If you enjoy sitting by a fireplace, you’re far from alone. In fact, human evolution scientifically lends to the enjoyment of flame. Its distinctive light, warmth, and distinct sounds and smell all have health benefits like decreasing blood pressure and relaxing the mind.
Installing a hearth in your home is a great way to relieve stress, and custom fireplaces are the best way to go. Read on to learn some pros and cons of these custom hearths so you can discover what options are right for you.
The Benefits of Installing a Custom Home Fireplace
Before deciding whether a custom fireplace is right for you, it’s important to consider the benefits of fireplaces as a whole.
The first advantage is, of course, ambiance. A fireplace can add a cozy feeling to any space with its warm glow and crackling embers. They’re perfect for those looking to unwind with a good book or loving family at the end of a long day.
They’re also great for entertaining. If you have people over frequently, a fireplace gives you a place to spend time with them. Assuming that you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace with a real flame, you can toast s’mores, hot dogs, and more.
Beyond lifestyle benefits, a fireplace can also add value to your home. Experts estimate that fireplaces can increase your home value by up to $12,000. It’s a feature that buyers are always looking for and will help your property sell faster in the future.
It also is practical even for those who aren’t looking to sell. A fireplace heats up your space and traps warmth, which means that you won’t need to pay as much for heating. This can help you save on utilities whether you use gas or electricity for heating, so it’s a worthwhile way to save money.
You’ll Get the Right Fireplace Type
But why should you specifically invest in custom fireplaces? Why can’t you just request the traditional installation of a standard hearth?
For starters, there are many different types of fireplaces to choose from.
Wood-burning fireplaces are the most traditional. They provide you with a space to insert logs, create a fire from those logs, and burn them inside your home.
However, gas fireplaces are usually the best fireplace type since they’re easy to use and safer to switch on and off. They’re convenient for those who already use gas to power other home areas. They also provide you with the same real flame as a wood-burning alternative would.
Electric fireplaces are yet another option. They emit real warmth but have no flame. Some people prefer them because they’re energy-efficient and highly portable.
The bottom line is that your preferred fireplace type will depend on your own wants and needs. A custom fireplace ensures that you can get the type that you prefer in a style that fits your home.
It Will Always Fit Your Space
Fireplaces aren’t one-size-fits-all. Trying to finagle something that doesn’t fit onto a wall of your home will look awkward and ruin your overall decor. On the flip side, though, a well-fitting and aesthetically-pleasing hearth will make your space look appealing and comfortable.
Whether you want a traditional-looking or modern fireplace, you’ll always have something that perfectly fits your space when you choose custom options. Installation experts will measure your wall space and consult with you about available options. They’ll help you to tweak the shape as well as the size so that you can get the best possible aesthetic.
It Will Match Your Decor
Shape and size aren’t the only things that you can choose with custom fireplaces. You’ll also be able to choose the overall design.
Stone and red brick look rustic and appealing, but they’re far from the only option available. You also can get other types of stone-looking accents including stamped concrete, cobble, and metal painted in warm colors.
Patterned tile also looks great for both traditional and modern fireplace looks. There are many different colors and styles available in various colors. Subway tiles with long patterns are a great option, but many modern homeowners also like honeycomb tiles in warm colors.
If you’re looking for something simple and modern, go for a simple black or white surround. You also could opt for something metallic like gold, brass, or bronze if you want to pack an extra punch. Painted surrounds also let you experiment with multiple colors and patterns.
The possibilities are limitless!
Are There Any Downsides of Custom Fireplaces?
There are very few downsides to fireplace installation in homes. They improve the ambiance, make your property more valuable, and decrease your bills. There’s very little not to like, but some people find that they’re a hassle to take care of.
You’ll need to maintain your fireplace diligently and have it inspected by a CSIA-certified maintenance person periodically. You also will need to clean up the inside of the hearth sometimes (assuming that you get a wood-burning or gas fireplace).
Custom fireplaces specifically are also more expensive than traditional fireplaces. The high up-front costs deter many people from installing them. However, the ROI is high enough that it’s worth it, and you’ll save on utility bills in the long term.
Almost everyone can benefit from a custom fireplace, so look into potential designs and talk to an expert about how to proceed.
Install a New Fireplace ASAP
Now that you know the pros and cons of installing custom fireplaces, it’s time to get started. Dreifuss will help you design and install the perfect hearth to warm your home and keep you comfortable.
We’ll figure out the most efficient way to turn your dream home fireplace into a reality. Get a free estimate for your project and talk with an expert about the types of custom fireplaces you can choose from.
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On the other hand, dense firewood types like oak and hickory have higher heat output due to their tightly packed fibers. Availability and cost are crucial factors in choosing the right firewood. Accessibility and pricing can vary based on region and demand. Moisture Content Moisture content is a critical aspect of firewood quality. Seasoned wood is preferable over wet or green wood due to its higher burning efficiency and reduced smoke. When firewood contains high moisture levels, it requires more energy to burn off the excess water before producing heat. This leads to a smoky and inefficient fire. In contrast, properly seasoned wood has been allowed to dry out, typically reaching a moisture content of around 20%. This lower moisture content allows the wood to ignite more quickly, burn cleaner, and generate greater heat output. This makes it ideal for use in fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating devices. Density and Weight The density and weight of firewood, whether from hardwoods or softwoods, directly impact its burning efficiency, heat output, and overall quality when used for heating. Hardwoods, such as oak or maple, are known for their high density. This makes them excellent choices for generating long-lasting heat during colder months. Due to their denser nature, hardwoods tend to burn more efficiently and produce a higher heat output compared to softwoods like pine or spruce. On the other hand, softwoods, although lighter, may burn faster and provide less consistent heat. Understanding the differences in density between hardwoods and softwoods can help individuals select the most suitable firewood for their heating needs. BTU Rating The BTU rating of firewood measures its heat output potential. Higher BTU values indicate greater efficiency in heating when burned in stoves or fireplaces. 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Hardwoods typically cost more than softwoods due to their higher density and longer burn times. Considering these factors, consumers often weigh the balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability when selecting firewood for their heating needs. What Trees Make the Best Firewood? When it comes to selecting the best firewood, certain tree species like oak, hickory, ash, maple, birch, cherry, apple, pecan, mesquite, pine, and fruit trees stand out for their quality characteristics and efficient burning properties. Hardwoods like oak and maple are known for their dense composition. This results in longer burning times and higher heat output compared to softwoods like pine and cedar. Oak, with its slow-burning qualities, is excellent for long-lasting fires. It is ideal for heating larger spaces. On the other hand, pine ignites quickly and produces a pleasant aroma. This makes it suitable for quick, cozy fires. 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