Archive for the ‘Home Upgrade’ Category

Fluorescent lighting
Fluorescent lighting has always been a good option for retail stores, warehouses, commercial offices and other work spaces. These same advantages have recently advanced the use of fluorescent lighting in homes as well as the workplace. Even though air-conditioners and refrigerators consume more power when on, much of the electrical usage in most houses is from the use of light bulbs because they are on longer. Incandescent bulbs need three to five times the amount of electrical power to provide the same quantity of light. A longer life-cycle is an added advantage of fluorescent bulbs, and helps offset the higher price, which means the total expense is considerably less than regular bulbs. There are many different kinds of fluorescent lights offered. They are currently available in many unique configurations, and do not need to be the boxy industrial lights that have been most common in the past.

Add a different touch to your home decor with rope lights
Rope lighting is becoming increasingly popular for a broad array of functions. It has numerous applications for home decorating as well as practicable uses such as illuminating dimly lit stairwells and other dark areas around the house. The backyard will look very distinctive when these strings of lights are hooked up in a way that blends in with the landscape design. Temporary uses include party decorations, receptions, graduations, dances and organizational events.

Typically rope lights are made of 1/2 watt miniature lamps that are separated about an inch apart and are contained by a translucent or tinted supple PVC tube. Given that the lamps are not able to be replaced, these lights are virtually worry-free as long as the casing is intact. Sizes that are most common are 1/2 in. and 3/8 in., while the colors and lengths are more varied. There is a broad selection of beautiful types that use LED lamps which provide improved energy efficiency along with a longer life.

One should be able to get hold of rope lights in standard lighting and hardware stores as well as the Internet. In fact, shopping online will probably be the best way to go. Probably the easiest way to get rope lights will be to purchase a kit which includes all the components you require for the installation. The kits come in do-it-yourself packages that will contain all of the parts essential to put in the lights and plug into an electrical outlet.

Cable track lighting
A terrific combination of decoration and function, cable track lighting is dollar for dollar one of the best investments you can make in your home. Task lighting is one of the essential purposes that track lights fulfill, since you can point the light fixtures on the areas where you perform work. The length of these lights enhances the ambient lighting in any room by covering more space than a cluster of lights attached to one spot on the ceiling. The first thing to do is measure a room so you’ll know the length the track lights need to be for the utmost lighting capability. The kind of light fixture you choose is also an important factor, and you can always go with such popular models as spotlights and pendants. As an element of interior design these lights offer a terrific selection of styles, designs, colors and finishes, and you will have no trouble finding lights you will love. A lot of homeowners will be able to install these lights themselves, either by using a track suspension kit or putting up several connected tracks. When you don’t feel comfortable installing them, hire a professional contractor, and always consult the manufacturer’s instructions in any event.

On the Internet there is a wide variety of other sites which deal with home lighting issues. Need additional help with outdoor commercial lights? In that case Bright Outdoor Commercial Lights will be the place to start. One can also pursue this link to find out about copper wire cables. Other articles concerning home lighting and contemporary track lighting are located on Contemporary Track Lighting Store. Plus Easy Cable Lighting Systems is an additional web site which provides recommendations on cable lighting systems, a subject which might be of interest.

Popping popcorn in a popcorn popper
Assuming you are of a certain age, you may remember the old style method of making popcorn on a stove top by putting oil in a pot, adding the popcorn kernels, then keeping a lid over the pot while sliding it continuously back and forth across the top of the stove until the kernels popped. Then came microwavable popcorn and microwaves which alleviated the duty of popping popcorn by hand over an open heat source, and you weren’t left with a pan that had burnt popcorn stuck to the bottom of the pan. While microwave popcorn has become very popular, home popcorn poppers are increasingly becoming the device of preference for true lovers of the popcorn experience. Because home popcorn poppers come in all shapes and sizes you can go with exactly how much popcorn to pop at a time, a clear-cut advantage over popcorn popped in a microwave bag. Many family rooms nowadays have popcorn poppers to go along with large screen TVs, making the home entertainment center like a mini-movie theater. Another advantage of home poppers is the opportunity to use healthier oil (such as peanut oil) than the oil normally used in microwave popcorn. Everybody has personal tastes in popcorn flavoring, so home poppers have an edge over the microwave stuff since you can add any number of seasonings and flavorings to the home popper, and that way everyone gets exactly what their heart desires. In order to adequately maintain a home popper, read the owner’s manual carefully and follow all instructions for cleaning and repairing the appliance.

