The fireplace below is a self install with out any filler. They used a Clear base glass with a 17 lb layer of Starfire base glass to cover the Clear base glass.
The Fireplace below belongs to Candice, Jonathan and Rocky (a cute little Yorkie). We converted a plain fireplace to a much more usable and modern fireplace TV entertainment area. Watch the transformation for beginning to end. We topped it with Starfire to finish it off.
Below is Rocky, just supervising
We started the metal framing in 16 Gauge steel studs. No wood was used and you should never use wood near a fire.
Below we wrapped the opening with durock, concrete board.
Add a bit of drywall.
This was wired for a surround sound and electrical in the left cabinets.
The TV that was used was a DPL (16" deep) and this is how you install a TV that is not a flat screen above your fireplace. In the left cabinets the components were installed and concealed by black glass doors. On the top we installed a set of 6" lights on dimmers to give additional room/ mood lighting.
The fireplace below was installed with a dual battery operated 100,000 BTU propane electronic ignition system. Each capable of 100,000 BTU's of fire. The first pictures show what we had to work with and how it progressed.
The glass that was used was Starfire, Gold and Ice Ice Ice.
If this was in your house you would say NASTY!
Burning wood and logs is just nasty and dirty! True story!
Above you can see the soot that come out of the fireplace and and leaves your house smelling so carbon monoxide fresh! YUCK!
Add a bit of lime stone.
A few pieces of copper.
Below you can see the sand bed and the ignition box we built.
Below are the two vent we installed for the air mixers inside of the ignition systems.
and here we are finished. Now isn't that much better little feller?
Modern times call for modern measures! I guess that's why we are Moderustic!
The fireplace below is in Santa Monica California. The fireplace is a Malm Fireplace which can be found at:
or
We used an 18" double stainless steel burner and a bed of Starfire topped with a few pounds of our Ice Ice Ice.
This is a very simple self installation as you will see.
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 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 fire table below was built for Dr. Ramsey Burton in Kentucky. We are going to show you from beginning in the shop to the finished product that Ramsey envisioned for his patio. Ramsey did a wonderful job in planing, building and execution of this project. The glass he used was a Starfire base with Ice Ice Ice on top. Here we go:
This was the lay out for the table to come!
these were the pictures we sent Ramsey after assembly and testing of the fire bowl, water pumps and fibre optics. The glass we tested with usually is our Multi Mix. It tends to show off many colors and always looks great.
Above you can see the gas line and electrical
Access panel below.
Below the bowl was fitted.
Don't ever forget to install a trimming valve!
There are 6 colors on Ramsey's color wheel in the fibre optics.
Above and below you can see the cover Ramsey have made to protect the fire table when not in use.
Great job Ramsey!
The fire pit below had the wrong type of burner let alone the location of the burner.
The burner must be with in 2" of the ultimate top of the surface of the fire pit. Filling the pit with gas and then trying to light it? Nothing good can become of this. We installed a #304 stainless steel "H" burner, covered it with crushed lava (1/4" / 3/8") over the larger lava rock. This is what keeps it from trickling to the bottom. Them we topped it with Starfire base glass. Then Eric is trying to decide which colors/ topper he should add if any at all.
Wrong type of burner above.
Our "H" burner below. Watch the flame pattern as the crushed lava covers the burners.
Now for the bid decision, more colors and which ones?
Las Vegas Yard Crashers!
This will air in April of 2010!
Here is a preview
This is what was done on the first day. I showed up on the beginning of the second and the final day. It's amazing what can take place in just 12 hours!
Above the pavers were installed the day before.
Below is the patio with the outdoor kitchen set aside for now.
Above is where the outdoor kitchen will reside later.
Even the palm trees were brought in! There was nothing on the site when it started the day before.
Below Ahmed was leveling the ground around the fire pit area. Ahmed worked all day, much harder than anyone else! I was very impressed how hard he actually works to get the show done.
Below is where the propane fire pit will sit. The controller will be mounted to the side of the concrete base after the paper tubes are cut away.
Above and below you can see the inside of the planter is coated to prevent water from leaching out.
Above you can see on the ground that we brought the fire bowl in. Just so you know it was about 300 lbs!
Above and below you can see outdoor kitchen. The trough coming out is actually water fall spilling into a dry creek bed below. The water feature was covered with a glass top making it a dining area as well. On the inner wedges they wrapped rope lights to accent the water and rocks under the glass top.
Above and below you can see the sand was installed as a base for the artificial grass to come.
Above they are compacting the sand for the grass to be installed.
Below Ahmed is finishing the dry creek bed.
Below the grass is installed.
Below the dry creek bed is finished and the grass is now installed in the back are as well.
Above is our fire bowl on propane. We used Starfire base glass with Ice and Diamonds on top. We brought out several colors of diamonds for the customer to pick and choose bur she liked them all so much, she installed every last one!
Below you can see after everything was cleaned up how spectacular it turned out!
We are to feature several more episodes with Yard Crashers and we will be showing several more of our new product lines on their shows. We still have several shows we need to post pictures of what we did. Please come back from time to time to see our latest updates.
I thank Ahmed and the producers of the Yard Crashers for giving us the opportunity to work with them.
Thanks to Tiffany, Krystal and Holly at the Idea Factory!
Idea Factory produces Yard Crashers for the DIY Network
"Click HERE for the DIY Network/ Yard Crashers Site!"
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CLICK HERE or on the PICTURES below to see how this became what it is today!
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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.
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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.
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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 th 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.
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!
The fireplace below is typical wood burning fireplace which we see every day. Once uncovered it looks like an incinerator. They are pretty nasty looking with out the fire burning. We like to show the before and after so you know what you really have.
Nice! Very Nice!
We had Starfire base glass installed with Ice Ice Ice on top.
The fire pit below has a Clear Base Glass with Starfire Base Glass and 1/2" Starfire Base Glass, Yellow Amber Topper. Cobalt Blue Topper and Emerald Green Topper and a little bit of ICE ICE ICE Topper. The earth as the back yard and a lot of friends, wow!
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