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.
Here is another tip on How to correctly install a natural gas burner.
A picture is worth a thousand words, here are three thousand words!
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 your done! Our typical install where we don't have to paint is about 12 minutes!
Looks awesome!
The fireplaces below are located in Palm Desert California. These were both filler with crushed lava (3" to 4" each) and then topped with a Bronze base glass. We then added 6" gray Fire Balls. We will explain as we proceed:
This was the outdoor fireplace. 38" "H" burner was installed.
We then poured in about 4" of crushed lava filler.
Then we poured in about 1 1/2" of Bronze base glass.
Then we stacked in the 6" gray Fire Balls. We couldn't get any burning pictures because it was to bright outdoors.
The fireplace below was indoors in the family room. We started with about 3" to 4" of filler (crushed lava). We used a 38" "H" burner again in this fireplace as well.
Then we tested the flame pattern to insure the flames were not hitting the walls.
Then we added the 6" gray Fire Balls to the top of the Bronze base glass.
One very nice family room!
The fireplace below was installed by Scott Hansford of Palm Springs California.
We made an aluminum border to separate the glass from the outer stone layer. This helped in design and saved on glass as well. We will explain as we move on:
Do you see how high the gas connection is? We sent a 90 degree elbow to point the gas line down and then added enough filler to the bottom of the gas line to conceal it under the glass.
The metal border is installed holding the outer layer of rock in place.
They didn't like the post in the fireplace so we cut a mirror to preview if in fact they wanted it covered at all. If they would of wanted it covered we would of made piece of super 8 stainless steel (highly polished) to cover the post. The mirror was only a temporary visual. DON'T USE REGULAR GLASS NEAR ANY FIRE! So if you are not sure, preview it. The glass we used was a
Bronze base glass with
Gold base glass and
Clear Diamonds.
The fireplace below is a direct vent conversion. The most important issue to address here is to NEVER increase the amount of fuel that your fireplace was designed to burn.
We will explain as we move forward:
This is the burner in this particular direct vent fireplace.
This burner will work just fine.
Nice Logs? Isn't teat the WOW! factor you were looking for?
Now we add Bronze Rust Copper base glass with Gold on top.
You tell me, which looks better?
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 pictures below are from Tom and Maria and they installed Bronze base glass with lava as a filler.
We would like to share their comments:
From:Tom and Maria
Ed:
Sorry it took me so long to get the pictures off to you. Anyway, we are digging the new look in the fireplace. You and your staff have been wonderful, from the first phone call to the last question. The handful of times I called for clarification or assistance it was about making sure I was comfortable, not once did I feel as though you guys left me hanging. As you promised during that first call, this really was one of easiest do it yourself projects I have ever completed. Thanks, you guys made it easy. I feel fortunate to have landed with you and your organization.
From: T R [mailto:trnmaria@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 9:17 PM
Here are their fireplace pictures and self installation.
Family room side above
Living room side below
Paint the walls
Pour in the larger lava as a base and then cover it with our small crushed lava.
Then your done!
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 your done!
The fireplace pictures below belong to John Krakowski. This is a complete make over/ transformation of his fireplace. The colors that were used are:
Bronze base glass,
Bronze Reflective base glass,
Yellow Topper,
Yellow Amber Topper,
Dark Red Orange Topper,
This is a very nice self installation: A picture is worth a thousand words!
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 your done!
The glass that was used is:
Starfire base,
1 lb of Gold,
Amber Diamonds,
Ice Ice Ice for one simple but nice fireplace!
The fireplace below belongs to Marcia and here is what we did to update her fireplace:
First here is what your fireplace may looks like now, nasty!
We reconfigure the pilot, burner, base plate, venturi and get it to burn properly.
Nice flames, then we continue.
If you look below we are showing you proper pilot light placement.
Paint is and your done!
The glass that we used was a Starfire base, Bronze Rust Copper and Bronze Reflective on top.
If your fireplace does not work this easy or look this simple, then we didn't do it!
Let us help you make your fireplace work right and look good.
The next fireplace was installed by Ken Kenoyer. He constructed his own pan for his Direct Vent Fireplace conversion with our supervision. We will go through the steps to complete his installation. The glass that was used was Starfire base glass and topped with Red Topping and Red Topper. We will explain as we move forward.
Above is your fireplace now (if you like logs).
Below is your burner system that came with your wonderful Direct Vent Fireplace and logs.
Below is a pictures of your pilot light system
Below we have removed the "stuff" and exposed the pilot and gas connection.
Royce built a pan to fit the fireplace.
Below he cut the pan out to accept the pilot light.
Connected the gas line.
Tested the burner.
Pour the glass and your done! If anyone has told you that you can't convert a direct vent fireplace then these pictures and project don't exist! Just because they don't know what or how to do it, doesn't mean it can't be done.
The glass face is back on and it looks much better. A very nice and simple Self Installation!
The fireplace below is in Pasadena, California. Ursula did a nice job, (2004!) but just recently she had us update it withe Sterling Silver walls.
The next 5 pictures are from Ursula in Pasadena. She just recently had us update her fireplace with a Sterling Silver interior. Nice touch!
Nadine is very creative and always tries to add her personal touches.
This next fireplace is in Mammoth Lakes, California. They install a Propane pan burner and covered it with Bronze Rust Copper base glass. See the full Condo story by CLICKING HERE! Click HERE to see even more!
The next fireplace was installed by Brian Cooper. The glass that he installed is:
Starfire base glass,
Bronze Reflective base glass
and
Emerald Green Topper.
Nice, huh?
2" method, sand base for lighter colored glass.
Here is another tip on How to correctly install a natural gas burner.
A picture is worth a thousand words, here are three thousand words!
The next fireplace
ventless conversion was from Eric at Neutral Interiors.
We built a pan to recess into the floor of the fireplace and to access the controls Eric cut a hole on the left side of the fireplace for easy access in the event it had to be reset or turned off.
We will explain as we move on:
The lower hole is the access hole.
Simple, clean and finished! He installed Starfire base glass.
This is a simple solution:
Key valve in a metal protective box. I know, too simple.
The next fireplace was a self installation by Chris in Palm Springs California. He used about 3" of a sand base under the Starfire base glass. Then he added:
Here we go:
