How to Install Glass Fireplace Doors

By: ALEXANDRA BANDON, This Old House magazine


A cozy fire on a cold night is a delight. But it loses its charm when you must wait for it to burn out before heading to bed. A wood fire left untended isn't safe. Unlike a gas fireplace, which can be switched off, the only way to leave a wood fire is to close it off with glass doors. 

Most new fireplaces come with glass doors. But if you want to add this safety feature to an existing fireplace, retrofitting them isn't difficult. The doors come in standard sizes that fit in any flat firebox opening. 

We asked Justin Calemmo, of Five Sons Chimney Service in Brookfield, Connecticut, to show how to retrofit new doors on an old fireplace. Our 1848 fireplace has a surround that's undersized, so the glass doors make it safer by blocking the fire from the too close wood floor and mantel.


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Check out: 
Glass Doors for Fireplaces

Fireplace Glass Doors - Get Ready for Cooler Days Now!

Yes, I know it's still summer and I know that the last thing you are probably thinking about is a warm and cozy fireplace to snuggle up next too. I promise you I am not crazy, I am telling you now is the time to get the best prices before those cooler months set in. We all know that most fireplace retailers base their pricing off of the season. So, instead of waiting for the last minute to have a beautiful, safe and price efficient fireplace door, check out the amazing selections on all makes and models now.


Here are just a few that I think are not only beautiful, but cost efficient for just about every budget. DIY'ers everywhere should run and not walk to remodel and transform their old fireplace. Some of you may have that ugly mesh screen that doesn't keep the logs from rolling right out onto your floor. Then there are some folks that may not think they could even have a fireplace glass door at all because you may have a Masonry Fireplace. Your in luck because not only can you get a fireplace place to fit your fireplace, but it's so easy you can actually install it yourself. Listed below are a few of the things you can consider for your fireplace.

Here are my suggestions:

Masonry Fireplace Doors

Heatilator Fireplace Glass Doors

Fireplace Door Replacement Glass

Made the old brick hearth shine! WOW

Today I helped my friend Dioni update a brick fireplace. We were both ready to tackle the job after we found that the masonry fireplace paint we wanted came in this gorgeous twilight taupe. As you can see it turned out beautifully, and Dioni was so amazed to see that it looked like real brick and not a painted over mess. Her husband said he thought that someone came in and rebricked the old hearth. Little did he know (at least until we told him) that we did it all by ourselves. I am a veteran of using this product but Dioni was skeptical but she wanted to do something to help lighten her living room and she was tired of the drab look of the old red brick fireplace. So what do you think? Did we do a good job? Do you like the amazing difference? WE DO!

The products we used:

Masonry fireplace paint

Black Firebox Paint

Brick Fireplace Cleaner

Fireplace Glass Doors

Fireplace Safety

Aesthetics can mix safely with functioning fireplace

When renovating or installing a fireplace, homeowners should be aware of the many options they have and planning required for each type of option.

For example, it’s possible that your fireplace will be used in an air conditioned home in Scottsdale, Ariz. mainly for aesthetic purposes since it rarely gets cold enough in Scottsdale to require a blazing fire. Plus, the owners have envisioned the fireplace area as a place to place pictures of family and other treasured heirlooms. As the fire place is to be used primarily for aesthetic purposes, an enclosed or other kind of has supplied or fire log fed fireplace will do fine, even if it is not what people who live near ski resorts would think of as a “real fireplace.” A real fireplace used to warm the home brings the potential for real danger and each year in the U.S. thousands of homes are destroyed by careless fireplace fires or chimney fires.

So before planning a renovation, ask yourself how much of the purpose of the fireplace is decorative and how much functional. How many irreplaceable valuables do you want near the fireplace. Check your homeowners policy for any provisions against loss for accidental loss due to fireplace malfunction, and language regarding the effect of comparative negligence on the part of the homeowner if a fire causes loss of personal property.

If tackling an installation for the first time, make sure your project is up to code. Otherwise, failure to maintain a proper fireplace could impair your ability to recover under your policy should a fire result.

Also, determine right away whether you intend to be the installer of the project, or whether you would rather hire out to a contractor the choice of a system, i.e., wood burning, gas heating, or whether you have the skills to do the job yourself.

If this is your first experience with installation of an HVAC system of any kind, figure in the time and effort necessary to get up to speed, and whether you necessarily want your first such project to be the family fireplace. On the other hand, someone who is handy and used to working with systems around the home, whether they be electrical plumbing and the like, might find fireplace installation right up their alley. If you’re a DIY, check with the local authorities, including homeowner associations and city county licensing types to make sure you are installing something that is up to code so that you don’t run into problems later on.

To avoid chimney fires, keep the chimney swept at least once annually. In a wood burning fire place, creosote and soot can combine into a combustible coating that can be lit by a spark and a subsequent chimney fire. The upward air draft inside the chimney supplies oxygen to the fire, so chimney fires spread rapidly. 