Cabinet door replacement
The appeal of a wonderful looking kitchen should be included in your meals, and nothing looks better than well-kept kitchen cabinets made of wood. All properly maintained kitchen cabinet surfaces must be kept spic-and-span, and you need to make sure to secure all knobs and handles. In order to keep a sparkling kitchen keep the surfaces clean of grease, stains and dust, and be aware of the fact that wooden cabinet doors are more vulnerable to cracking and chipping. It is hard to maintain a uniform decor when you need to replace damaged wooden doors and the new door does not match the cabinets, therefore some people replace everything. When it comes to resisting wear and tear and looking fresh and modern, stainless steel cabinets are all the rage, although the traditional look of wood has an enduring charm. Wood and stainless steel are the most stylish choices for kitchen cabinets, but those on a tight budget may discover that the less costly laminated cabinets offer durability and a clean look. Carefully planning the lay out of your cabinets is so critical that many cabinet suppliers provide professional advice. Make sure the cabinets are in a handy place to carry out the tasks at hand, like having drawers next to the dishwasher and sink so you can easily put away clean cutlery and utensils.

Bathroom and kitchen cabinet hardware
Handles and knobs for bathroom or kitchen cabinets might seem like minor parts, but they are able to put a lovely shine on your decor. Given the online sites and the many home improvement stores around, you will have a lot of fun sorting through all the options there are for new cabinet hardware pieces. Cabinet hardware pieces are typically made out of wood, polished chrome, hammered iron, cut glass and brass. The three most common looks found with cabinet hardware will be modern, vintage and antique, and there are many choices offered for each. Given all the types of designs and styles available, you should be able to locate cabinet hardware to accommodate your tastes, however when you have no success finding pre-made pieces you can always purchase them custom made. A lot of cabinet hardware pieces are simply functional and boring and are diminishing in popularity compared to hardware with unique shapes. In case you have an interior decor plan that incorporates both contemporary and traditional accents, you can find cabinet hardware to complement both. You are going to notice that new handles, pulls and knobs have a positive effect on the decor in your bathroom or kitchen.

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Solar powered yard lights provide both safety and security
It is not hard to see the reasons solar powered yard lights are becoming so popular these days. Not only are they incredibly easy to set up but they also are good for the environment and run for free. They can be set up throughout your garden to illuminate steps and paths and are an excellent thing for your driveway. The installation of lights in your yard is a great plan for deterring lurking trespassers as well. Nowadays our electric costs just seem to be going higher and higher, but solar lights can help bring down energy costs. While they once were fairly expensive, the cost of them has actually come down quite a bit and they are now reasonably affordable. Because these lights operate by collecting light during the day they operate best when positioned in an area that gets lots of direct sunlight. Most homeowners are able to install this lighting system without hiring a professional since solar lights do not require any electrical wiring.

Solar yard lights
When you need to illuminate areas right outside your house, you can save money by using solar exterior lighting. Normally the areas right outside your house need illumination, such as the front porch, the driveway, the patio and the back yard garden. After capturing sunlight during the daylight hours, solar lights transform that energy into electricity which automatically operates the unit during the night. The device which catches the sunshine is known as a photocell, while the rest of the lighting unit consists of a lamp, a rechargeable battery, and a built-in timer or sensor. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used in most solar exterior lights, although you will need to check on this and make sure this is true as LEDs last longer and are brighter than standard lamps. After the sun sets the sensors or timers turn the lamp on and it will stay on all night until dawn, when the sensors tell the lamp to turn off. You can significantly enrich the outside decor of your home with decorative solar lights, which are manufactured in lots of appealing models and styles. The primary advantages of solar exterior lighting include environmental compatibility, little maintenance beyond charging the battery once in a while, and noticeable savings on your electric bills.

