The RV fire pit below and table was built by Kevin Harren. He pops the fire pit out when he goes camping and drops it back in the table he built when at home. Pretty cool idea! The glass he used was Starfire base glass.
The fireplace below is in Venice Beach California. This is a direct vent installation and we will now show you how easy it really is. For all of the installers out there who say it can't be done, well here you go. Pay attention now!
Starfire Base Glass above and below.
This was actually installed on a yacht in Seattle by Sylvia Bolton Desgins.
http://www.SylviaBolton.com/ you need to visit her site! AMAZING WORK!
The glass that was installed was Starfire.
The house is and was under construction so please excuse the debris around the fireplace. The pictures explain what we did. We didn't change the amount of fuel (btu's) being burned just the way it looks. Flip the switch, the ignitor lights, allowing the gas to come up through the burner and the pilot light lights the gas rising from the burner below. As for the doomsayers that tell you this can't be done, Oh Well! This will be our little secret. If you have any questions on your conversion please send us pictures and we will help you convert your direct vent fireplace as well.
Most fireplace manufactures will tell you this will void your warranty. But you need to actually read the warranty to understand what they will or won't cover. The person telling you this at the factory, ask them what the warranty actually implies. We have read many of these warranties and they won't cover the fireplace anyway. These warranties were written by attorneys to keep the liability from the manufacture and lay the blame on the consumer at any expense, no really read one.
The fireplace below was assembled by Nadine in Dallas Texas (Elegant Reflections USA) Great job on the skull! The base glass is Starfire and Black base makes up the skull. She also used Clear Diamonds and Clear Crystals from our Toppers.
You can see the Diamonds and Crystals around the outer edge for accents.
The fireplace below belongs to Todd. As you are going to see one great before and after transformation.
He used an 1/8" Clear base with Starfire on top. Then he added Red R Topper, Black Luster Topper and a few Clear Diamonds.
Out with the old and in with the new!
We would of liked more pictures of it burning but Oh Well!
Below is a collection we took pictures for our customer to decide on which base to use under the Amber Diamonds.
Amber Diamonds alone
Amber Diamonds on Black Base Glass
Amber Diamonds on Starfire Base Glass
Amber Diamonds on New Yellow Base Glass
Amber Diamonds on Bronze Base Glass
The same product can be displayed thousands of ways. What do you want to see? Our
Diamonds are made with a convex base so when you look at the Diamonds in the fire they seem to be melting on the inside, like looking into a spoon. We cause it to reflect backwards. Visit out
"Diamonds Page" to see many more colors!
The fire pit below is going to be installed in Sacramento on 11 14 09 for the Yard Crashers/ DIY/ HGTV show. After it is and has been installed we will post pictures on the Yard Crashers page. In the mean time here is the how to and why. We can build any size, shape, design feature you desire. We build to your imagination.
Below is the catch basin to hold the water for the feature
Above you see the auto fill?
Below the water pump is now install below.
Below the top pan is in place for testing with the fire and water bowls in place
Below the stainless steel ring is installed.
Below the glass (Bronze Base Glass) has been installed and the lights turned on.
.
Below you can see the pump has been turned on.
and now the fire.
We placed a card board template to replicate the table top to conceal the lights as well.
Now we add color to the water!
Here is the feature exposed with the blue water. You can change the water to any color you like.
This feature is only 6 1/2" tall. You can mount this under the table top and keep it only an inch or so above the surface of the table top.
So let's change it to red water and add Starfire Base Glass.
Remember, we build to your imagination!
The finished pictures will be posted on the Yard Crashers page when this project is installed after 11 14 09!
"CLICK HERE to see the "Yard Crashers" Sacramento show!" See this feature finished here!
Do it yourself fireplace remodel made easy, or at least it seems that way.
First, the tile that was installed is not rated for fire. This tile would of popped off as soon as the fire was turned on. So do a little research before you begin. We can help in many ways, just call and ask.
It may have of seemed to be a good idea at the time, but it wasn't!
When redesigning a fireplace we suggest card board mache'. A card board board mock up so you can see a basic preview of your project.
Below you can see the bottom, top and mantle in card board.
Now the rip and tear process begins!
Below we installed the extra electrical for the components and the TV. The components will be installed on the right side out of view with a black glass door. This will be installed later.
Below the framing begins.
Below we now added the Durock at the fireplace opening. This is key to the whole project. Math is very important when doing these layouts!
Below you can see the slate is being added.
Above and below the fireplace is 90% finished. The mantle needs to be installed and the door on the right to conceal the components needs to be installed as well. The inside of the fireplace will have 3 pieces of black galaxy granite installed. We will post these pictures of the fireplace when it is completely finished as well.
Now for the glass installation. We started with a satin black paint on the back walls, until we install the granite. Then we bulked up the base with 2" of white sand as this will save you a bunch of money! We used sand because we were pouring Starfire base glass in the fireplace. If we were to use a darker color of glass we would of used our crushed lava rock as a filler. When using sand, always make sure the burner is on top of the sand.
Test the burner/ location making sure the flames don't hit the walls.
Then pour the glass!
We added a few pink diamonds and then later added Ice Ice Ice and Clear Diamonds. These products because of the way they are made appear to be melting on the inside.
The sealer that was used was a stone enhancer, not just a regular cheap sealer. When using rock you always want to see the beauty of the stone you are using.
As you can see the mantle is still missing. We have a few more details to still do and as soon as we have time to post the pictures, they will be here.
We encourage imagination to all of our customers and we support you and your projects. Regardless how simple or how creative. This is one of the elements that spawned our success and continues to do so.
Kentucky Fireplace Remodel
The next fireplace was built by Dave Luerman in Kentucky and you will now see his before and after also using a base of Starfire base glass.
Below you can see where it all began. Dave is one very creative customer.
Luerman 1
The fireplace that was replaced was very nice but just met the needs of Dave.
Luerman 2
Out with the old and lets frame up the new.
Luerman 3
Luerman 4
Luerman 5
Add the durock panels.
Luerman 6
Luerman 7
Luerman 8
Frame the Hearth
Luerman 11
Luerman 10
Luerman 12
Install a triple 24" burner.
Luerman 13
Luerman 14
Luerman 15
Luerman 16
Luerman 17
Luerman 18
Add Starfire base glass and you're done.
Luerman 19
The fireplace below is from Steve Calderon and he used a Starfire base glass with Gold and Bronze Rust Copper on top.
This is from beginning to end.
Above is the before believe it or not. As you can see Steve did a terrific job. This was a wood burning fireplace before. he installed a gas line and control valve on the right side.
Below you can see the old burner which we replaced with the new double 18" burner.
Mask it, vacuum it after wire brushing the walls clean.
A bit of Thermolux 1200 degree high heat paint.
Fireplace Glass used:
Pour in a Starfire base with a splash of Gold and Bronze Rust Copper on top.
.
Then you have one nice fireplace, great job!
The fireplace below had a few issues, but easily repaired. Be sure to not let this happen to you! If anyone tries this type of installation, stop them and throw them out! This fireplace installation was in Palm Springs California. It was done with the 2" method which is fine except for the burner the fireplace shop installed. We will explain as we move forward and show you the finished fireplace.
Below is what we saw when we arrived.
Then we tested the burner we were to replace, oh my!
We uncovered to see what was installed and found a single pipe burner. Great Flame! Another issue was the paint job was hideous which was later repainted. Don't let these ignorant installer tell you their stories. They told the customer the paint would dry to match.
We do approve of a sand filler indoors under lighter colored glass, but the burner must be on top!
Now we installed a double burner and just watch!
Below is what they pawned off on the customer, DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!
Much better. Then we took several pictures of the fireplace just because! We did top it off with about 15 lbs of Starfire to help hide the sand that was exposed and it worked out just fine.
The fireplace below has a steel pan underneath to conceal the 12 volt remote control. We used a Clear base glass and topped it with a Starfire base glass and then added Amber Diamonds on the surface.
You can see the front plate that was painted to match which is removable if and when necessary to change the batteries. The legs were 4 1/2" and the pan was 2" tall. The removable front metal curtain was 6 1/2" tall.
The next fireplace were installed in Malibu California. The master bedroom was on the third floor. We did a little paparazzi photo shoot while we were there. The glass we installed was 1/4" Starfire base glass.
The fireplace below is in Beverly Hills California. We used a Starfire base glass with Clear Diamonds and Black Luster Topper.
The fireplace below had a steel pan built so we could conceal the 12 volt battery operated electronic ignition
beneath the pan. The glass that was installed was:
Clear base glass under the Starfire base glass Topped with Amber Diamonds.
Above and below you can see the solid cover as it hangs over the face to conceal the remote control ignition.
The fireplace below is in Palm Springs California. We used Starfire base glass over a 2"
bed of sand. We will narrate as we go:
Here is the fireplace with the screen removed
Now we remove the doors, very simple. One screw on each side at the top generally removes the doors.
Below, remove the end of the flex line and screw it on to the stub out coming out of the wall.
Below, now attach the flex line from the burner to the stub out. Keeping the flex line curled under the burner.
