I am currently renting a duplex while in college. We were lucky enough to get a unit with a fireplace. There is one problem, the living room carpeting goes right up to the beginning of the fireplace. I have never seen this before, and don't know what to do about it. I didn't know if there was a rug or something that I could place in front of the fireplace so I don't catch the carpet on fire. Any help would be much appreciated!
2007-12-05 12:21:53 · 10 answers · asked by Todzilla8 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
I'm new to the yahoo answers forums, so I hope this clears things up instead of erasing everything before it.
It is wood-burning, there are no gas lines running to/from the fire place. I don't mind spending a little bit of money, but it's a rental, and I don't want to spend money on something I can't take with me. But I will talk to the landlord. Thanks everyone.
2007-12-05 15:44:47 · update #1
This may be a "toe-stubbing" idea, but place some linoleum on the floor in front of the fireplace and then cover it with some bricks or stonework to protect the linoleum from sparks. You should be able to use the fireplace then with no problems and the carpeting should be protected. Just watch your tooties if you walk past!
2007-12-05 12:27:22 · answer #1 · answered by suzb49 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
At a local hardware store such as Lowes, Menards, or Home Depot, check out what they have available for fireplaces.
First, a hearth rug to place on the carpet in front of the fireplace. Make sure that the rug is flame retardant, as most of them are.
Second, get a fireplace screen to block popping sparks and ash from exiting the fireplace. If your fireplace has doors on it, this won't be needed.
Third, you are going to want a fireplace kit with shovel, poker, tongs, and brush. Don't start the fire without it, as you will find this helps a LOT with rearranging the burning wood and cleanup afterwords. It may also help to get a metal ash bucket to assist with cleaning. You definitely don't want to get any cooled ashes on the carpet either! The kit runs anywhere from $20-$80 depending on how fancy it is, and the ash bucket is about $15.
And talk with your landlord before starting the fireplace. Make sure the flue is functioning correctly and there are no safety risks. See what his expectations for maintenance and cleanup after use are.
A fire is very romantic and can help lower your heating costs, so enjoy it and stay safe!
2007-12-06 06:20:08 · answer #2 · answered by Chelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some great suggestions here! I'd also have a talk with the landlord. You might want to ask him the last time the chimney was cleaned if it is woodburning. He needs to provide a safe environment for you. Is it brand new carpeting? If there are any defects in the carpet now, I would take some dated photos to have on hand to show the condition at present so you won't run into problems when you move out.
2007-12-05 21:29:31 · answer #3 · answered by chillin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I rented an apt with the same thing, thought it crazy anyone would capret up to the fire box, but we went to a store that sells wood stoves and bought a piece of fire flooring [?]
it is a slab 4'X4' and lays on the floor or is affixed to the wall behind a stove instead of fire brick. we spent $129.00 for it, but it saved the carpet from damage
2007-12-05 20:50:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
We have a piece of fire resistant wood we place on the floor whenever we have a fire. It may not be the most pretty thing, but certainly better than setting the house on fire.
2007-12-06 13:20:08 · answer #5 · answered by henryswtzr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have a gas burning fireplace. Wood should not be used at all.
2007-12-05 20:32:40 · answer #6 · answered by Big Deal Maker 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
are you sure that the fireplace is functional. if it is a wood burning fireplace there should be a harth. somethings fishy here.
2007-12-05 20:26:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy a cheap hearth rug, and a mesh fireguard, to catch any falling coals!!
2007-12-05 20:56:32 · answer #8 · answered by 'Er indoors!! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well place a rug in front of the fire place, and have someone keep an eye on it time after time.
2007-12-05 20:38:11 · answer #9 · answered by I represent possibility- Shawn 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
how about folding glass fireplace doors?
2007-12-05 21:05:09 · answer #10 · answered by adam/penny 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