Candle lanterns for an intimate outdoor ambiance
Whenever the weather allows, there is nothing like a nice evening outdoors on your own deck or patio, and you can rely on candle lanterns to set a relaxed, comfortable mood. Outdoor candle lanterns come in a wide variety, from lanterns which might fit in an Asian temple, to ones that imitate the Old West gas lanterns, to lanterns custom-made to your own life-style. One decision you will be required to make at the beginning is whether you want hanging outdoor candle lanterns which have a subtle effect, or free-standing lanterns which offer a much more intimate mood. Copper and bronze are common materials for outdoor lanterns, but the most popular models nowadays are fashioned out of shaded glass. Instead of using regular candles in your new lanterns, think about using special insect repellent candles to rid your back yard of pests. Some people have found it easy to make their own candle lanterns using a small jar, reflecting tin foil, candle, and a metal screen for the top. If you desire an even more bold back yard atmosphere you should consider using custom-built solar lighting designed to look like birds, butterflies, flowers or other wild-life. Outdoor candle lanterns are perfect for those cordial summer nights when you desire to add a romantic ambiance to your backyard scene.

These are a couple of websites which should be informative when researching the subject of lighting. Need additional help with fluorescent lighting fixtures? In that case Bright Fluorescent Lighting will be a good place to start. Are you also looking for information relating to full spectrum light bulbs? Then Buy Full Spectrum Light Bulbs should be helpful. Or you may have questions concerning rope lights and might find XIM Rope Lights to be of help. Lastly, advice regarding chandeliers may be found at The Contemporary Chandeliers, a valuable and instructive website.

Interior doors in the classic French style
Major home improvement projects often call for changing out your doors or windows, and when it comes to adding value to your living space nothing beats the installation of French doors. With brand-new French doors you will be able to open them up to join two rooms, or shut them to partition the space. French doors allow chances to open up your house and provide a sense of spaciousness, or close them to provide a sense of privacy. There is a broad variety of interior door designs, from flat and raised paneled doors to French and bi-folding doors. You should put a lot of thinking and research into your option to buy interior doors, such as how much room you will have to accommodate the opening and closing of the doors. Bi-folding doors are hot since they don’t call for as much space to get them open as the traditional door usually does. French doors compliment the more up-to-date interior design plans as they let more light into a room, which usually matches the more sleek modern styles of decor. French doors were installed originally for use as exterior doors, and by using these doors as interior doors you arouse a sense of outdoor space all over your house.

Wood exterior doors
Solid wood exterior doors offer a classy look to your home, and provide more durability, and thus superior security, than hollow core doors. There are three basic models of solid wood doors on the market, solid flush, flat panel, and raised panel, and among those you can find many different designs and styles. It is important to accurately measure the size of your door frame before purchasing a door or having one custom made. Exterior doors are on the market as stand alone units which you mount on the existing door frame with hinges, or the more elaborate pre-hung types already hinged onto a door frame which you then put in. If you need to install a window in the door to permit light into the house, or to see who is outside, you will need to cut out a panel in the door the same size as the window you are going to install. Most doors are sold pre-primed, but there are older door models that need to be primed prior to painting. Should you buy an unprimed door, you’ll need to prime all sides of it with a quality oil-base or acrylic primer before installation in order to extend the life of the door.

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Rope lighting for those hard-to-illuminate areas
Rather than buy individual light bulbs you might want to consider light ropes, which are flexible PVC tubes holding numerous 1/2 watt mini-bulbs which are placed an inch apart. These mini micro bulbs are not designed to be changed and can provide about 25,000 hours of operation before you throw the whole thing out. You will find no burn hazard related to rope lights, as the micro bulbs will turn a bit warmer but not hot. With the flexibility of rope lights you can illuminate many dark corners and spaces both inside the home and out. Inside the home you can set up rope lights in unlit closets, on staircases and railings, around windows and doors, inside cabinets, or along shelves and mantles. Rope lights also work fine outdoors to bring light to your patio or deck at night, or illuminate the walkways along the side of your house. Rope lights will supply a steady illumination unless you choose those that blink in a variety of patterns, or even look like they are chasing after each other.

