Fireplace

 I finally called it quits to wood burning fires. Indoors that is. It’s been 17 years of me hauling firewood up to the back deck every fall. My mind wanted to not give up, but my body says enough. Mike and I went over to house of fireplace (the ones who put the original fireplace in) and price converting our wood burner to gas.

It was pretty easy to find what we wanted - one that would give out enough heat with the press of a button to keep the family room warm. Right now we just have a small gas space heater in the corner that tries real hard to keep it warm. We need more.

Old fireplace 

I knew that I wanted stones, stacked with no grout, and all the way to the ceiling. Still wanted a mantle, but higher. Found out with gas I didn’t need a big hearth. Win!

Mike and I took just one day to rip out all the old bricks. That was fun.

Ready for a fresh look

It took 2 days for the experts to install the gas insert. They were very pleased that we had a gas starter so all the had to do was hook up the new system to it. They added new vent pipes thru the roof and electric for a fancy light and we were ready for the stone masons.

Out with the old

In with the new

The stone guys were supposed to come on Monday. No show - no call. I called the store. They apologized and sent a time up for Thursday morning. No show again. I called. They came at 12:30. 

I was so excited to get this done. I wanted to stay out of their way, but when I peaked at their progress I noticed this. I asked them if they could move it over to cover the crack where the walls meet.

 Stone not covering the crack

They then admitted they have only done a, stack - no grout fireplace, one time before. That would have been nice to know. They told me they could grout the crack. I told them I did not want grout.

Then one just left. He had another job. What? The guy remaining didn’t speak good English - he was polish, and when I asked him if he could cut a couple stone so there was no gaps, he played dumb and told me to call the store. I was getting very frustrated and started taking pictures of everything.

I filled it in with a stone from the backyard

He rushed out so fast he left 2 tools behind. When he came back for them I told him he had to move the extra stones out of our house to the garage and asked him to sweep or vacuum the mess they left. He wasn’t happy.

I went back to the store to pay the final bill and told them I was Not happy and showed them the pictures. I was just talking to the salesman and he was a nice guy who didn’t have control over anything I wanted addressed. He called the owner, who asked the salesman if I made the final payment. He affirmed I did. At that point I was getting pissed and very frustrated so I told him that I will take care of it myself. Tell the owner I won’t be back. Told them not to expect a good review. Walked out of the showroom. 

I didn’t write  a review, even though I got a email asking me to. I got putty and patched the cracks and painted. I painted the gaps in the bricks and filled them in with stones.

And I love, love, love my fireplace.

My beautiful new fireplace

It was still chilly in the room, and with winter coming we decided to get carpeting.

 New carpet

I turn the fireplace on every morning for a bit to get the chill out of the room and have it on most nights while I watch TV. I still miss my fires. I still miss the smell and the sound of a crackling fire. But I love the convenience and cleanliness of my new fireplace.