With the summer renovation season quickly approaching, many homeowners are searching for a way to add beauty and value to their homes. Ironically, the warming of outside temperatures every summer ensures that prospective renovators often overlook remodeling one of the most valuable heating elements of their home, their fireplace. Fireplace renovations can add thousands of dollars in value to a home and are highly valued by almost every consumer looking to purchase a new house. One of the best ways to add to this value is by installing a cast stone fireplace as part of your summer renovation plans. With this in mind, this post list 3 advantages stone fireplaces can offer consumers who are looking to complete a fireplace remodel.

A Beautiful Stone Fireplace Installation

1. The first advantage of remodeling with a cast stone fireplace is the ease of installation. Cast stone fireplaces are much lighter than traditional stone or marble mantels, allowing for an easy installation that can be completed in a single afternoon. These stone fireplaces are made by utilizing old-world techniques, ensuring top of the line quality is produced with every single unit.

2. The second advantage of these stone fireplaces is the variety of colors and finishes that are available with cast stone. Cast stone fireplaces come in a variety of colors including olive, chocolate and taupe. Depending on your color selection, each mantel is available in a variety of finishes including Natural Stone and Honed. With this many options to choose from, it is clear that cast stone mantels can be customized to fit almost anyone’s interior design taste.

Color Variety Available With Cast Stone Mantels

3. A final advantage of Cast Stone Mantels is the variety of styles that are available to consumers. For home owners looking for a more contemporary or ornate style of mantel, the Majestic Series includes some excellent options. Mantels like the Innsbruck Style fit seamlessly into formal spaces, while units such as the Palermo Style are a great choice for a more modern room. For consumers looking for a more traditional, simplistic style of mantel, the Classic Series of cast stone fireplaces is sure to offer plenty of options that can suit your design needs.

With the variety of colors and styles available and the ease with which they can be installed, cast stone fireplaces can make a perfect summer renovation project for home owners looking to add some value to their home.

As the months of summer steadily approach, many consumers across the U.S. are looking for a way to add ambiance and style to their favorite outdoor space. For many consumes this desire equals the addition of an outdoor fire pit. Despite the appealing nature of providing a warm and cozy gathering spot for friends and family, many consumers are often unnerved by the prospect of placing a large, dark pit in the middle of their favorite outdoor area. Fortunately for these skeptical consumers, outdoor fire pits are available in a variety of styles and designs that can fit seamlessly into almost any outdoor living space.

For individuals looking to add a simplistic yet elegant ambiance to their outdoor space, the Oakland Outdoor Fire Pit is a perfect option. This portable outdoor fire pit comes complete with a copper, powder coat finish that is sure to fit well with any formal outdoor setting. In addition, it features a chip and crack resistant design that will ensure years of durability. With a quick and easy installation and cast iron features, this outdoor fireplace epitomizes stylish yet simplistic design.

This is an Oakland Outdoor Fire Pit

For many consumers, the simplistic nature of units like the Oakland Outdoor Fire Pit may be unappealing. Many consumers considering the purchase of an outdoor fire pit are looking for an item which could be the centerpiece of a dinner party or an eye catching discussion piece. Many of these consumers may be looking for an outdoor fire pit that fits well with a beach or lake setting. For these celebratory minded individuals, units like the Bonfire Celebration Fire Pit Dome may be the perfect solution. This outdoor fire pit features a brilliant raw steel dome with a design inspired by the celebration that many cultures enjoy at the appearance of a full moon.

This is a Bonfire Celebration Dome Outdoor Fire Pit

Regardless of the type of style and mentality you are looking to promote in your outdoor space, there is certain to be an outdoor fire pit that can suit your needs. Ranging from the simplistic to the extravagant, outdoor fire pits provide the perfect centerpiece for both wild, outdoor parties or relaxing evenings by the pool. In the end, the only really important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a fire pit is whether or not you want a stylish and enjoyable centerpiece for your favorite outdoor space.

Today’s post is about adding style to one of the most important elements of any home, the fireplace. A fireplace is one of the most important focal points that homeowners neglect. However, this does not have to be the case. With a little creativity and the right tools and accessories, a fireplace can be completely transformed into the formal centerpiece of any home.

