- Pellet Stoves -The growing heating alternative
Pellet Stoves are an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional heating options. Pellet Stoves instead of burning fossil fuel, derive their energy from pellets of agri-waste or biomass - most commonly sawdust or wood chip but also nut shells, corn or fruit pits....
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Fireplaces- A forgotten design feature rediscovered and revitalised for the 21st century
For a long time fireplaces were bricked up or covered by garishly painted sheets of plywood, but recently they have had a new lease of life as homeowners have rediscovered the value of a restored fireplace. Also architects have started incorporating modern fireplace designs in new build houses, and certain manufacturers have introduced traditional style fireplaces in modern materials....
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Woodburning Stoves - An old answer to a new problem
The Traditional Wood Burning Stove which had been relegated to the corners of Antique Shops and Rustic Country Cabins has suddenly become a fashionable item as oil and natural gas rise in price. Along with Wood Pellet Stoves, Turning back to wood burning cook stoves is a way to stay warm and cook for as little as a tenth of the price...
- Gas Fireplaces - How efficient is your vent or flue?
Despite the increased availability of ventless gas fireplaces, traditional gas fireplaces require an efficient flue or vent system. If a vent or flue is inefficient, that can lead to the erosion of mortar joints, causing potentially dangerous fumes and tars to escape....
- Fireplace Screens - A positive design step or a move back into the past?
Although it is well known that the Romans made use of rudimentary fireplace screens, it was not until the eighteenth century that decorative fireplace screens became an established item of fireplace furniture....
- Fireplace Inserts - from firebacks to grates
Until the early eighteenth century wood was the fuel most commonly used for open fires? Although it will readily burn on the floor of the hearth, large logs were supported by early fireplace supports such as a pair of andirons or firedogs....
- Fireplace Tools - Be prepared - Get the right tools for the job
When winter begins to bite and the fireplace sees more action it becomes important to have the right fireplace tools to hand to ensure fire-tending goes as smoothly as possible. Some people feel that only original antique fireplace tools will suffice and although widely available their prices have risen disproportionately especially those of French antique fireplace tools and the Colonial style produced by fireplace tools blacksmiths...
- Corn Stoves- The best pellet burning alternative?
Once the environmental benefits of pellet burning stoves as a means of domestic heating became clear the search was on for other forms of bio-mass or agri-waste that would compete with the original wood pellets in terms of cost and performance. Nut shells and fruit pits have a loyal following but it is the increasing use of corn pellets that has taken the market place by storm...
- Fireplace Surrounds - Making the best of ceramic tile fire surrounds
The nineteenth century saw the widespread introduction of ceramic glazed tiles into fireplace surrounds, be it in a marble fireplace surround setting or a stone fireplace surround. These wall tiles, like ceramic floor tiles, are very hard-wearing and need little maintenance...
- Coal Stoves- An old favourite makes a welcome comeback
Rising oil and natural gas prices have led to people reconsidering the use of coal-burning stoves within the home. Advances in appliance design leading to higher heat output and the increased availability of better burning types of fuel has resulted in a 75% increase in sales of both small coal stoves and the larger coal stoker stoves...
- Fireplace Grates - The essential accessory for the open fire
Although fireplace grates developed firstly in the form of wood fireplace grates they were basically simple in design and it was not until the increased use of coal in the late eighteenth century that fireplace grates became more ornate in design...
- Gas Stoves - The easy way to obtain that open fire effect
In recent decades the sales of gas stoves, both natural gas stoves and propane gas stoves, have grown enormously. This has come about partly because it has become clear just how much heat is lost up the chimney from a traditional wood stove and the need for instant heat that needs no preparation and subsequent cleaning...
- Gel Fireplaces - Efficient and adaptive heating for all applications
In recent decades the popularity of open wood fires has been declining, due partly to the recognition that they are not very heat efficient (up to 90% of heat being lost up the chimney), and perhaps more importantly due to the lack of desire by work-weary people to set and tend an open fire....
- Majestic Fireplaces - Modern fireplace design for traditional settings
Majestic Fireplaces have for many years produced a varied range of fireplace inserts and freestanding stoves that are ideal for adding a modern fuel appeal to a traditional fireplace...
- Wood Stoves - Solid fuel stoves with a proven record
Wood stoves are efficient space heaters that have been a popular means for heating homes in country areas of America and Europe since the eighteenth century. Made of cast iron or steel plate, and in some cases incorporating heat-retentive soapstone, there are many brands of wood stoves in a great variety of styles and sizes...
- Marble Fireplaces - Classic fireplaces in a classic material
Once fireplaces became seen as decorative features from the eighteenth century onwards the stone fireplace developed in terms of materials used, design and decoration, and the marble fireplace led the way....
- Propane Fireplaces - The easy way to obtain that open fire effect
In recent decades the sales of gas fireplaces, both natural gas fireplaces and propane gas fireplaces, have grown enormously. This has come about partly because it has become clear just how much heat is lost up the chimney from a traditional wood fireplace and the need for instant heat that needs no preparation and subsequent cleaning....
- Fireplace Doors - Close your fire in for efficiency
Although traditional woodburning fireplaces and coal burning fireplaces have a very obvious aesthetic appeal, it is true that they may actually exhaust more heat from a house than they produce....
- Fireplace Mantels - The decorative design opportunity from history for today
When centrally heated houses became widespread and popular many fireplaces were removed, bricked up or covered with garishly painted sheets of plywood. Antique fireplace mantels and surrounds were removed and sent to the tip. In the last twenty or so years designers and discerning homeowners have rediscovered the distinctive allure of the fireplace, surround and mantel....
- Corner Fireplaces - The ideal space saving solution to heating your room
The design dilemma is all too common, in that there is not enough room for a conventional fireplace in your new living space and you crave the radiant satisfying heat of an open fire. The solution comes in the form of a corner fireplace and many manufacturers have embraced this design by producing ranges for all types of application...
- Electric Fireplaces - Plug in to cheap and easy heating
It has long been recognised that the installation of an electric fireplace offers a quick, easy and economical way of heating any living space. Originally heavily built and austere in design electric fireplaces have now evolved into many styles, designs and applications...
- Fireplace Accessories - Accessorise your traditional fireplace for fuel efficiency
There are several fireplace accessories that can improve the heating efficiency of a traditional woodburning fireplace but if significant gains are to be made then the only add-on accessory to consider is a fireplace insert...
- Ventless Fireplaces - Efficient and adaptive heating for all applications
In recent decades the popularity of open wood fires has been declining, due partly to the recognition that they are not very heat efficient (up to 90% of heat being lost up the chimney), and perhaps more importantly due to the lack of desire by work-weary people to set and tend an open fire...
- Fireplace Designs - A welcome present from the Greeks for the modern designer
It was the Greeks and Romans who gave us the earliest fireplace deigns, utilising elaborate classical styles. Marble surrounds and mantels were used incorporating carved or moulded figures, fluted columns, decorative ceramic tiles and delicate mosaics...
- Woodburning Fireplaces - Fuel for the fire
With the increased popularity of woodburning fireplaces in the home and the continued use of outdoor woodburning fireplaces it is becoming more important to understand the different types of wood available to consumers and their varying burn qualities...
- Stone Fireplaces - Classic fireplaces in classic materials
Once fireplaces became seen as decorative features from the eighteenth century onwards the stone fireplace developed in terms of materials used, design and decoration. Although the construction of the chimney and hearth remained basically the same, stone fireplace design enhanced the components of the fireplace surround...
