Fireplaces and Home Values: How Much Do They Add?

What can a wall mounted fireplace do for your home’s value? Quite a bit, according to real estate experts. If you plan to eventually sell your home and you do not currently have a wall mounted fireplace, you may consider adding one so that you can raise the asking price when you decide it’s time to sell.

How much value can a fireplace add to a home? According to the National Association of Realtors, a fireplace can add as much as $12,000 to the value of a residential property. The same rings true for condominiums: According to Sotheby’s International Realty, adding a fireplace to a condo can raise its value by up to $10,000.

Logically, a new fireplace is going to be a big selling point; buyers appreciate a home that has as many new features as possible, especially when an old, outdated model could be a safety concern. In fact, a leading chimney repair company in Washington state reported that 90% of older fireplaces fail inspection. And according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey, almost 40 percent of existing fireplaces in residential properties are not usable. All things considered, it just makes sense to have a new fireplace installed if you plan to sell your home one day.

So, how should you choose what kind of fireplace to install? It may be a good idea to look at what’s popular with buyers right now. According to real estate agents, some of the most popular fireplace trends among home buyers are:

• Small, sleek fireplaces that occupy minimal wall space

• Gas fireplace in condominiums, for convenience and safety

• Wood burning fireplaces for single family homes in cold weather areas

Of course, we have all of those options here at Custom Fireplace Design. Our modern fireplaces include wall mounted fireplace models, suspended and hanging fireplaces and more – and, we have both gas and wood burning varieties. You are bound to find one that will add substantial value to your home.

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Using Your Built In Fireplace for the First Time

The first time you use your built in fireplace, there is a simple protocol to follow for safety reasons. First, you want to make sure you have the proper safety equipment installed. That includes two essential alarm devices: a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector, both of which may be required by law (depending on your state or province). Smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning are both potentially deadly risks, so please have these devices installed if you do not already.

Next, you want to check your fireplace’s chimney for debris. Many people underestimate the probability that debris can accumulate in their chimneys, but we assure you that it can. In windy areas, this is an especially prevalent risk – and in nearly any geographical location, birds can make their nests inside chimneys. If you light a fire and there is a bird nest in your chimney, killing the birds is not the only risk. You will also put yourself at risk because smoke will back up into the home; after all, it has no other place to vent. Also, make sure there is a flue cover at the top of the chimney. This will prevent sparks, which could cause a fire on the roof if they get out of control. A flue cover will greatly reduce the risk of that happening.

Okay, those things are done – but there’s still a little more work to do before you can enjoy your fireplace for the first time. It’s simple, though; just make sure your chimney has been swept completely. It should be cleared of creosote and soot build-up, both of which could cause a chimney fire. You also want to open your fireplace damper, which is the metal flap located right inside the chimney near the front of the fireplace. You should be able to pull the damper down to open it.

Now you can prepare your fire, whether you are using natural wood logs or clean burning fuel, and use your built in fireplace for the first time. Enjoy it!

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Do You Need a Fireplace Consultant?

You might – and if so, we have one! If you want a custom fireplace design, but none of the options in our gallery meet your precise specifications – or, you do want one of our designs and you have questions on the practicality of that design for your home – that’s when you can enlist the help of our custom fireplace consultant, Vince Volpe!

With 23 years’ experience, Vince can answer all your questions when it comes to a custom wood burning fireplace, including the best fireplace design options for your space, the best installation methods for your contractor to use, the best operational methods and the most highly recommended service options for keeping your fireplace well-maintained.

Remember: Fireplace design isn’t just about looking great. It’s also about safety, which is why our fireplace consultant service includes advice on things like:

• Floor protection
• Proper installation
• Chimney sizing
• Clearance reduction

Vince is a certified Wood Burning System Designer and Air Spillage and Pressure specialist, so he is also extremely well versed in fireplace safety. And while he does specialize in wood burning fireplaces, he can also explain how your fireplace can be retro-fitted with a gas burner system so you can save money on firewood and alleviate your environmental concerns.