That’s why an industrial strength fire extinguisher should part of every decor scheme. Fire extinguishers and other fireplace accessories can be found at toolhq.com.au.

In short, before undertaking an installation or renovation, think about whether you want the fireplace for heat warming or aesthetic purposes. Consider whether you want to do it yourself or contract out the job and make sure the installation is up to code, and covered in your homeowners insurance.

Knowing the answers to these questions in advance will mean a smoother installation and greater enjoyment from your fireplace system.

Jay Preston is Author and Brand Manager at ToolHQ, Australia's premiere source for power tools.

MAY I ALSO SUGGEST THESE IDEAS FOR YOUR FIREPLACE?

• Airtight FireplaceDoors
• Masonry Fireplace Paint
• Majestic Fireplace Doors

How Much Does a Fireplace Mantel Cost?

Are you planning to get a new fireplace mantel for your home? Well, it’s about time you should. Getting a new fireplace mantel will be a good investment especially if you look forward to spending winter and the cold months within the comforts of your home.

Fire mantels may cost as low as $200 to as high as $5,000. The cost depends on various factors though. For example, you have to consider the size, style, color, design, availability and quality of materials used, and location or transportation costs for shipment or delivery.

You also have to consider the functionality of the fireplace mantel. Will this be used as a corner fireplace mantel? Or will it be a cabinet? Will it be suitable for an electric or gas or wood fireplace?

Materials used for fireplace mantels are wood, stone, and marble, among others. Nevertheless, all of these materials come in a variety of sizes and colors. They can either be standard or custom-made depending on your needs. Usually, wood and stone fireplace mantels are cheaper compared to those made of marble. This is because marble fireplace mantels are more durable and they are designed more intricately compared to these two materials. Marble, unlike wood, is also fire-resistant which makes it more expensive.

Usually wood fireplace mantels are created from oak, mape, and poplar. They are also made from timber like Douglas fir, hemlock, and pine. The cost ranges as low as $200 to as high as much as $1,000. On average, timber fireplace mantels cost around $500. The more intricate the design, the more expensive it costs.

Aside from wood, fireplace mantels also come from stone. Stone is also fire resistant making it useful for gas and wood fireplaces. They are also available in different colors, textures, and finishes. Such finishes include polished, honed, and natural ones. Natural finishes are the cheapest in this range of fireplace mantels. Prices are as low as $1,299 to as much as $3,800.

Finally, good quality fireplace mantels are made of marble. As mentioned earlier, marble mantels are the most Expensive range because of their durability. Plus, they can also fit in various fireplace sizes. The designs are also More difficult to create because they are carefully carved. Like stone fireplace mantels, marble fireplace mantels also come in different hues- classic black and white, beige, green, red, pink, and other shades as requested by the customer. Marble fireplace mantels range between $3,200 to $4,000.

Now that you have an idea of how much a fireplace mantel costs, why not start saving for it now? It will definitely be worth your money.

This is a guest post written by the writer of HowMuchIsIt.org, a website that states the price of just about anything.

Discount Fireplaces.... Is There Such a Thing?

While out in DIY land I have had so many of my friends ask where they can get some good quality discount fireplaces. So I began to research and came up with a quality list if Discount Fireplaces and where to find the best buy as well as the best bang for your buck.

I chose this door first because it was my favorite, not only because of the style but because of the price. Take a look; this is a Superior Fireplace Glass Door, if your don't know your model number and or manufacturer here is a way to check.  Where to find my manufacturer once you have that you can make a decision on this particular fireplace glass door. You can choose from Lennox, Martin, Heatilator fireplace glass doors and more.  Quality and great pricing.

Now, if you love beauty, quality and your willing to pay a little more, here is one suggestion that I thought was out of this world. A Wrought Iron fireplace door , the things that screamed out to me the most was the sturdy frame and the quality of the tempered glass. 

Whichever you decide on I am sure you won't be disappointed in the quality, pricing and the great advice and wonderful customer service I received while on my little quest. Happy Fireplace Shopping!

Best Rooms For a Fireplace

There is a special feeling you get when entering a room with a fireplace. Many rooms can have one, but what are the best rooms for a fireplace? While fireplaces are most frequently found in the living room, more and more homes have them located in the kitchen or in the bedroom. If you're unsure where to place your fireplace, then try to look at some of the pros and cons of having the fireplace in each place.

The Living Room – Having a fireplace here is great because you can start the fire before friends or family arrive and have the room take on a glow it doesn't normally feature. There's nothing better than watching a movie on the screen over the mantle with a warm fireplace and a bag of popcorn while surrounded by your favorite people. The living room is also a central location in most houses, and the heat can more easily reach other parts of the home.

The Kitchen – While some older kitchens have wood stoves for cooking, others have full-sized fireplaces. Fireplaces in kitchens can definitely add a new dimension to the overall design plans of a kitchen, but one should consider that fireplaces take up a lot of space that could otherwise be used for more counter and cabinet space. With today’s modern conveniences, most homeowners would rather have more space in the kitchen to be used for other purposes.

