logs to be push or pulled into better position in the fire. Large tongs can be unwieldy but are designed to firmly lift a burning log and move it to another location in the fire. Better tongs have three points of contact rather than two and provide better balance and grip when moving burning logs in the fireplace.
The most helpful fireplace tool is the shovel. Wood fireplaces need frequent cleaning unless designed with an ash pit where ash can be removed from outside the home. Although vacuuming may seem to be an easy way to remove ash it doesn’t work except on vacuums designed to be used in such a way. The fine ash escapes the filters of traditional vacuums and can be blown as a dust throughout the room rather than being trapped in the vacuum bag. Ash vacuums are now available that work well with warm and cool ash.
The shovel is used to remove the largest portions of the ash along with charred pieces of wood left in the fire pit. Once the majority of the ash has been shoveled into a bag or bucket, the broom is used to gather the ashes left by sweeping it onto the shovel for disposal.
For frequent fireplace use, a large shovel is a wise choice when finding the right fireplace tool set. You might also consider adding an ash bucket with a lid to hold ash until disposal. Metal ash buckets with lids are the safest choice.
Fireplace tool sets can be found for as little as $19.95 and run well over $100 for high quality sets. The quality is in the size (length) of the tools, the weight (strength) of the metal tools are made of, the comfort and strength of the handles attached to the tools and the metal finish applied.
Most fireplace sets sold today are machine made but you can also find handmade wrought iron tools that are highly decorative. Most tools are constructed of steel yet finishes applied may include leaf and scroll designs and have hand grips and tool stands that feature brass or copper accents. Finding the best fireplace tool set is a fun challenge because the variety of style, size and pricing offers something for every taste and budget.
January 31, 2010
Having a fireplace tool set is important. There are 5 essential parts to every fireplace tool set. They include; a poker, dust pan, broom, shovel and tongs. Each of these pieces serve a different purpose and are important for the cleanliness and esthetics of your fireplace and surrounding area.
1. Poker
The poker is an essential tool because it allows you to move the pieces of wood around without having to touch the fire or get too close. It will allow you to spin the wood around and reposition it. If you do not move the wood around the flames will begin to decrease and the fire will lose intensity. Fireplace pokers come in different finishes and styles and choosing one that suits your needs and décor will allow you to customize your fireplace tool set.
2. Dust Pan
A dust pan will allow you to keep the fireplace hearth and surrounding area clean and ash free. If you are looking at the esthetics of your fireplace it is important to keep a dust pan on hand that can be used to clean up any dust and debris that has been left from the fire. Look for one that has a long handle that will allow you to reach into the fireplace without having to get yourself full of the dirt you are trying to clean up. Most fireplace tool sets come with a dust pan included so matching the style and finish will be easy.
3. Broom
Like a dust pan, a broom is essential for cleaning the fireplace and surround. The hearth will need to be swept often and having a small broom will allow you to clean-up the tiny dust particles and ashes. Look for a broom that can withstand heat and has bristles that are tough. The stronger the bristles the longer the broom will last. The broom is a piece that will more than likely come with an entire set of fireplace tools but if you are looking to purchase them separately find one that works well for your intended purpose that will last.
4. Shovel
Having a shovel as part of your fireplace tool set is important. The ash shovel will allow you to tend to the fire and to move the ashes from the fireplace to a trash bin or bucket. Choose a shovel that is compact with a long handle. The handle will allow you to reach farther back into the fireplace to reach any ashes that are otherwise out of reach.
5. Tongs
Tongs will allow you to pick up the firewood and position it exactly where you need it. The tongs are essential as they are made of a heavy grade material so that they will withstand the heat of the fire and can be used with ease to maneuver the large pieces of firewood into place.
There are five pieces that are essential to any fireplace tool set. They include; poker, dust pan, broom, shovel and tongs. There are many options for style, texture and material when choosing a fireplace tool set. Make sure that you find one that is suitable for your needs that will withstand heat and last for years to come. Fireplace tool sets can also be used with wood burning stoves.
Fireplace Village sells many different styles and sizes of fireplace tools and accessories. We also carry a wide selection of wood stove tool and accessories. Buy fireplace accessories online or visit one of our New Hampshire fireplace and wood stove accessories stores.
January 28, 2010
Protect your family, pets, home and yourself with safety gates for the fireplace, woodstove and grill. Child safety gates are a convenient way to separate pets and infants from fireplaces, wood stoves and grills. This is an especially important safety device as your baby becomes mobile.
A fireplace safety gate is a special type of baby gate which is designed to keep the child safe from accidentally knocking a head or other body part onto the fireplace. It is an outstanding baby gate for homes which don’t have mounting points straight across the fireplace.
Fireplace Village sells Kidco fireplace child safety gates. Purchase at one of our New Hampshire fireplace accessories stores or purchase fireplace and child safety products online.