Plus, he not only works with homeowners, but home builders, architects and interior design professionals as well. If you are employed in one of those professions and you have clients that want a custom fireplace, we encourage you to become a professional partner of Custom Fireplace Design so you can take advantage of the consulting services we offer. Your job can be completed more efficiently, more safely and even more affordably because of our fireplace design and consulting! Fill out the contact form here to request a consultation with Vince Volpe; he gladly works with clients throughout North America.

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Ways to Clean Fireplace Glass

If you spend any time researching our modern fireplaces, you’ll see that many of our models do not have glass panels in the front. However, some do; after all, some buyers have to make safety considerations. If you purchase a fireplace that does have safety glass, you will be relieved to learn there are many affordable ways to do it. Typically, fireplace glass can be cleaned by simply wiping it down. If there is a little cloudiness, regular household glass cleaner will normally do just fine.

But what if you have an unfortunate accident, like allowing a piece of clothing to get too close to your fireplace glass? Sometimes, that can cause the fabric to burn on the glass and it may seem impossible to get off. Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to stay there forever! Some ways you may be able to remove it are:

Foaming oven cleaner – this is a go-to solution for all kinds of clean-up disasters
TSP solution – this is a heavy duty cleaner used by painters and construction workers
Paint thinner – If the first two remedies don’t work, you may consider giving this a try

However, these are only good ways to clean fireplace glass if the area feels smooth to the touch. If the glass feels rough to the touch, that is a situation that may be a little harder to tackle. Try carefully scraping it with something non-abrasive, such as a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Softening the spot with hot water or steam first is probably going to make the job easier, so if you have a steamer that you can use, great! If not, try preparing the area with a hot, wet washcloth.

These are some of the ways you may consider cleaning fireplace glass, if an uncommon accident was involved. Of course, you can minimize your chances of needing to do this by practicing good fireplace safety. Don’t wear hanging clothing while tending to your fireplace, and never lean on the glass; this will help prevent a messy mishap, and it will ensure your safety as the owner of one of our modern fireplaces.

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96% of Residential Landscape Architects Now Offer Fireplace Design?

That appears to be the case. Recently, The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) published the results of its 2013 survey of more than 4,000 landscape architecture firms; this survey specifically related to the act of product selection where residential and hospitality design were concerned. When we say “product selection,” we mean furniture and structures, naturally – but we also mean live plant installations, water features and – you guessed it! – fire features.

So, what did the survey reveal? The first was not necessarily a surprise: 86% of all landscape architects that service commercial facilities (specifically, hospitality and restaurant establishments) now offer design and installation for fireplaces, firepits and other fire features. As many people know, a growing number of restaurants now have fireplaces indoors, and many of them outdoors as well – especially in colder geographical locations throughout North America.

As for hotels and resorts, many of them now have fireplaces in their guest rooms in addition to lobbies, bars, banquet halls and other spaces. Now, for the really interesting part: What this survey revealed about residential landscape architects and fireplaces. It turns out that an astonishing 96% of residential landscape architects now include a fireplace, firepit or other fire feature in residential projects. That must indicate serious demand for outdoor fireplaces among homeowners! Certainly, it means that high net worth homeowners who can afford to hire a landscape architect are demanding outdoor fireplaces.

The good news is, you don’t have to be one of these high-earning homeowners to own your own outdoor fireplace. You can select one from our catalog at Custom Fireplace Design; or, you can enlist our help in a custom outdoor fireplace design that’s perfect for your backyard. If either of these options interest you, take a look at our gallery. We know you will be impressed.

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Fireplace Ideas for the Workplace

Can you have a fireplace in your office building? Sure you can! A fireplace can add incredible ambiance to a workplace. Some ideas for office building locations where a fireplace can be an incredible addition are the:

Lobby – Every business owner wants guests to feel welcome when they come in, and what better way to do that than with a fireplace? Having a fireplace installed in the lobby is the perfect way to disarm prospects and clients, no matter what kind of day they’re having. They’re bound to be impressed, too!