Below, pour in as much sand (on lighter colors) as you would like to raise the glass bed.
Look how easy! Even my installers can do it! Bring the burner to the top of the sand so it can operate properly. With crushed lava you can keep the burner below the surface. Keep your sand/ lava at least 3" to 4" away from the front!
Pour the glass and you're done! Our typical install where we don't have to paint is about 12 minutes!
Looks awesome!
The 2 fireplaces below are
Claremont California.
We installed Starfire base glass in each of them and then the customer ordered Ice Ice Ice and diamonds to accent each fireplace. Very nice stone work!
This is the living room fireplace and we poured about 3" of sand under the Starfire base glass. We used a 44" "H" burner under the Starfire.
The family room fireplace was filled with about 8" of sand under the Starfire base glass. We installed a 38" "H" burner on top of the sand.
Bronze Base Glass with Bronze Reflective Base Glass topped with Starfire Base Glass
above and below
The fire pit below was purchased locally and then we converted it to burn propane without soot! The colors used were:
Starfire Base Glass,
Here is what is looked like when he started. These manufactures have no imagination!
This only cost about $100.00, complete!
This next fireplace was done with lack of knowledge! First they installed a 18" single burner and some real interesting choices of glass. What they did do correct is have a 3" sand bed under their yuk glass. The first issue we repaired was the stub out on the left side of the fireplace floor. All we did was install a 90 degree elbow and connect a 1/2" flex line to the new double 24" burner. They had left the flex pointing in the air and then reduced it to a 3/8" line and to top that off added they very sad single 18" burner. We repainted their futile attempt (of painting) with dark metallic brown, added 10 lbs of sand and poured 75 lbs of Starfire base glass over the new burner and sand filler. We will explain as we move forward:
Below you can see the black marks under the paint.
Below you can see the flex line that was installed was left above the surface. Now if we tried that I think our customers would take us out and string us up, what do you think? To top it off this customer was an attorney! Completely happy with what we did.
Here is the new paint on the back walls.
Now we added the Starfire base glass. One thing we have been doing a little bit different is to bring the glass out from the front of the fireplace. We let the glass come out of the fireplace from 3 to 6 inches to make it look even more grand. What do you think?
Here is a the almost finished product of what we do! We left several colors with the customer to add. We will post pictures when they arrive.
Below are teh finished pictures of what else was added:
Yellow Amber,
Ice Ice Ice,
Clear Diamonds,
Fuchsia Topper,
Purple Topper,
Red R Topper,
Roma Red Topper
I think it turned out very colorful! Check it out!
Just when I thought they couldn't do something different, they did! I agree with the sand as a base under the Starfire base glass. I will explain as we go forward:
I finally understood the weird brackets, he was calculating the height of his burner for sand filler underneath.
Above and below I understand testing the burner.
OK, I give, he taped the holes to prevent sand from getting in the burner. That doesn't really matter as too much sand really can't get inside and if it does, no big deal.
What I don't understand is the burner left on top of the glass. Didn't I show enough pictures for you to get the hint? No really? I guess he missed those few hundred pages of pictures.
The fireplace below is a self installation by Thom Toben of Studio T2 Designs in Kansas. & colors were installed and they are;
Clear base with Starfire base mixed together over
Medium Amber Topping
Bronze Rust Copper base glass
Black Luster Topper
Yellow Amber Topper and
Turquoise Blue Topper
You be the judge, we think it looks great!
Below the burner is installed with the flex line under the burner
Now the lava goes in and the burner is brought up to the surface
Test the burner to insure the flame don't hit the back wall.
The Clear and Starfire base glass was poured on top of the lava.
Then Thom placed all of the other selected to match the room.
The next fireplace was featured in MILWAUKEE, www.GMToday.com
Simply perfect
Contemporary in the country is a way to enjoy the best of both worlds
The family’s theater room takes on a contemporary flare with a stainless steel-tiled fireplace. Shards of glass replace artificial embers in the gas fireplace, creating a glow as the flames flicker. A large screen on a remote control is located above the fireplace, perfect for the family to watch a movie together.
Picture by Doug Edmunds
"Click Here for the full article!"
The fire pit below was installed in Sydney, Australia by Ian Sutherland. He did a great job on his new patio and fire pit. We inspired him to build this really nice back yard project and we were glad to help. The glass that was used was Azurlite and Starfire base glass.
The fireplace pictures below have a Starfire base glass, Gold base glass and Copper Blue Topper.
You have to admit, this is one interesting fireplace design!