January 14, 2010
When looking to update the look of an existing wood burning fireplace, hearth rugs are a great way to not only change the look and feel of the fireplace, but also to protect the flooring around it.
Wood burning fireplaces provide an authentic look and feel, and are still favored by many people over their gas or pellet burning alternatives, but there are a few downsides to a wood burning fireplace. One is flying sparks or embers that pop out of the fireplace and onto the floor below it. This is not only a great fire hazard, but also damages the flooring. By using a fire resistant or fireproof hearth rug, you can not only dress up the fireplace but also eliminate the risk of fire. Many hearth rugs today are made out of fiberglass, a flame resistant material, that will not scar or burn if embers land on it. Another option is a wool hearth rug, which unlike its synthetic counterparts, will not burn or melt.
Fireplace Village has a wide variety of hearth and fireplace rugs available for sale online and in our New Hampshire fireplace and stove shops. Please stop by any of our various New Hampshire locations to see them today or shop hearth rugs online.
January 8, 2010
Fireplace Village is not only a retailer of gas, wood and pellet burning fireplaces and fire place inserts, but also offers a wide variety of fireplace accessories for all types of fireplaces.
Gas burning fireplaces are known for their ease of use, efficiency and minimal cleanup. Their ease of use is highlighted by the accessory options. One great way of regulating heat and flame high, or of turning the fire on or off, is a wireless thermostat. One great model is the Skytech Wireless Wall Unit, which allows you to control the intensity of the flame from anywhere in the room. Another gas fireplace accessory from Skytech is a remote control which can regulate the flame from ‘Off’ to ‘High.’
Gas burning fireplaces can also be updated by using Real Fyre Super Ember Glow or realistic looking coal to surround the base of your log set. These fireplace accessories change the look of your gas burning fireplace and give the appearance of red glowing embers below your gas logs. In addition to embers, Real Fyre also makes ceramic wood chips and pinecones, all giving a more realistic wood burning look to your gas fireplace.
Gas burning fireplaces are not the only type of fireplace that comes with the option for great fireplace accessories. Wood burning fireplaces can be updated with a few simple accessories. Fireplace screens and doors can dramatically change the look of an existing wood burning fireplace. Fireplace screens can be attached to the hearth or sit freestanding on the floor. The look and feel of these can range from contemporary to traditional, and can often times have a lot of decorative elements to match the décor of the room. Fireplace doors are easy to clean with soap and water, and work as a seal to stop warm air from escaping up the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. Fireplace or hearth rugs can add color and style to your fireplace while providing protection for the flooring in front of your wood burning fireplace.
Another necessary wood burning fireplace accessory is a tool set. These can be freestanding or wall mounted, and usually includes such tools as a poker, brush, tongs, ash shovel and stand. They can also be matched to the décor of the room, and usually come in a metal finish such as cast iron, gold or silver. A tool set is a great fireplace accessory to give as a gift to any homeowner who is looking to update the look of their fireplace. Wood holders are also a necessity and can often times be attached to a great tool kit.
Fireplace Village is proud to offer all of these fireplace accessories and more at our various locations in New Hampshire, or shop for fireplace accessories online.
December 14, 2009
Now that the cold weather is here and the fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplace inserts are burning; check out the new Firewood Storage Racks at Fireplace Village. Improper storage of firewood can cause a multitude of problems. Our durable and long lasting tubular steel (.18 gauge) firewood storage racks are Made in the USA and have a black powder-coated paint finish and a baked-on black satin enamel finish. Raised firewood storage racks are a good idea and a cost effective, safe way to store firewood. Storing wood above ground protects against wood rotting, termite infestation and bug infestation. These firewood racks come in two sizes (45″L x 14″W x 46″H and 87″L x 14″W x 46″H).
Excess moisture will make firewood unfit to burn so it is always a good idea to protect firewood from excess moisture. With proper storage you can turn even the greenest wood into great firewood in 6 months or a year, and it can be expected to last 3 or 4 years if necessary. Fireplace Village NH carries all of the HY-C Company log racks and log rack covers. All of the HY-C Company log racks are Made in the USA.
December 11, 2009
Spruce up that holiday or family gathering with firestarters that that add delightful color and scent (cinnamon is our favorite) to your natural wood fire. Fireplace Village carries the entire line of Magical Color Cones and Pine Cone firestarters and flame enhancers from Goods of the Woods. Goods of the Woods firestarters are Made in the USA and add color to a natural wood fire and provide an attractive and easy way to start a natural wood fire. Goods of the Woods products are safe for use in all wood burning hearth appliances, including, fireplaces, wood stoves and wood burning fireplace inserts.
Stop by one of our NH fireplace and stove shops today and see the Goods of the Woods line of firestarters and flame enhancers. The gift packaged ensembles make great gifts (see the Magical Color Pine Cones in the Oval Galvanized Tub pictured above and the Apple Pine Cone firestarters in the wooden crate below).
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