The Bedroom – Anywhere a fireplace is installed in a home people can benefit from the warms that it produces, but in the bedroom a fireplace can have much more of an impact on the room’s atmosphere than anywhere else. It will certainly add a bit of romance for the alone time with your partner. Having a mantle over the fireplace can be a great place to store personal items for easy access.

Overall, everyone agrees that fireplaces are really cool!  They certainly add a cozy element to your home. Just make absolutely sure that you check your local building codes before you start thinking about adding a fireplace into your home décor plans. You can also consult with a local expert to find out whether a wood or electric fireplace is best for your home.  After that, you can decide which room above you liked the best!

Allison Cooper is a writer and editor for Beyond Stores, a trusted online seller of heavily discounted name brand furniture and home decor accessories like this Jofran Double Drop Leaf Pub Table.  When not working, Allison enjoys knitting, DIY projects, and the company of her two sons Marcus and Noah.

May I also suggest you look at these fine ideas for your fireplace:

Masonry Paint - Brick Color Themes that keeps your brick looking like brick

Wrought Iron Fireplace Doors - A majestic accent to any fireplace

Rustic Mantel - High light your gorgeous fireplace 

Blog Hop with Fireplace Decorating

I am currently piggy backing off of KdBuggie Boutique's Mingle Monday

Please stop by Katy's beautiful blog and tell her Fireplace Decorating sent you. 

RULES: There are no rules except these few suggestions. Thanks so very much.

Visit as many blogs on the link list as you would like. Make sure you leave a comment.

Please link family friendly blogs ONLY!! I would hate to have to delete anyone from the blog hop. 

Become a follower here on my blog , grab my button too! 

Thanks so much, have a blessed week.

Reface A Fireplace In One Afternoon

This project turned out simply beautiful! We tackled it in one afternoon. The step by step instructions were easy to understand, the product arrived super fast and the customer service rep was simply awesome. I thought you may like to see some photos of our fireplace (pictured above) it was a ugly faded red before we had painted it with your product. We are amazed with the results of the outcome, it totally gave the fireplace life and also brightened up the living room. (pictured below)

After we painted the fireplace we then had it converted from a wood burning fireplace to a gas fireplace. Thanks Sharon! I am so glad you loved it and I so appreciate you taking the time to email me the pictures. 

These are the products we used to complete our fireplace refacing:

Twilight Taupe Brick Fireplace Paint Kit

Black Firebox Paint

Brick Fireplace Cleaner

Incredibly Easy Fireplace Resurfacing

This brick fireplace resurfacing endeavor I decided to take on was incredibly easy! Even though I had researched all about this product, and looked through every one of the pictures... I was still nervous to start the painting process. The whole process went smoothly.. and I am overly satisfied with the results! Let me know what you think.

May I also recommend these products which I also used:

Black Firebox Paint

Fireplace Screen

Iron Fireplace Tools

Ideas for Renovating & Remodeling Your Home

When it comes to renovating or remodeling any place in your home, there are a million different things you can do. Of course, what you can actually do depends entirely on your budget and your imagination- not to mention your skills and the amount of free time you have to dedicate to renovating and remodeling the home. Sometimes, all you need is a good idea and some dedication, and your home will be remodeled and renovated in ways that may have never been imaginable before. In case you have a brain drain when it comes to renovation and remodeling ideas, here are some different things you can do in all the major rooms of the house:

Renovating and remodeling the living room
The living room is a great place for a renovation or remodel because it is the primary room that people see when visiting the house, and it is the prime spot when hosting any guests of any kind. Also, the living room tends to be the biggest room in the house, and thus has the most possibilities for renovation and remodeling per square foot. The living room also tends to have the most furniture in it, when compared to other rooms in the house, which adds just that many more renovation and remodeling possibilities.

1. Change the carpet- this can be costly, but can do wonders in the room.
2. Rearrange the furniture- a simple switch-around can do a lot to change the feel of a room.
3. Rugs- a new rug can really liven up a room, you may be surprised by the result.

Renovating and remodeling the bathroom
The bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms, but it is also one in which you may have a lot of guests- and is therefore a great place to renovate and remodel. The space may be limited, but the possibilities are not nearly as limited as you may think- there are all kinds of things that can be done to make a bathroom sparkle.

1. Cabinets- changing up the cabinets can make a bathroom look brand new.
2. Toilets and tubs- getting a new toilet or tub can change the whole feel of a bathroom, and will really make it sparkle like new.

Renovating and remodeling the bedroom
The bedroom is the most private area of the home, and the goal of a bedroom design should be to make you feel comfortable and at ease as much as possible.

1. Cleaning up the closet- The closet tends to be the most cluttered part of the room, and maybe even the most cluttered part of the house.
2. New dressers- a shiny, new dresser can really liven up a room and breath fresh air into it.
3. The walls- Putting up a nice piece of artwork or something on the walls can add a whole different level of peacefulness to a bedroom.

Alexis is an interior design maven. She writes for a variety of sites and loves looking at preferred builder floor plans.