Conference room – Staff meetings are not necessarily events that workers look forward to. But if the conference room is made into a warm, welcoming place, they can be! Consider having a fireplace installed in your conference room to add instant warmth (figuratively and literally) to a space that really needs it.

Break room – One of the biggest workplace trends going right now is the idea of designing the office to feel more like home. When you do this, your employees can feel more at ease about the time they spend at work. Putting a fireplace in the break room is a move that can help foster a more collaborative spirit among your employees, and who knows? They may even spend more time at work.

Of course, it isn’t always practical or feasible to have a wood burning fireplace installed in a workplace. However, it is completely possible to have a fireplace feature that is safe, practical and easily operated: our Vapor Fire system, which lets commercial facilities enjoy the benefits of a fireplace feature safely and without venting requirements. It uses a steam vapor mist and LED lighting to create an authentic fireplace effect that looks like a real fire. Vapor Fire is perfect for nearly any workplace, particularly office buildings. For information on this and other fireplace ideas for the workplace, contact Custom Fireplace Design today.

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The Roots of the Suspended Fireplace

Here in the United States, many consumers are unfamiliar with the suspended fireplace; once people see a suspended fireplace, they often remark that it is one of the most unique fireplace designs they’ve ever seen. For those people, it may come as a surprise that the design we now know as a suspended fireplace has been around since 1967 – the pinnacle of the mid-century modern design era.

Created by sculptor French Dominique Imbert, the Gyrofocus was actually the first suspended fireplace to pivot 360 degrees. Although Imbert only intended to create a fireplace that would warm his studio in the south of France, the Gyrofocus and a sister product, the Antefocus, soon became the centerpiece products of the Focus contemporary fireplace line.

Now, the suspended fireplaces that define Focus fireplaces can be found in locations ranging from art galleries in Marseille, France to condominium homes in Tokyo, Japan, to prestigious design museums such as the Guggenheim in New York City and the museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, Sweden.

Buyers love the clean lines of suspended fireplaces, which is perhaps what makes them perfect for an urban environment. Unlike a “traditional” fireplace that is built into the wall, suspended Focus fireplaces are installed onto the wall; this is a unique distinction that sets them apart entirely from other fireplaces. Of course, there are built in Focus fireplace models as well; in fact, there are now more than 60 Focus fireplace models available.

In Europe, there are distributors that sell Focus fireplaces exclusively to European buyers – but here in the United States, homeowners, business owners, architects and designers can purchase Focus fireplaces directly from us! Custom Fireplace Design is the exclusive North American importer and distributor of Focus fireplaces. Visit our website for examples of the Focus fireplaces we have available.

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Why Bio Ethanol Fuel Fireplaces?

That is a question we often receive from homeowners, business owners and design professionals who are interested in modern fireplace ideas. There are some great reasons to consider a bio ethanol fireplace when installing a new fireplace in a home or business, and we will be happy to share them with you here. First, let’s define what a bio ethanol fireplace is.

Bio ethanol fireplaces are powered by bio ethanol, which is also known as denatured alcohol (or in more layman’s terms, “jellied” alcohol because the alcohol is in gel form). If you have ever used a Sterno can to heat a chafing dish or fondue pot, you have already used bio ethanol fuel. It’s a clean burning, flammable substance that can be used in a fireplace, when an alternative to wood burning fireplaces is desired. Now, why would you want to own one?

You may want use a fuel burning fireplace instead of a wood burning one if you want to avoid purchasing wood logs, or if you have specific environmental concerns associated with burning wood. For businesses, using a bio ethanol fireplace is sometimes a more convenient option than a wood burning fireplace; no one at the business needs to worry about loading the fireplace with wood, and no one needs to worry about clean up. This is a cost effective advantage as well.

However, take note: When you have a bio ethanol fireplace, you are not immune to the safety concerns of “traditional” fireplaces. The fireplace still contains real fire, and it can burn anyone who gets too close. If you are interested in a completely safe fireplace alternative, we recommend our new product, Vapor Fire. It is an water mist/LED light "fire" that looks completely authentic, surrounded by glass panels that make it impossible to burn anyone. No matter which of our modern fireplace options you are interested in, explore our gallery to get design ideas – then, contact us for more information. We will be glad to help.