1. The first fireplace mantel idea that is guaranteed to spruce up your fireplace is the addition of the right fireplace accessories. Although many consumers rarely use their wood burning fireplace, a set of fireplace tools and a fireplace screen can be the perfect accessories to give the appearance of formal luxury to a living space.  Fireplace accessories imply the use of a fireplace even if a homeowner rarely chooses to burn an open fire. The right combination of antiqued copper or wrought iron fireplace accessories can often portray a formal, old world decor that will draw your guest into your living space.

This is a 3 Fold Arched Antique Copper Fireplace Screen

2. The second fireplace mantel idea that is guaranteed to give your living room some style, is remodeling your mantel with cast stone. Unlike traditional stone mantels that can require reinforced floor boards and the installation of reinforced steel supports, cast stone mantels are a relatively manageable weight and can be completed as a DIY project in a single afternoon. In addition to their light weight and ease of installation, cast stone mantels can be ordered in a variety of finishes to fit nearly any space.  With styles ranging from very clean and simplistic to very ornate, a cast stone mantel renovation can help to rejuvenate almost any living space.

This is a very ornate style of cast stone mantel called the Seville.

This is a very simplistic style of cast stone mantle called the Franklin.

3.  The final fireplace mantel idea that can help to rejuvenate a space is the addition of gas, or electric fireplace logs. The fact of the matter is, a large portion of traditional, wood burning fireplaces in America do not get used. Whether they do not like the smell of smoke or the hassle of chopping wood, most Americans avoid using their fireplace because they view it as a hassle. In recent years however, gas and electric log sets have given homeowners a new way to enjoy their fireplace without any of the hassles that traditional wood fires produced. Once a gas or electric log set is installed, a homeowner simply must flip a switch and they can be enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a fire within their very own home. The simple truth is, the best way to spruce up your fireplace, is to use it.

This is an example of an Electric Log Set.

This is an example of a Vented Gas Log Set.

As summer approaches, many consumers are searching for a way to add the ambiance of a fireplace to their outdoor space. Unfortunately for many consumers, the prospect of completing the installation of a outdoor fireplace can be very intimidating. Many consumers worry that installing an outdoor fireplace will have to involve hours of lifting bricks and spreading pounds of mortar. Fortunately for these individuals who are interested in the look and feel of a permanent fireplace structure without the arduous labor, outdoor fireplace kits provide the perfect solution. Units like the ones included in the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Series provide the look and feel of a permanent structure without the laborious task of constructing a unit out of brick and mortar.

This is an example of an outdoor fireplace kit

A Perfect Outdoor Fireplace can easily be constructed in a single afternoon. These units can handle the burning of a variety of fuel sources including gas, wood and charcoal. The construction of these units is completed by simply sliding the multiple components together. When constructing your fireplace, it is important to remember to be careful with the individual blocks. Although the unit as a whole is very steady and strong once it is constructed, the individual blocks that make up the unit can easily be broken if they are dropped or slammed together. Make sure when handling the individual blocks you move slowly and treat them almost like glass. This will ensure that none of the blocks break and that the completion of your beautiful, new fireplace is not delayed due to the ordering of individuals pieces.

This is an example of an Outdoor Fireplace and Grill

In addition to the ambiance they provide, many outdoor fireplace kits can also be used as Barbecues. Units like this Cape Cod Outdoor Fireplace are perfect for grilling with family and friends. With multiple height settings for your grill rack, this unit can be used to grill a large variety of meals. It’s durable design complete with components that are reinforced with steel, ensure that this fireplace grill will last a lifetime. Regardless of the plans you have for your outdoor space one fact is for certain, an outdoor fireplace kit is the perfect way to give your patio a level of versatility and ambiance that you and family are sure to enjoy.

As winter melts into spring, people across the U.S. have begun to migrate out of their living rooms and into their backyards. Blooming flowers and green trees have drawn home owners out of their wintery slumbers and onto back porches and front patios everywhere. Unfortunately, many homeowners find that in the early months of spring the chilly night air forces them indoors and away from their grassy yards and backyard bar-b-ques.  In order to make full use of their outdoor space, many consumers decide to purchase an outdoor fire pit to provide their family and friends with a warm place to gather on cool spring evenings. Despite their convenience, many homeowners struggle with the decision of what type of outdoor fire pit best suits their needs.

