Resource Center

Reviewed by Bob Tschudi, Home Building and Remodeling Expert. A fire pit is a great way to enjoy time outside. This easy DIY project is great for all skill levels and customizable to your own backyard or patio. It can be built in grass, on concrete, or patio pavers. Gather around a warm and cozy…

When choosing the best type of firewood, it is important to know that some woods burn best for certain kinds of fires. Understanding the characteristics of hardwood versus softwood, seasoned versus unseasoned and the heat value of each species can help you burn better, safer fires. Keep your chimney in good shape and make your…

On This Page: How Pellet Stoves Work Pellet Stove Efficiency Pros and Cons Pellet Stove Maintenance & Common Issues How Does a Pellet Stove Work? A pellet stove burns pellets made from organic materials such as food or wood waste. They are usually in the form of densely packed, small cylindrical pellets. One ton (about…

Perhaps the only thing better than having a fireplace for your home is installing a fire pit in your backyard. Not only is it a feature in and of itself, it adds to anything you do in your yard. When installing a fire pit, you’ve got a few options: DIY the project using cinder blocks…

Few things are more comforting that sitting in front of a fire in your living room. At one time, log fireplaces were used as a primary source to heat a home. Today, fireplaces are built for aesthetics and ambience. For this reason, a gas fireplace is a terrific option when looking at adding that level…

Before you light the Yule log this holiday season, it’s a good idea to make sure your chimney is prepared to handle it. Though often neglected, chimney cleaning is essential if you want your Christmas to be as safe as it is jolly. The good news is, chimney cleaning is not just quick, but affordable,…

Bathroom and kitchen remodels are great, but they can also be incredibly expensive. There are other ways to improve your home. One way that doesn’t require a second mortgage is a fireplace remodel. The fireplace is one of the coziest, visible, and practical areas of your home. A remodel is great to vamp up your…

A fireplace can be a welcome addition to just about any room. Aside from the practical benefit of providing supplemental heat, there’s just something inherently soothing about sitting by a fire, be it wood or gas. There are many different types of fireplaces available to today’s homeowner; whether you like the traditional and rustic appearance…

Few childhood experiences bring back more good memories than sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and telling ghost stories with friends and family. A fire pit installed on your deck, patio, or elsewhere in your backyard, makes it possible for you to enjoy that same experience night after night, right out your own backdoor. And…

While a fireplace can certainly be used to create additional warmth during those cold winter months, most would agree that, though the heat is nice, a fireplace’s real benefit has more to do with atmosphere. Relaxing or entertaining by a fire can create a scenario that a furnace, boiler, or space heater simply cannot match….