fireplace reno suggestions?

[lbjgh]

A while ago I removed our gas fireplace because the thing stunk up the house every time it was turned on. Last week I got around to framing and drywalling a box in the former fireplace location. I installed a light at the top of the box and plan to install a mirror on the back wall.

The problem is the plywood within the box is the same level as the tiled hearth and the wood around the outside of the hearth isn't high enough to install new tile from inside of the box to the face of the hearth.

Any suggestions on what to do with the bottom?

[Mouse]

Maybe it's just me, but I can't visualize your problem as described.

Maybe create something in Paint to help the handy-men around here??

:d

[mander]

If not mistaken, this is the spot he wants to cover. Depending on the height, just use a piece of the same material as the framing rounded off at the top. Glue into place and you are all set.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/mander64/fireplace002.jpg

[Frogy]

Check THD/Rhona for floor transitions, if they are the same level that may solve the problem easily.

[lbjgh]

I was thinking about too Frogy... something like a linoleum threshold or something but the then I've got tile on one side and plywood on the other. I was also thinking about filling the gap mander pointed out between the tile and plywood, then laying a continuous piece of linoleum front to back as it's the thinnest material I can think of.

[mander]

As Frogy pointed out, transition strips are the way to go. Thin groove in the floor and will they lay down just as low as linoleum if not lower. Ask at Home Depot. Will look better in the long run.

[Frogy]

Another idea is to raise the inside section overlapping the outside by an inch, with another insert. A two tiered effect. You can cut a template out of cardboard or lay one out with craft paper. The material you use is up to you, it'd be nice if you could match/blend with the tile in some way.

[lbjgh]

Thanks for the ideas. I'm off for march break with my kids so I'll drag 'em to home depot or rona. :)

btw, I have a fireplace screen that I'm selling now that I have no fireplace. :p ... pic below.

http://ca.geocities.com/lbjgh@rogers.com/screen.gif

[jovin]

I was thinking about too Frogy... something like a linoleum threshold or something but the then I've got tile on one side and plywood on the other. I was also thinking about filling the gap mander pointed out between the tile and plywood, then laying a continuous piece of linoleum front to back as it's the thinnest material I can think of.

Can you not use a strip of wood cut to size and paint it black?

By the way, is this part of your energy conservation strategy and are the 2 candles sufficient for heating up the room?

[Mouse]

A mirror in the back will serve to double his light output. :)

[Deb]

What about a piece of marble round-edge moulding to match the marble tiles? Can be had at any kitchen reno store.

[lbjgh]

Well the tile and plywood are at the same height so the moulding is gonna stick up. I think it may be time for a trip to Home Depot...



What about a piece of marble round-edge moulding to match the marble tiles? Can be had at any kitchen reno store.

[Tim]

did someone not measure *twice*, THEN cut?
;)

[lbjgh]

Donno... the fireplace was in the home when I bought it and this is how I found the floor when I removed the fireplace.

[Number6]

[QUOTE=lbjgh;178611]A while ago I removed our gas fireplace because the thing stunk up the house every time it was turned on./QUOTE]

Ah maybe a bad time to ask this question but did you figure out why you had a stink when you used the gas fireplace? I've never encountered a gas fireplace that gave off a smell unless the chimney wasn't drawing properly because the damper wasn't open or there was something in the flu that blocked the venting .....like a dead bird or squirrel.

[Tim]

Donno... the fireplace was in the home when I bought it and this is how I found the floor when I removed the fireplace.

oh. It's ok anyway you wouldn't have been the only person.

we have a fireplace and after having gutted and open concepted the entire first floor, I'm looking for ways to use this, or I have considered actually removing the entire thing altogether. I'm not a fan of gas fireplaces.

Since I know you do care about the environment, here is something I've looked at and have considered, I haven't determined if it is perfectly safe and eco friendly yet for myself, but check this out.

http://www.inflame.ca/

[Frogy]

Thanks for that link Tim, quite the concept. We were contemplating a gas fireplace for the recroom and that product looks interesting and could fill the bill. :)

[lbjgh]

I don't know what caused the smell but when I had a fireplace guy check it out he said there was a problem with combustion area, something or other. ?? Anyway, I contacted the manufacturer who is no longer in the fireplace business about the above noted problems and they honored the lifetime warranty! Being the original owners and having documented problems going back ten years, the company cut us a check for $1300 towards a replacement unit. Obviously we didn't replace the fireplace. :)



Ah maybe a bad time to ask this question but did you figure out why you had a stink when you used the gas fireplace? I've never encountered a gas fireplace that gave off a smell unless the chimney wasn't drawing properly because the damper wasn't open or there was something in the flu that blocked the venting .....like a dead bird or squirrel.

[lbjgh]

Thanks for the link on the fireplace Tim. I'll have to research that product a bit... our current plan is to do without.

[T_Totler]

The Toronto Star had a good article in their New Homes section a couple of weeks ago about fireplaces.

One thing the article noted was that there has been a large increase for wood-burning fireplaces over gas in the last year or so. As a purist, I always preferred woodburning fireplaces and the rationale behind this "switch", according to the article, is environmental concerns with gas fireplaces.

I find that strange in that woodburning fireplaces require wood, which means chopping down trees, and that in itself harms the environment.

[Tim]

Thanks for that link Tim, quite the concept. We were contemplating a gas fireplace for the recroom and that product looks interesting and could fill the bill. :)
yea cool eh? I'm looking for anyone who has had some experience using these.

[reiver]

I find that strange in that woodburning fireplaces require wood, which means chopping down trees, and that in itself harms the environment.

Well, you can sustainably farm trees. Whether or not these people are buying wood from a seller that does this is another matter... but in theory.

[lbjgh]

http://www.canren.gc.ca/prod_serv/index.asp?CaId=158&PgId=822


Conventional wood fireplaces are extremely inefficient, averaging between -10% and +10% energy efficiency (by comparison, the gas and oil furnaces sold today operate at better than 80% efficiency). In the best case scenario, they supply a little heat to the house. Unfortunately, most fireplaces fall into the worst case side of the equation, causing an overall heat loss. Tests have demonstrated that, in most instances, on cold winter days the use of conventional fireplaces will actually result in an increase in fuel consumption for heating.

[Tim]

you're right T, one of the reasons I've let the brick fireplace sit undone, is, I don't know what is a good option, I would like whatever I choose to be eco friendly at least.

I wonder about those logs you buy. How great are those?

Currently it's possible to go inflame, but lately I like the idea of simpley having the whole brick fireplace removed altogether.

[T_Totler]

I wonder about those logs you buy. How great are those?
I personally never liked them. The flame is too even and unnatural looking. If I recall, they are made of compressed woodchips with some kind of chemical added in there to make them burn longer.

[Taz]

Been thinking of having a gas insert put in myself, currently have a wood burning.Problem is when I get a god fire going the main floor nicely but then the furnace doesn't come on because the room the thermostat is in is at the right temp making it to cold for the wife and kids. One of my neighbors has a gas insert uses it mainly for heat, cost is about $50 /month, my cost to run the furnace is about $100. House is a 2 story 3 bedroom 1200sq ft townhouse condo. The Inflame looks interesting how much does the "fuel" cost per case ? and would it work for a main heat source ?

[AMD]

A pellet stove is the way to go - the fuel is made from recycled sawdust.

They produce less pollution than even the best EPA certified wood stoves and fireplace inserts; the only drawback is they require electricity to operate.

I don't like the idea of ventless due to moisture production (H2O is a biproduct of combustion regardless of fuel) and the carbon monoxide risk. Direct vent (using outdoor air from combustion) is the safest and second most efficient option.

[Lesley]

Since I know you do care about the environment, here is something I've looked at and have considered, I haven't determined if it is perfectly safe and eco friendly yet for myself, but check this out.

http://www.inflame.ca/

There's a fireplace I can live with. Thanks Tim.

[Lesley]

Been thinking of having a gas insert put in myself, currently have a wood burning.Problem is when I get a god fire going the main floor nicely but then the furnace doesn't come on because the room the thermostat is in is at the right temp making it to cold for the wife and kids. One of my neighbors has a gas insert uses it mainly for heat, cost is about $50 /month, my cost to run the furnace is about $100. House is a 2 story 3 bedroom 1200sq ft townhouse condo. The Inflame looks interesting how much does the "fuel" cost per case ? and would it work for a main heat source ?

You should consider moving your thermostat.

[Tim]

np Lesley, seriously considered that.

Atm, I am looking for an appropriate contractor to quote removing the brick fireplace. I'd do it myself, but the chiminey at back needs to be preserved properly, so I don't want to fool with that.

If it's waaay too much, this is what I might do.

[Lesley]

np Lesley, seriously considered that.

Atm, I am looking for an appropriate contractor to quote removing the brick fireplace. I'd do it myself, but the chiminey at back needs to be preserved properly, so I don't want to fool with that.

If it's waaay too much, this is what I might do.

I don't have a fireplace currently so a ventless system would be perfect. I'm afraid to look into the cost tho, I have a feeling it's not cheap.

[Lesley]

What about a piece of marble round-edge moulding to match the marble tiles? Can be had at any kitchen reno store.

Bullnose tile. I was thinking of that too.

[lbjgh]

I think I have a solution now... my wife found a guy who will cut a piece of black aluminum to cover the plywood up to and including the gap between the tiled hearth and plywood. I'll post pics if it works out. ;)

[lbjgh]

The aluminum didn't do the trick... but I had a brain-wave... Why was I trying to match the tile in the first place? :tch:

I raised the floor by a few inches ... installed the mirror... now onto the next project. :)