| Nothing is quite so elegant and welcome in your | | | | masonry fireplace reality, it is not easy to change. |
| home as the security and warmth offered by | | | | Save yourself the time and trouble of choosing |
| your very own fireplace. For the choosy | | | | something that will be outdated in five |
| homeowner, there are a variety of fireplace | | | | years?which brings you to your options. |
| design ideas you can use to spruce up your place | | | | ? Choose wisely. Look at what is available for |
| with equal parts class and efficiency. | | | | ideas on designing your own, or select an existing |
| One of the best choices available to you today | | | | plan that truly speaks to you. Either way, your |
| can be found in the masonry fireplace designs | | | | final choice will be one you cannot change on a |
| that will have your family marveling at the | | | | whim. Do not put yourself in the position where |
| architecture, even while basking in its protection | | | | you will have to. |
| from the brittle temperatures of late fall and the | | | | ? Be thorough in your plans. Have you thought |
| winter months. | | | | about the actual size of the fireplace? What are |
| But before you take the step of installing your | | | | its opening dimensions? How big is the hearth, and |
| very own masonry fireplace design, here are | | | | how will it be supported? What is its depth? |
| some things to keep in mind: | | | | Approximately how large or small will your flue |
| ? Building codes are a fact of life with masonry | | | | be? What method will you use to install the cap? |
| fireplace designs. In order to install one in your | | | | Will there be a saddle or cricket? How will the |
| home, you will need to be familiar with, and stick | | | | chimney be run through your roof? Make sure |
| to, the specific building codes that exist in your | | | | you have detailed plans before you begin, so you |
| area. If you wish to cut down on the time and | | | | can know exactly what to expect out of the |
| research involved, you may wish to take this | | | | "look" of the fireplace and the effects it will have |
| issue up with your contractor. He or she will know | | | | on the rest of your home. |
| the specific materials to use in order to keep you | | | | ? Energy efficiency does not happen on a whim. |
| within guidelines. Whether you are building a new | | | | How have you planned for this? Is there proper |
| home or adding to an old one, it is always a good | | | | ventilation? Do you use a lot of outside air? What |
| idea to consult a professional, even if you are | | | | are your fireplace doors made of? |
| going to do the work yourself. | | | | ? What will you do with the ashes? You have to |
| ? Beware trends! Masonry fireplace designs offer | | | | clean your fireplace out sometime. Is your design |
| all the benefits of a fireplace with the added | | | | conducive to easy cleanup? |
| bonus of sustained durability. However, that also | | | | The advantages of a masonry fireplace design far |
| locks you in when it comes to remodeling. Once | | | | outweigh the drawbacks. The key is to know |
| your masonry fireplace design becomes a | | | | what you want before you build. |