Track lighting
The smooth lines and dazzling shapes of modern interior design are augmented by modern track lights which provide a clean, straight-line look along with effective illumination. These lights are very versatile since you can arrange the lights anywhere along the track to illuminate any area of the room you desire. Track lighting is both highly functional and decorative, with a full variety of colors and finishes to blend in with your decor and provide all the accent, task and ambient lighting you need. Task and accent lighting are best served by this kind of light system since you can easily focus on specific areas of the decor, or supply light for specific tasks. Modern interior decor allows you to be creative with lighting plans and you can mix and match such models as pendant lighting and spotlights. Pendant lights are suspended from the track and are usually prized for their decorative appeal, while the heads for spotlights are less appealing but more practical since you can point them to shine on any area you choose. A lot of people find modern decor a little too cold but there is a way of creating a warmer feeling in a room called “wall washing,” which involves bouncing the light directly off the wall to create a soft effect in the background.

These are a few sites that could be of value when exploring the topic of residential lighting. Informative articles concerning track lighting. There is also advice available for a cable lighting kit at Simple Cable Lighting Kits.

Utilizing fireplace inserts for better energy efficiency
The three main parts of a traditional brick or stone fireplace are: the floor, also called the hearth; the firebox, which is the entire area within the fireplace; and the chimney. One way to renew the fireplace would be to put in an “insert,” which is a lot like a stove, in the firebox to more effectively enhance the the burning of fuel, and also add a decor accent to the room. An insert that extends out onto the hearth probably won’t be as attractive as one that fits flush into the firebox, but it provides improved heat output, thus saving energy. Built out of cast iron or steel, most fireplace inserts allow the attachment of a blower to better distribute the heat all around the room. With a traditional fireplace a lot of heat goes up the chimney, however with a fireplace insert that otherwise wasted heat stays in the room with you. Many fireplace inserts are equipped with glass doors to provide a view of the fire, while other inserts are electric fireplaces featuring simulated flames. Another popular accessory for the fireplace would be the steamer, a cast iron pot of water which adds steam to the often uncomfortably dry air produced by the heat from the fireplace. What began as a traditional fireplace now has three new parts you can set up: the insert, the steamer, and the blower.

The fireplace mantle as the focal point of a room
The fireplace mantle and fireplace are more noticeable to visitors when they first come in than other aspects of the home decor. Attractive mantles increase the warmth and comfort of an intimate fireplace in the home, and can be adorned to fit a person’s own taste. As a matter of fact, fireplaces nowadays often perform as more of a decorative purpose than a way to heat the house. After you have varnished or painted the mantle to match your decor, you can then adorn them with trophies, framed photographs, porcelain figurines, candelabras, or any other suitable item. Keep in mind, when you decorate your mantle that proportion is the key, so make sure it isn’t cluttered with umpteen knick-knacks that make it seem busy. Mantles that display little to nothing on top, however, might make a room appear cold and sterile and otherwise not very appealing. When the seasons change the interior decor will probably change as many people like to decorate their mantles with lights, garland, holly and ornaments. When you truly desire to enhance the look of your fireplace, a decorative mantle goes a long way.

Fireplace safety using gas logs
You will be able to have all the comfort and warmth of a traditional wood burning fireplace by setting up a gas fueled fireplace. These units could be set up in your traditional brick or stone firebox, or you can buy a stand-alone model to go in any room of your choosing. Whether you have a traditional or a contemporary decor you can find a gas-fueled fireplace to fit in with the look of your house. The “logs” in these models are produced with a sharp eye for detail and until someone looks closely they won’t notice that it isn’t actual wood. The vast majority of decent gas-fueled systems need to be vented either up through the roof or through the wall behind the unit. There are vent-free models on the market but you should understand the humidity issues involved and that a lot of states won’t allow them. As long as you follow the guidelines settled on by the manufacturer, and you have the proper tools and skills, installation of these appliances is an excellent do-it-yourself undertaking.

Here are a couple of websites that could be of value when researching the topic of fireplace upgrades. For instance, if you have an interest in fireplace screens glass doors, then Best Fireplace Glass Doors will have a lot of valuable advice. If you are still wondering about a direct vent gas fireplace insert then try New Direct Vent Gas Fireplace. In addition, one might have questions concerning electric fireplace heater inserts and will find New Electric Fireplace Inserts to be of value.