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Introducing a Safer Alternative to Traditional Fireplaces!

For years, we have worked alongside architects, interior designers and commercial planners to develop products that bring their fireplace ideas to life. Now, we are proud to announce that we have outdone ourselves with a completely safe alternative to traditional fireplaces: Vapor Fire, an installation that enables commercial facilities to enjoy the benefits of a fireplace feature safely and without venting requirements.

Vapor Fire utilizes a steam vapor mist and LED lighting, which creates an authentic fireplace effect that looks exactly like a real fire. This is a great solution for many types of commercial applications, including hospitality establishments, restaurants and shopping malls. For businesses like these, traditional fireplaces always pose a safety concern – but because Vapor Fire uses LED lighting and water, it is impossible for it to cause burns. The lighting is concealed with a panel on the top, and no one can touch the bulbs. This makes it the safest possible alternative to a traditional fireplace.

Vapor Fire is also very convenient, because businesses can place the Vapor Fire in a lobby or other space without the restrictions of venting requirements. The staff can fill the water tank when needed, but with a 14 hour burn time, it’s easy to control how often re-filling will be needed. Even hotel guest rooms can feature Vapor Fire, and customers can simply click on the fireplace with a remote control. It’s the easiest way for hotels to have in-room fireplaces.

If you are an architect, designer, commercial planner or other professional interested in seeing what Vapor Fire looks like up close, join us this week for an exclusive unveiling event in New York City! We will be at the Courtyard Central Park on Monday, July 21 and Tuesday, July 22, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the Belvedere meeting room. Drop in to see the burning display models and ask us your questions; we will be happy to answer them! The location is at 1717 Broadway at 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. If you need new fireplace ideas for your clients, this can be a great opportunity!

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Fireplace Safety FAQs

Whether you choose a wood burning fireplace or a fireplace that runs on clean-burning fuel, you are bound to have some questions about safely operating your fireplace. With that in mind, here are some of the most commonly asked fireplace safety questions.

Q: What is the safest distance between a fireplace and a mantle?

A: Many experts recommend placing a mantle at minimum of 12" above the top of the fireplace. If the mantle is a shelf that protrudes out, add one additional inch to the height of the mantle for every inch that the mantle protrudes out.

Q: How often should I clean out my fireplace?

A: It depends on how often you use it. If there is more than ¼ inch of soot in your wood burning fireplace, it needs to be cleaned so that you can continue to operate it safely.

Q: Is it safe to burn trash in the fireplace?

A: It is not considered safe. Trash burns too hot, which could start an out-of-control fire and damage your flue. Plus, some of your trash may contain chemicals that are unsafe to emit into the air.

Q: How can I keep my family safe from fireplace sparks?

A: There are many accessories that can shield you from fireplace sparks, including flat wire mesh screens and glass doors. However, gas logs are not likely to spark at all; neither are our clean-burning fireplace fuels. You can learn more about our bio-ethanol fireplace fuels here.

Q: What if I am unsure about the safety of the fireplace I am interested in?

A: We pride ourselves on crafting fireplaces with safety in mind. However, you are welcome to ask us about safety considerations for any fireplace you are considering.

If you have other fireplace safety questions for our wood burning fireplace units or our fireplaces that operate using fuel, feel free to ask us on Facebook or Twitter. We will be glad to answer them!

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Decorating Your Built In Fireplace for Summer

Even in colder regions, summer is the one time of year that an indoor fireplace is likely to sit unused for several months. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should neglect beautifying your fireplace or mantle area this time of year. How can you decorate your built in fireplace for summer? Here are some good ideas.

Greening it up. Of course, we’re talking about live plants here. What better way to cool down the appearance of the fireplace area than to adorn it with a few potted plants? Make sure you choose plants that are tolerant of the indoors; if your fireplace is not near a window, you will need to select plants that don’t require much sunlight. Always place a drainage plate underneath the pot, and water your plants as often as your nursery recommends.

Covering it up. Then again, you could cover your fireplace entirely. There are some gorgeous fireplace screens that are decorative items unto themselves. Choose a real wood, bamboo or wrought iron fireplace screen to elevate the appearance of your fireplace area in the summer - or better yet, use our wall-mounted sliding door hearth, which is pictured here.

Decking it out. You trim your fireplace in the fall and winter with seasonal decorations, so why not in the summer? There are plenty of summertime decorations that can go beautifully on a fireplace: seashells, starfish and framed vacation postcards can adorn the mantle. Use your imagination and have fun; isn’t that what summer is all about?

This summer, make sure your built in fireplace doesn’t fade into the background. It should be a feature you can enjoy looking at all year long!

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Looking to the Past for Fireplace Design Inspiration

Whether we knew it or not, many of us grew up with pre-conceived design notions, including ideas about fireplace design. There are certain rooms in the home that we just assume the fireplace should go: the family room, of course, and perhaps the formal living room. But then what? In the mid-century homes that still make up many of America’s suburbs, it’s not common to see fireplaces built in other rooms of the house – and perhaps that’s why so many people still don’t realize the numerous rooms of the home where fireplaces can be very appropriate.

But if we look back a little further – say, a century ago – it appears that homebuilders had the right idea. Back then, it would not have been unusual to see fireplaces in any room of the home that needed warmth. After all, that’s what fireplaces were designed to do! Those rooms might have included the:

•    Kitchen
•    Formal dining room
•    Master bedroom
•    Additional bedrooms
•    Master bath
•    Outbuildings

If you need inspiration for rooms of the home where custom fireplaces could be installed, try taking a drive through the nearest historic neighborhood in your area. Chances are, you’ll see chimneys emerging from multiple areas of the homes. If you are able to take a tour of any of these homes, you may be quite surprised (and delighted!) when you see the many different rooms that contained fireplaces. It’s a great way to get some fireplace design inspiration at the beginning of any home renovation project.

It’s wonderful to acquire fireplace ideas from magazines, Pinterest and other sources, but we recommend looking to the past for some of your inspiration as well. You may be surprised by how many practical concepts you can use for your own fireplace design projects.
 

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Otherworldly Fireplace Designs: We Have Them!

There are standard fireplaces, and then there are some fireplace designs that are so unique and distinctive that they can only be described as otherworldly. Of course, we bring many of those designs to life right here at Custom Fireplace and Design. Today, we wanted to share with you some fireplace models that may be perfect for the homeowner or business owner who thinks out of the box. These are heavily architectural fireplace designs, which is why they are often popular with interior design and architectural design/build teams. Take a look!

Remember, these are custom fireplace designs - not standard "models," but pieces that were crafted according to a client's request.

Now, this is a fireplace design that makes a statement!

Direct vent gas fireplaces are among the most popular fireplace designs there are right now. Homeowners like the clean lines and the clean burning fuels, not to mention the perfect stream of heat they emit.

As you can see, there are so many options available to clients who want a truly customized fireplace design. If you would like to see more options, take a moment to browse through our gallery. You'll love seeing the wide variety of fireplace designs there are!

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Outdoor Fireplaces: Perfect for Summer!

Sure, the weather is warm during the day – but summer nights can still benefit from the warmth of an outdoor fireplace, especially if you live near the beach, in the mountains or in a remote desert location. All of these environments tend to cool off at night, even in the summertime. Plus, there’s really nothing like the incredible ambiance of an outdoor fireplace – no matter where you live! They make the perfect centerpiece for the following outdoor living areas.

Patios: A simple backyard patio, on any style of home, can receive an instant makeover from a custom outdoor fireplace. Since our outdoor fireplaces are available in many different sizes, even homeowners with smaller patios still have backyard fireplace options available to them.

Loggias: What is a loggia, you ask? You may have one and not even know it! A loggia is a larger backyard patio designed for upscale entertaining; often, the design is Italian-inspired with a cover that is held up by decorative pillars. If you are fortunate enough to have a loggia adjacent to your home, there’s no better way to make it welcoming than to add an outdoor fireplace. This can be the showpiece that has everyone talking about your parties for years to come.