The fire pit pictures below were taken by and for the Sweat Equity weekly HGTV Do It Yourself TV Show. The FireGlass that was installed was:
Starfire base,
Blue Diamonds,
Ford Blue base glass,
with an 18" stainless steel fire pit ring burner with out the center to accommodate the water feature. All of the fire glass was placed around the pile of fire rocks in the center. The top of the table is removable if you ever needed to service the water pump or any other reason. Always build and design it with replacement or repair in mind.
Now for the fire pit pictures:
Aquatic Glassel was used in this and every application.
There was an aluminum sub frame built with durock attached. Then the stone was applied to the surface. All of the components are under the removable top.
This episode will air on or around May of 2010 on HGTV and the DIY Network.
The picture of the fire pit below was taken in Newport Beach California. The glass that was installed was Starfire base glass. One very nice backyard and fire pit!
(Fire Glass, Fireglass)
The next several fireplace pictures are from Andy Peeke from New Jersey. Andy did the self installation with his wife. Almost a complete fireplace make over once you see. They use a Starfire base, Amber Topper and Black Topper.
The house is very nice, the fireplace right now is "YUK"!
YUK again!
We used a double "H" to give a wider flame pattern as you will see.
We also used a sand base under the Starfire base glass and just up to the burners, not covering them.
Just so you know, this is a two sided fireplace.
Now 2" of Starfire base glass.
and you're done!
The fireplace pictures below show the before and after from Bob Kobus. The glass that was used is:
Starfire base glass and Ice Ice Ice, Very nice, contemporary and simple!
Let's go from start to finish:
Nice Logs! NOT!
Bob used an aluminum brick metalized panel.
Then they did their grind pattern.
And here you have it finished!
Yes the logs will be leaving very soon!
Starfire and Ice.
Much better, don't you think?
The fireplace pictures below will show how simple and easy it actually is to install.
Here are a few comments from J.D.
Harriman John. Harriman@dlapiper.com
Subject: More proof of how easy it is to do with Moderustic providing the materials!
We are so happy with our fireglass fireplaces (we have 3!). It has literally changed our lives in that we can use our fireplaces anytime we want with no worry about
cleaning ashes later on. Even better, the look is so superior to fake logs. All of our friends have been wowed by the look. We always send them your way.
Best regards,
J. D. Harriman
Here we go:
Above you can see how nice it WAS! YUK!
Below they painted, we always recommend painting the lines first and then painting each brick separately. Using this technique you can eliminate spots.
Install the burner. We usually recommend curling the flex line from underneath, but this works as well if your flex line is long enough. The reason for the flex line: it allows you to move the burner forward to prevent the flames from hitting the back wall.
Below the lava has been poured and test the flame pattern.
Pour the glass from the front going to the back. You can use a cup or pour from the bucket.
Turn it on and you're done!
The glass that was used is:
Starfire Base Glass,
1 lb of Gold Base Glass,
Amber Diamonds,
Ice Ice Ice for one simple but nice fireplace!
The fireplace below has Starfire Base Glass, Rhubarb Topper, Gold Base Glass, 3/4" Starfire Base Glass and Green Pyrite Base Glass.
The fireplace below has a 3" layer of crushed lava, 1/4" Clear Base Glass, 1/2" Starfire Base Glass, 3/4" Starfire Base Glass for the chunky look and a flush surround to finish it off. A very impressive and modern house and fireplace. From beginning to end, here we go.
We also floated the walls to level the fireplace and get it ready for the surround.
A little bit of granite on the floor
If you notice to the right there is no valve to turn it on? The plumber from a few years ago has it to the right about 5 feet, DUMMY! Lets fill the fireplace with gas before we get there and see what happens! Don't hire that plumber.
We are now going to do an extended 3/4" glass radius counter in the kitchen in front of the stove for a glass counter top.
We also bent all of the kitchen handles to contour the cabinets.
Now you can see the fireplace valve to the right.
We flush fit a surround to the wall for a final finish. This was a satin black aluminum frame with 2" of glass installed
We are capable of any size project from design to a full installation (depending on our current work load). There is nothing we can't do as we are the the first and foremost authority in our field. We never say NO! We do only what the other companies can only dream about!
Ed
The five pictures below are a Starfire Base Glass with Ford Blue Base Glass, Ford Blue Reflective Base Glass, and V Blue Reflective Base Glass
and as you can see most fireplaces start very drab.
logs are now gone
below sand and lava rock are poured over the burner
The five pictures above are a
Starfire Base Glass with
Ford Blue Base Glass,
Ford Blue Reflective Base Glass, and
V Blue Reflective Base Glass
Larry Kraines Fireplace Surround
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CLICK HERE or on the PICTURES below to see how this became what it is today!
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