Add a decorative touch to your home with etched window film
One highly cost-effective way to contribute both elegance and privacy to your home is the application of decorative film on your windows. The look of decorative window film is very luxurious, but a sheet of film doesn’t cost much. Some film gives the window the royal sense of beveled glass, while other film reproduces many designs of etched glass. Decorative film is a thin, flexible sheet that’s a snap to attach to any flat glass surface and you don’t need gooey glues. Before you attach the film to the glass make sure you clean the surface with warm water that is a bit soapy and then dry it. These window film sheets are on the market for all sizes and shapes of windows, including those normally difficult to decorate such as arches and transoms. The capacity to move the film from window to window is one of the great features of decorative window film. While decorative window film is usually attached to the inside of the glass, there is also film made for outdoors.

Curtain rods
Curtain rods made of boring white metal had been used universally for decades, but today decorative curtain rods are increasingly popular. The easy addition of decorative window treatments can update and enliven any room you put them in. In addition to metal curtain rods you can find rods made of chrome, wood, glass and ceramics. Curtain rods serve two purposes, practical and decorative, adding to the decor of your room while hanging the curtains and drapes. Those with more traditional tastes prefer rods made of wood or brass, while folks with a more modern flair choose chrome or glass. You will need to know your way around a level, screwdriver and drill to mount the brackets, which doesn’t seem too hard. It won’t take long to install new curtains, as long as the manufacturer provided the correct screws and anchors. The instructions are self-explanatory once you decide whether or not the brackets should be mounted on the window casing or the wall.

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Bathroom tiles
In case you are planning to put in new bathroom wall tile, bear in mind that all types and sizes may be used, but only for installation on the wall. You can install it without employing a contractor by observing the following nine steps: measure the space you will be installing the tile, prepare the area, perform a test run, apply the adhesive, trim edges and borders, let it set, apply the grout, allow the grout to harden, and let your new tile firm up for a couple of days.

When looking, keep in mind that wall tile cannot be used to substitute for floor tile, however floor tile can be used as a substitute for wall tile, if required. The most popular kind of bathroom wall tile, and the simplest to install, is the 4 square-inch tiles, which are generally solid in color and have a glossy finish. Having the background information necessary to mount bathroom wall tile yourself and being aware of what to look for whenever shopping for tile can avoid a lot of needless stress and frustration, and the result could be very gratifying.

Vanities for bathrooms
Bathroom remodeling projects should start with the vanity, comprised of the sink, mirror and counter, the place where you start the day with personal grooming. Counter space with a vanity is a top priority, otherwise you will face the day-to-day annoyance of not having sufficient room for all your grooming things. Regardless of how limited your budget is, you can find affordable vanities that function perfectly and look wonderful. Planning a pleasing bathroom decor starts with selecting the style of the new vanity, and then purchase the matching faucets, mirror frames, and fixtures for the tub or shower. There is a nice variety of material for your vanity, such as wood, chrome, glass, granite, or perhaps cultured marble for that more expensive look. Sinks are typically built out of porcelain since they maintain their a nice appearance with minimal care and need less attention than other materials, such as Corian, or bronze. Serenity and tranquility create the correct atmosphere in a bathroom, and a smart design scheme will create a calm decor. Even so, how serene the bathroom is often depends on how many folks use it on a regular basis.

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Hanging bathroom mirrors
For most folks who get up and go to their job every day, the work day begins with grooming rituals such as applying make-up or shaving, and for that the proper bathroom mirror is critically essential. Mirrors might be both highly functional and highly decorative, whether it is a free-standing full length mirror, a wall-mounted mirror, a mirror that sits on top of a vanity, a magnifying swivel mirror attached to a shelf, or even a mirror on the shower wall.

There are a lot of styles to consider when matching the mirror to your bathroom decor; mirrors with a chrome edge fashionable in the 1950s are back in style, along with beveled mirrors with heavy wooden frames, or mirrors mounted to the wall with stainless steel fasteners. When you find that the steam from the shower fogs the mirror too much, you can get a licensed to install an electric no-fog mirror. The type of anchors you use to mount a wall mirror will depend on both the surface of the wall and what’s behind it. The surface could be wallboard, concrete, brick, drywall, plaster or tile, and the interior is probably hollow and supported by 2x4s. Since they have to put up with a lot of use, wall mirrors also need to be skillfully installed or you can be in the middle of shaving or applying make-up and the mirror falls off the wall. Mirrors seem to change the size of a bathroom by creating the appearance of light and space, as when a bigger mirror is put into a compact bathroom to make the room appear larger. Finally, you won’t be able to shave or apply make-up when you cannot see clearly, so be sure there is an adequate amount of light through the window, from the ceiling fixture, or you could consider a mirror that comes with its own lighting unit.