For individuals who are hoping to give their outdoor space a more formal ambiance, a fire pit table is often an excellent choice. Fire pit tables are larger units that often offer consumers a substantial amount of counter space in addition to the convenience of a fire pit. These units often run off of a gas fuel source and they can provide the perfect center piece for a dinner party. Glasses and serving dishes can conveniently be placed on these units so that your guest are not constantly in search of a location to put down their beverages or rest their plates.

Outdoor fire pits also come in smaller sizes. These units often consist of two or three parts. The central part of the fire pit design is the metal basin that contains the wood for your fire. These units also have a stand with legs attached to them so that they sit off of the ground and at an optimal height for creating the right amount of warmth for the individuals seated around the fire pit. In addition, many smaller, wood burning fire pits come with a screen or metal dome that can prevent large embers from flying through the air. In some cases, these domes can be decorative and provide a beautiful centerpiece for the outdoor space where the fire pit is located.

Bonfire Celebration Fire Pit Dome

Regardless of your needs, the variety of outdoor fire pits available to consumers is sure to include a unit that can fit your outdoor space perfectly. Whether you are looking forward to fancy dinner parties by the pool or a relaxed evening with the kids, the wide variety of outdoor fire pits includes a style that can help create your ideal, outdoor space.

March has arrived and for many Americans this month signifies the arrival of perfect outdoor weather. As spring training starts and baseball teams begin to prepare for the coming summer, many families are starting to uncover their lawn furniture and sweep off their patios in preparation for the coming months. With this change in temperature comes the perfect opportunity to spruce up your outdoor space with a new outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Nothing brings together families and friends like a warm fire on a cool spring evening and now that the snow is melting and warm breezes are sweeping across the country you have the opportunity to enjoy all that spring has to offer.

For consumers interested in adding a fireplace to their outdoor living  space there are several factors to consider. How large a fireplace are you looking for? Do you want to build a permanent structure or are you looking for something more portable? Do you want to use a wood or gel fuel source? All of these factors are important in determining which type of outdoor fireplace best suits your needs.

For consumers looking to build a more permanent structure, units like the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Collection provide excellent options. These units can be assembled in a single afternoon by even the most inexperienced individual, yet they still provide a beautiful, permanent structure that can become a focal point for your outdoor space. These fireplaces are perfect for burning wood or charcoal and they come in a variety of colors and finishes.

This is a Dagan Copper Fire Pit

Another option for consumers looking to add a smaller, more portable unit to their space is a fire pit. Fire pits offer the warmth and ambiance of a backyard fireplace without the hassle of  constructing a large permanent structure. Units like the Dagan Copper Fire Pit are easily transported to different locations and positions on your patio so you can keep yourself warm on those cool spring nights and then easily store the unit in the summer when it is not being used.

This is an Apollo Table Top Fire Pit

A final option for individuals considering the addition of an outdoor fireplace are small table top units. Units like the Apollo Table Top Fire Pit offer a simple yet elegant solution for individuals looking to spruce up an outdoor space. These units fit perfectly in small seating areas or as center pieces for outdoor dining tables. They burn small gel canisters that slip easily into the unit and produce a brilliant, small flame that is perfect for adding just the right amount of ambiance to any outdoor space. Regardless of what your looking for, one thing is for certain, if you are looking to spruce up your outdoor space this spring, an outdoor fireplace is the perfect option for you.

Nothing adds to the permanent and beautiful nature of fireplaces like stone. A cast stone mantel from Mantels Direct offers ease of installation and an appearance that makes your fireplace look as though it has been in place for a hundred years. Adding a stone fireplace is a fantastic way to renovate your home and can add hundreds of dollars in value to what might once have been an ugly, unused corner of your house. With the easy installation and great prices of cast stone, there is no reason consumers cannot have the stone fireplace of their dreams.