Swimming pool decks: Whether your pool deck is elevated or a simple concrete slab on the same level as the pool, you can dress it up with an outdoor fireplace. Browse our selection of outdoor fireplaces to see what design works best with your poolside space.

Summer may be in full swing, but it’s not too late to enhance your outdoor living area with outdoor fireplaces. Our gallery is full of beautiful designs to consider; take a look, and then feel free to contact us with your questions!

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Fireplace Designs for the Home – Great Ideas for Families!

Summer may not seem like the time to start looking at fireplaces, but it is actually the most practical season to gather your fireplace ideas and start shopping for one. After all, if you are investing in something that is so essential to the ambiance and functionality of your home, it’s a good idea to have it ready long before you’ll actually need it (unless you’re the last minute type – and hey, that’s okay, too!). To help you get those fireplace ideas rolling, here are our suggestions for designs that are great for family homes:

Built-in fireplaces. We have over a dozen options for built-in fireplaces, many of which are perfect for the modern family home. If you like the popular “clean lines” design aesthetic, a built-in fireplace could be a great choice.

A ceiling suspended fireplace and hearth. This is a good choice for families with older children; we have many hanging and suspended fireplaces to choose from that can be appealing to families who have moved past the safety concerns of having young children. A suspended fireplace looks incredible, and it can warm the whole space with its 360 degree fireplace panel.

Wall mounted fireplaces. These are what most people associate with fireplaces, sure – but you’ve never seen a selection like this. A wall mounted fireplace may sound like the most traditional option, but when you take a look at the models we offer, you see that wall mounted fireplaces can be just as mind-blowing as any suspended or built-in models.

These are just some of the fireplace designs you can consider for your home – but why not get your family involved in the planning and selection process, too? You may be surprised at how creatively they think! Check out our gallery, or follow us on Pinterest for more creative fireplace ideas.

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Contemporary Fireplace Designs

Custom Fireplace Design offers you an extensive collection of classic and modern fireplace designs that reflect your traditional or modern taste. Watch this video to learn more about their collections

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Outdoor fireplaces – Contact CF + D for exclusive ideas

Considering outdoor fireplaces? Meet fireplace design experts CF + D! From over 25 years, we have strived to meet our client’s expectations, no matter how complex their needs are! Come; experience it for yourself.

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Fireplace ideas – Extend your time outdoors

Our exclusive fireplace ideas will undoubtedly extend your time outdoors! We provide contemporary designs for both residential and commercial clients. Have questions? Dial (866) 909.3070. Visit customfireplacedesign.com to check our designs!

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One-of-a-kind fireplace design from industry expert

With over 25 years of experience, we have provided innovative designs and completed installations in Hotel lobbies, Institutional facilities, Independent Restaurants, University Student Lounges, Premium Shopping Centers and more.

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Modern Fireplace – Bolster Your Space!

Enhance your outdoor living space with modern fireplace designs from industry experts CF + D Custom Fireplace Design. Quality, creativity and innovation are our hallmarks! Visit us at customfireplacedesign.com

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Unique fireplace design for commercial and residential needs

We create distinctive fireplace design for both commercial and residential environments. No matter what your requirement is, we leave no stone unturned until your desired specification is made a reality.

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One-of-a-kind outdoor fireplaces

From desert palms, outdoor dining pavilions to chic roof top patios, CF + D Custom Fireplace Design has created exclusive features to enhance the beauty of any environment at competitive rates.

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Fireplace Ideas to Suit Your Taste and Budget

Known for quality, creativity and innovation, CF + D Custom Fireplace Design offers trendy fireplace ideas that suits your taste and budget. Have questions? Call (866) 909.3070 or visit customfireplacedesign.com

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Custom Outdoor Fireplace

Enhance the beauty of your deck, patio, or backyard with custom with outdoor fireplace from CF + D Custom Fireplace Design. A leader in custom designing and fabricator of unique fireplace designs for commercial and residential clients.

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