| Shopping For A Fireplace Made Easy |
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There are a few factors you must decide on prior to your purchase and can be made easier by asking yourself the following questions: What type of fireplaces are available?We have Gas, Wood, and Electric - fireplaces, inserts and stoves. You will need to determine what type you would prefer. Then, it has to be determined whether the fireplace can be installed in the desired location. What style of fireplace do I prefer?There is a vast array of styles of fireplaces in the market today. You can select anything from traditional units with ornate surrounds and log sets to the new contemporary linear fireplaces that have clean lines and have glass or rock burners. What do I want my fireplace to do for me?Deciding on the purpose of your fireplace will go a long way to narrowing down the choices. Ask yourself what the most important function of your fireplace will be. Is it to provide a source of heat, or to look fabulous or both? Not all styles of fireplaces are designed for large heat output so it really depends on the model of fireplace selected. Research Styles and Ideas. Before you go shopping, do a little research online or in magazines to determine what styles of fireplace you like best. Whether it be modern, classic, rustic or any combination of these - start collecting photos, drawings, websites, etc... that have pictures of fireplace, mantle and stone designs. Most home design magazines will usually have a couple pictures of a fireplace in the background. Once you determine the style you are looking for, bring in those ideas and we will try to help you achieve your ideal fireplace. Photos - "A picture says a 1000 words". Bring in a printed copy of any of your design ideas and let our sales representatives truly understand what look you are trying to achieve. If you are installing a new fireplace, then take a picture of the location you would like the fireplace. Also take pictures of the joist spaces, gas lines, exterior wall - where the fireplace may exhaust, and any other photos that you feel will help explain the location. These photos may help our sales representative understand and explain some of the challenges or concerns with your installation. Fireplace Installations. Fireplaces themselves come in a variety of price brackets, but one of the factors that will influence the cost, is the installation. An electric fireplace is the easiest (and least expensive) to install, as it only requires a power outlet to function. A wood burning fireplace is the most expensive to install because it requires the installation of a chimney through the roof. Today's direct vent gas fireplaces have many versatile installations. They can be vented directly through an exterior wall or go vertical to the roof line. MantelsChoosing between a manufacturer supplied or custom designed mantel will also be a factor in the end price. A mantle from one of the manufacturers will give you a select size and finish choice. When choosing a custom mantle, you have the ability to design something to your exact specifications. Diamond Fireplace offers you a variety of options for custom wood mantels and cabinets. Because we do everything custom, we do not typically have anything in stock. The type of wood, size of mantle, and the style of mantle will affect the price. Diamond Fireplace is able to do as little or as much as you would like when selecting a mantle. We can build, stain, paint, lacquer, deliver and install all of our custom built products. Stone Again, choosing your stone or brick framework for your new fireplace will be a factor in your costs. The floor to ceiling fireplaces seen in many home decor magazines are a stunning addition to any great room, but to keep material and labor costs down, you may want to go for a slightly less dramatic look.
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