Fireplaces are both a paragon of functionality and aesthetics. Most of the times, however, they can be difficult to install, especially if you’re going for a rather dated extension. Bio ethanol fireplaces are pretty dominant in the modern market and contemporary design schemes, but nothing can beat the intimate coziness of a gas fireplace. Both come with an extended list of advantages and disadvantages of their very own. Lately however, with an increasing regard for DIY trends, making your very own fireplace has become no problem at all. You can either build one, or install one depending on your need and you would find all the requisite instructions easily over the internet. Keeping up with this rising trend, in this article, we would be looking at how to build a fireplace in the easiest of ways.
1. Purpose
Admittedly there are two kinds of fireplaces when it comes to defining a purpose. Both of these reasons are acceptable in their own right. The first one relates to functionality – a fireplace in and of itself is a purely functional entity. The basic elements of its configuration promote pragmatism. It was created to cater fire and keep the occupants of a space warm. When it comes to the second purpose – aesthetics – we know that it was a later advent. Aesthetics only matter when the basic function is met. The correlation of both of these purposes is what translates into a modern setting. A modern fireplace can have either one, or both of these purposes but it is up to you to define whether you want functionality, aesthetics, or both.
2. Consider the design
Even if you’re going for a rather functional approach, there will always be a stylistic element to the mix. Each interior has its very own aesthetic, be it modern, traditional, or transitional. Any fireplace, prior to its construction has to be configured in a specific label. Then based on the aesthetic qualities of that label, you can design your very own fireplace. If your interior emulates the modern style then your fireplace would most certainly have to be complementary to that aesthetic. If they are completely opposite, that would hinder the outlook of your interior and make it seem garish.
3. Scale and Proportion
When you are done with the selection of a theme, it is time to get to business. First of all determine the size and scale of your fireplace. This completely depends on the existing surroundings. If the determined scale is too large it will hinder the aesthetic quality of your interior. If the determined scale is too small, it would mess with the other complementary proportions of your room. So the sizing has to be just right. Do not let the fireplace either dominate, or be dwarfed by the size of its interior.
4. Decide on gas, electric or bioethanol
A gas fireplace is completely different when it comes to installation strategy. It has specific requirements that need to be fulfilled – the chimney, dampers, lining of the hearth, a gas and electric line. It can be a dragging process. However, the electric heater only needs a place to be installed inside the hearth. So does the bio ethanol counterpart. Both of these can also lend a rather appealing aesthetic quality to the entire mix. But nothing can ever beat the comfortable coziness of a gas fireplace. The range of cost also matters.
5. Gas/electric-line
If you decide on either a gas or an electric fireplace, then you would have to hire professional to lay out a gas and electric connection near the mantle for you. A gas fireplace cannot work without a gas connection and running one yourself would be out of the option unless you’re a certified professional. An electric heater, even if it is a wall mount, needs to an electric socket connection to actually work. So if you do not already have one, then it would be wise to hire a professional to create one for you.
6. Kit design
When you’ve decided on the hard parts, it is time to select a design for your very own fireplace kit. A fireplace kit is a prefabricated fireplace kit that need only be assembled at the owner’s whim. It comes in various designs and offers a wide range. It is cost efficient and effective – a nice replacement for bit by bit construction prototypes. The best part about these kits is that they come in a wide range of budgets that can be affordable by almost anyone.
7. Customization
If you do not want a prefabricated assemblage and want a fireplace that is custom designed then you would need to hire a contractor. You can definitely pen the design but drafting the details needs to be handled by professionals. Only when that is done can the contractor build you the fireplace that you might want.
