This article is part of a series designed to help architects use Source, Architizer’s premier marketplace for building products. For more information on the platform, click here.
If you’re an architect, contractor or do-it-yourselfer, you probably already know how difficult and time-consuming it can be to research and select the building products that are right for your next project. Luckily, Architizer is here to help: Using our product catalog and Source, the new marketplace for building products, we’ve written a collection of “spec guides” on everything from marble to surface-mounted lighting. These will help you understand what factors to consider before making your next specification or purchase and help you to make the perfect product search on Source. Think of them as the ultimate specifier cheat sheet.
As we continue to navigate through the final stages of winter, now seems like the perfect time to look at the art of specifying fireplace accessories.
Fireplace Accessories
Categorization
Architizer: Accessories > Fireplace Accessories
Introduction + Tips
Fireplace accessories range from mantels and doors to log sets and lava rocks. When it comes to choosing the aesthetic details of a fireplace or an insert, consider the design and materials that will best accent your fireplace. Would you prefer a sleek metal facing or an ornately carved bronze mantel? A single door, double doors, or just a screen? If it’s a gas fireplace, will the flame imitate traditional logs or rise from fire glass?
With Source, the key is to provide as much information as you can. We’ve provided examples of common fireplace accessories in the outline below, and included links to major suppliers to give you some ideas. When entering information into Source, remember to use normal words to describe what you’re after, and pictures to demonstrate what you can’t describe — our suppliers will do the rest!
Fireplace Aesthetic and Accessories
- Facing: Surrounds the firebox and must be made of a noncombustible material, such as tile, brick, metal, cast concrete or stone. Facing can also include grills, louvers or other decorative elements. Be sure to state the length, width and shape of the facing. Read this article for examples.
- Mantels: An optional decorative frame around the fireplace and its facing. Designs range from spare and clean-lined to ornate hand- or machine-carved looks. You can find some examples here.
- Shelf mantels — “Floating” mantels that range from a single beam or simple shelf on brackets to a fancier prefabricated design.
- Full-surround mantels — Prefabricated and made-to-order mantels that come with shelves, legs, and overmantels in a range of designs. Legs can be simple or more elaborate pilasters or columns.
- Materials and Finishes — Mantels are available in many types of materials and finishes that fall within a broad price spectrum. Among the cheapest is unfinished, paint-grade fiberboard, while more expensive materials include oak, cherry and other hardwoods. Brick, tile, metal, plaster or gypsum, cast concrete and limestone are also available.
- Doors, Screens & Curtains: Help minimize air loss and provide security while enhancing the overall aesthetic. Be sure to consider the shape, material, finish, and number of doors or panels, if applicable. Examples can be found here.
- Shape – rectangular, arched, rectangular flat arch,
- Type of Glass Sheet (Doors) — tempered glass in gray, bronze, or clear
- Materials — aluminum, steel, and forged iron for doors/gates; mesh for screens and curtains
- Number of Doors or Panels — Most fireplaces have between one and three.
Via Houzz
- Fireplace Liners: Also known as firebacks, these line the interior of a fireplace or insert and add visual appeal. Liners can be made of ceramic, brick or steel and come in many different styles and finishes. For examples, consult this article.
- Miscellaneous: A variety of accessories are available for gas and wood fireplaces:
- Andirons
- Air Blowe
- Ash Vacuum
- Bellows
- Chimney Damper
- Chimney Liner Kit
- Chimney Caps
- Candelabras
- Firewood Rack
- Grates
- Hearth Pad or Rug
- Log Splitter
- Pilot Kits
- Valve Key
Gas Fire Performance
- Gas Logs: Gives the image of a realistic fire using painted ceramic logs that come in a variety of styles, as found here. Be sure to specify the type of gas being used, as well as the dimensions of the front opening and the depth of the fireplace or insert.
- Venting — State whether the fireplace is vented, either with a chimney or direct vent, or if it’s vent-free. Vented logs permit a larger, realistic-looking flame but are a less efficient heat source, as much of the generated heat escapes through the vent. Vent-free logs are less realistic but ensure that all of the heat generated stays indoors. Check local and state codes to determine if there are any restrictions to installing vent-free heaters.
- Interior or Exterior — Mention if your fireplace is outdoors. Gas log sets for exterior fireplaces can handle higher heat (BTU) outputs than those for interior fireplaces.
Fireline Automatic 2, as shown at the Casa Milano stand in Salone Del Mobile 2012; photograph by Claudio Addante via Decoridea
- Burner System: Includes all the accessories necessary to create a realistic fire, and may include gas logs and a pilot kit, depending on the seller. A system can include:
- A glowing ember burner and glowing embers
- A custom grate
- A connector Kit
- A damper clamp
- Burner Clips
- Sand for natural gas or vermiculite for propane
- A weather cover and drain pan for exterior models
- Size – Small (¼”), Medium (½”) and Large (1-2”) Fire Glass and Lava Rocks: Tempered glass or heat-resistant ceramic rocks that typically sit atop a burner pan to produce a flame. They come in a variety of sizes, finishes, styles, and colors. Lava rocks tend to be cheaper, however they can cause a buildup of soot. For examples of fire glass and lava rocks, see here.
- Finish — tumbled, reflective, smooth, and lava rock
- Style — cubic, crushed, beaded, and pebble
Visit Architizer’s Product Catalog to check out the latest fireplace accessories.
Does your company manufacture fireplace accessories? Click here to learn more about listing your product on Architizer. If you have comments, questions or suggestions let us know in the comments section below.
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External Links
Fireplace Furnishing’s Burner Systems
Chimney Cap Design