There is a common misconception that renovating a mantle has to be a complex and lengthy enterprise requiring the knowledge of a master contractor and the strength of a dozen men. Fortunately, for those of us who have neither of these qualities at our disposal, there is a relatively simple solution that can give our living rooms the renovation needed. Cast stone mantels perfectly merge the look and feel of traditional solid stone while remaining relatively lightweight and easy to install.

Because of the process which is used to create these mantels they remain manageable to install, allowing for a homeowner or handyman to complete the installation.  With a few common household tools a cast stone mantel can easily be installed in a single afternoon. Cast stone provides the perfect balance between strength, durability and easy installation. They are fire resistant and durable enough to hold up any conceivable mantle decoration yet they are easily installed and provide the texture and organic look of stone.

A Beautiful Stone Fireplace Installation

In addition, cast stone mantels also come in a variety of styles, ensuring that they can be used in a large variety of homes and settings. Models such as the Chelsea offer a more subtle style while more ornate models such as the Venetian can add  to the formal nature of almost any living space.

Regardless of the style you choose, there is no denying that a cast stone mantel is the perfect option for anyone looking to complete a stone fireplace renovation.

The days of entertaining outdoors are quickly approaching and nothing welcomes Spring like a stylish, customizable outdoor fireplace.  There is often a misconception that the installation of an outdoor fireplace will take many hours of backbreaking labor. In fact, Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Kits feature interlocking construction, which allows for quick and easy set up without mortar, glue, or fasteners. This type of outdoor fireplace is also very easy to customize, simply add your own brick or stone for a unique finish that will match your specific outdoor décor. These Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Kits are available in many styles including the BBQ Edition, See Thru Edition, and 3-Screen Edition.

The units include:

• Modular Design – Fast, Easy Assembly. No Mortar Needed! (move later if desired)
• No Brick or Stone Coating Required – Looks great in any of our 8 Colors OR add your own brick or stone for a custom look
• Available in a BBQ/Fireplace unit, See Thru unit or 3 Screen unit
• Multiple Door Options – Choose between 5 great looking Door Handle Designs
• Strong, Durable, Heat-Dissipating Stone – eliminates the problems associated with concrete/cement when exposed to extreme temperatures

So as the weather warms and back yards across the country begin to fill up with families and friends, there really is no excuse to deprive yourself of a beautiful outdoor fireplace.

The world of electric fireplaces is growing and with more and more individuals choosing the convenience and style of electric fireplace inserts these products can often be confusing for customers new to the electric fireplace market. Many customers who are looking for an electric alternative to fit within an existing fireplace consider purchasing electric fireplace log inserts. These inserts are freestanding log sets that are designed to be placed into an existing fireplace. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 20″ to 24″ wide and 11.75″ to 21.75″ high, depending on the unit.  These units are designed to heat a modest space of 400 sq. ft. and they usually produce between 4600 and 4700 BTUs. For customers who have a two sided fireplace, that is a fireplace facing two rooms, it is often suggested that they consider buying two fireplace inserts and place them back to back. This approach often creates the illusion of a single electric fireplace insert even though there are actually two units lined up against each other.

Another category of electric fireplace inserts are plug-in electric fireplace inserts. These electric fireplace inserts are designed to be installed in previously constructed mantle packages that come in a variety of designs and styles. These electric fireplace inserts are a fully assembled black box that slide easily into place. No assembly is required with these units and they effortlessly plug into any 3-prong, 120 volt household electrical outlet. Units such as these range in price from approximately 250 dollars to 1,100 dollars depending on the size and various features of the unit. They are often sold as a pair in conjunction with a mantle package such as the Dimplex Hartford Package.

The final type of units which are sometimes labeled as an electric fireplace inserts are built-in units. These units are very similar to the plug-in electric fireplace inserts discussed earlier except, they are designed to be built directly into a wall. Built-in electric fireplace inserts can effortless slide into any interior or exterior wall and are a great option for individuals looking to give there home a contemporary feel.  These units are often capable of producing the most heat of all the various types of electric fireplace inserts because they can be directly wired into the wall.

Regardless of which type of electric fireplace insert may suit your needs, it should be noted that each type of electric fireplace insert can be perfect for a variety of situations.

This is an example of a built-in electric fireplace insert.

This is an example of a plug-in electric fireplace log insert.

This is an example of a plug-in electric fireplace insert.