Fireplace Thinking About Going Back to Wood

[buckabucka]

Our firebox is massive. Taller on the inside than the actual opening and very deep. We went through the whole smoke-house learning curve. I would strongly recommend not just a smoke detector, but a carbon monoxide detector. Ours went off many times for various reasons while we learned to operate it properly.

 

[so lucky]

Wow, @buckabucka, what a neat fireplace! Looks kind of Southwestern, kinda new artsy, but also kind like a map with rivers and land parcels.

 

[buckabucka]

Thanks. We were inspired after visiting quixote winery (now closed?) which was designed by the architect Hundertwasser. You can see his crazy ideas here: http://www.lovethesepics.com/2015/0...s-like-architecture-of-hundertwasser-41-pics/
The winery is number 25.

One side is very map-like:


Then we decided we needed a column on the front, and the back became more architectural, (although for some reason it is sideways here), but we made those lines connect around the corners.


We designed it together, but DH was stuck with the endless layout and tile work while I was off at work!

 

[ninnymary]

Nyboy, our cabin had a wood burning stove that we removed after a couple of years. We wanted something more heat efficient so we got a cast iron gas stove. The fire looks very real and you can program it to start it from your computer. We still need to buy the remote for that. But it enables you to start it from home so that when you get there your cabin is nice and toasty.

Mary

 

[thistlebloom]

Ohhh Mary, Mary, Mary. What are we going to do with you?
A computer programmed "fire"? I don't even know what to say to that...

 

[valley ranch]

We heat with wood at both locations. Windows in both stoves, that's important.

Bucka, That stove, is the size for thermal mass?

 

[buckabucka]

@valley ranch , yes. It is a Russian fireplace, or masonry heater, - with channels that run around through the base before venting up through the chimney. It really cranks! We usually only need one fire a day unless it is below zero.

 

[Carol Dee]

I was promised stone and a mantle on the wall. And new baseboards after the tile was put in...

I have just learned to push my impatience off with a reminder that my house would be a dream castle to many in the world.
I wasn't always so philosophical about my sweet hubbys procrastinations in the project finishing department. Not that I have ever been a nagger, but the internal frustration isn't worth it.

I love your perspective. DH is such a procrastinator , so many unfinished job. We bought a house that was a fixer upper. 20 years in the house we still had the stained 70;s colors carpet, etc.... took a house fore to get it all DONE. Well almost! HE insisted on doing some of the work , Sigh.

 

[Carol Dee]

@Nyboy we changed to gas after finding the wood cause a COLD house due to heat lose. IF we went to bed with it still hot the damper had to be left open, then when it went out the warm house air would be drawn up the chimney! I liked the gas until the blower started squealing and needs replacing. Something like 5 years now Still waiting. I miss having it during family gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I do not think I would go back to the mess of the wood stove..

 

[Nyboy]

@thistle is your stove really as white as it looks in photo? @Carol the mess of wood is what I am worried about. Lavender I never really had a wood fire, the first time I tried I picked up a log and a snake crawled out. Had it changed over to gas that week, gave away wood pile. Part of the reason for wanting to go back to wood is because of friends claiming wood more green then gas. I know I shouldn't listen to people.