Shower curtains
Any bathtub or shower would not be complete without shower curtains, which not only impart an attractive feeling to your bathroom, but also keep water from spilling out onto the floor and causing an unnecessary mess. They are available in a wide range of materials, designs, colors and sizes, depending on what your favorite is. You will most likely want to buy an additional set to completely enclose your bathtub when the tub is an old-fashioned clawfoot, or stand-alone, model.

Some intricate ornamental curtains can be costly and difficult to obtain, even in the finest outlets, but they are around. To facilitate the process of purchasing curtains, always try and settle on the type and material, as well as the amount you are willing to spend, before driving to the store. Keep in mind that plastic ones, although more inexpensive, can be more difficult to clean, and cloth ones require a lining to stop water from seeping through. Do not forget to get a number of shower hooks after finding your new curtains, and ensure that they go with the curtain’s style.

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Finding the right fireplace tool set
Fireplaces not only produce warmth and a cozy ambiance but also provide you with a charming focal point for the home. Regular fireplace operation and maintenance will be enhanced when you have the correct tools handy. Some of the more popular items to use include long pokers and tongs for adjusting logs, and shovels and brushes for cleaning up after the fire goes out. When arriving your selection you need to keep in mind your lifestyle and the frequency with which you will put your fireplace in use. With all of the different styles and materials available you should have no trouble getting a set that enhances the decor of your home. Among the most popular types of materials in use include brass, steel, hand forged iron and wrought iron. You are likely to have no trouble getting a set with the materials and design style to match the look of the room. In order to protect the area around the fireplace consider adding a decorative screen with the same design style as your other items.

Fireplace rugs help stop floor damage
There is something about the glow of a fire that makes a home feel nice and comfy. One of the most effective ways to protect the flooring around the fireplace is the addition of a fireplace rug. Whenever you have a wood fire burning there is naturally the possibility of embers flying out. That’s the reason this carpeting is manufactured from fire retardant fabrics that will protect your flooring and improve safety. When embers hit these special materials they will become ash without creating damage. The lovely patterns, designs and styles that are on the market will also enhance the interior decoration. You can find them in a wide range of shapes, textures and sizes to complement your decor. Be sure that the rug you select is produced from top quality fabrics so it can really protect your home. Higher grade rugs often come with a bigger up front cost but will be a lot more durable.

Using gas logs
Ceramic gas logs are a more efficient replacement for traditional wood logs. Vented gas logs burn in the fireplace similar to normal wood logs. The flames embrace the logs and frolic along the sides like bouncing sprites. That is, of course, until you get tired of watching the fire and turn the flames off with a remote. Vented gas logs offer a beautiful alternative to wood burning, however this is great only if you have a fireplace in your house, or the spare space to have one installed.

And what about those of us who are more sq. ft.-challenged? The good news is that apartment-dwelling city folk will have a fireplace, too, by acquiring vent-free ceramic gas logs. These fireplaces can be portable and they produce a small but pleasant blue flame. A great thing about vent-free logs is they radiate much more heat than a wood burning stove with the same capacity. This is because the logs are manufactured using a material that allows heat to radiate out after it reaches a certain temperature. The dense, refractory material used to manufacture these logs to be realistic in appearance and efficient in heat production, also lets you to enjoy your fireplace without having to clean up ashes, wood dust and wood shavings. Because they come self-contained (i.e. no vent), all of the heat created remains in the room. The disadvantages to vent-free logs would be the increase in humidity, necessity of having oxygen and carbon monoxide detectors (which occasionally come with the unit), and the requirement for fresh air (crack a window) if the fireplace has been on for more than an hour.

If the preceding topics were of value, you will also locate more information concerning fireplaces and accessories at these different websites. This link will take you to information regarding natural gas grills. Here you can find additional information concerning outdoor wood burning fireplaces. Other articles concerning fireplaces and accessories and a stained glass fireplace screen can be located on Smokey Fireplace Screens. Lastly, suggestions regarding an outdoor wood stove can be available at New Outdoor Wood Stoves, a valuable and informative website.