Beginner's Guide to Outdoor Furniture

Hearth Accessories Overview

2006-02-23T19:02:17Z

Fireplaces instill a sense of sentiment, warmth and coziness within us all. The crackle of the fire, the warm glow, the feeling of togetherness – fireplaces make an otherwise quiet living space very inviting. The hearth is just as important as the fireplace itself. The hearth can be a place for gathering, a place to sit handy fireplace tools or a place for purely decorative accessories that help dress up the room.

Hearth accessories can enhance the functionality and appearance of your fireplace. When deciding what accessories you may want for your hearth, think about what type of fireplace you have, how often you will be using it and consider the other décor in your home. You probably want to stick with the design theme that is carried throughout your living room to remain consistent. There are plenty of hearth accessories to choose from so you are sure to find accessories that complement your furnishings.

Hearth accessories can be purely functional, purely decorative or a little of both. If you have a wood burning fireplace, you will probably want more functional pieces that will make the fire-burning experience a convenient one – giving you more time to enjoy your fire and less time trying to get it started and keep it going. Also, some hearth accessories actually help protect your home from the dangers that wood burning fireplaces may pose. If you have a gas log fireplace, your hearth accessories may be more for appearance than functionality since most of the work is already done for you.

Fireplace Tool Sets

2006-02-23T19:03:11Z

Fireplace tool sets are the most popular hearth accessory. If you have a wood burning fireplace, you will probably get a lot of use out of these tools. However, if your fireplace has gas logs, you might still want a tool set purely for appearance since they have timeless appeal and a hearth does not feel complete without one. Fireplace tool sets consist of an iron poker, a pair of tongs, a broom and a dustpan that hook to an upright stand, and they sit right on the hearth next to the fireplace. The tongs are used to turn logs in the fire, pick up a log to place it in the fire or pick up scraps of wood that may have fallen out of the fireplace. The poker is used to move the logs on the fire around a little bit to get a spark going so the fire will burn a little brighter. The broom and the dustpan are used to sweep up the ashes, dirt and wood chips that are left on the hearth so they can be stored in a fireproof metal bucket.

Fireplace tool sets can come in variety of styles. They are mostly crafted of cast iron, or another fireproof material, and can range in looks from antique to contemporary, ornate to simple. They also come in different sizes to match the size of your hearth.

Safety Accessories

2006-02-23T19:03:55Z

Obviously when fire is involved, safety is an issue. Certain hearth accessories can help prevent hazards that fires may cause while also giving your hearth a great look!

· Fireplace Screens: Fireplace screens serve several purposes – they are decorative, can prevent dangerous sparks from shooting out of your fire and help control the warm air in your home from escaping through your chimney. Fireplace screens also come in a variety of types from iron mesh curtains to glass doors to decorative stand-alone iron screens that sit in front of your fireplace. The type of screen you choose for your fireplace will definitely serve as a focal point of your hearth. You will want to choose one that matches the style and personality of the rest of your home. Fireplace screens can be sophisticated, custom-made, decorative, plain, permanent or removable. Select the fireplace screen that will add the right decorative flair for your home.

By keeping your fireplace screen closed or sitting in front of your burning fire, errant sparks will be kept from being thrown from your fire onto your home’s vulnerable floors, which could lead to a house fire or damage your floors. Fireplace screens can also help lower your heating bill. A chimney can draw the air out of your home which could cause your heater to act in overtime. A screen blocks the air from your room from exiting into the fireplace and up the chimney.

Before you purchase your fireplace screen, be sure and measure the opening of your fireplace so that the screen is not too large or too small for the space.

· Hearth Rugs: Although hearth rugs can be a great centerpiece to your hearth, they can also help prevent sparks from catching your home on fire while also protecting your floors. Most hearth rugs are made from a fire resistant material such as nylon or fiberglass, and protect your floors not only from sparks, but from rolling logs, firewood bark and cinders. Hearth rugs come in many shapes, sizes, colors and prints that can add elegance and a welcoming feel to your hearth.

Decorative and Functional Accessories

2006-02-23T19:04:40Z

The fireplace tool sets, screens and hearth rugs will be your larger hearth accessories. You can add on with smaller accessories that can be practical as well as attractive.

· Cast Iron Firebacks: Firebacks have been decorating fireplaces for many, many years. It was customary for well-appointed fireplaces to include a cast iron fireback with a telling design, and they continue to add charm to hearths today. Firebacks are made of cast iron and sit in the fireplace on the hearth’s back wall. They are typically sculpted with artwork that adds to the warmth and appeal of your hearth.

Firebacks also serve practical purposes and can be used in both wood burning and gas fireplaces. When set against the back of the fireplace, they help to protect the masonry of the wall from decay. Burning fires can damage even today’s most modern masonry and will eventually require repairs. Firebacks also help to radiate the heat and light of the fire forward, projecting the warm air into your room.

· Fireplace Bellows: Bellows are charming and nostalgic hearth accessories that a wood burning fireplace should not be without. Bellows help blow air onto the fire to help get it ignited and prevent you from turning blue from blowing on your fire. Bellows have a decorative appeal as well, and have even turned into a special art form. Some bellows are hand painted and signed by the artist – giving your hearth a one-of-a-kind addition. You can choose a bellows that has a complicated design or one that is very simple and would match a contemporary décor.

· Firewood Carriers: Once you use a firewood carrier, you will probably never go back! Firewood carriers help you load up more logs to bring inside than depending on just your two hands. They help to keep your clothes safe from the messes that carrying wood entails, and save your hands from splinters, scratches and blisters. Firewood carriers come in a variety of designs so sitting them on your hearth will be a welcome addition.

· Firewood Racks: After you bring your firewood in with your carrier, you will want a rack to sit on your hearth to hold the logs. Stacked firewood allows the air to circulate better and dries out your logs, which helps them ignite easier and quicker. Racks can be made of several different materials from brass to iron and can also be decorative or subtle. What hearth is complete without the look of stacked logs ready to go!

· Candelabrum: So you have a fireplace but don’t plan on using it and don’t want all of the tools? Then a fireplace candelabrum is the perfect solution for you. Candelabrum are attractive candle holders that can sit right inside your fireplace instead of a grate or logs, or sit in front of the fireplace right on the hearth. The lit candles in a candelabra can give you the same warm glow of a fire, but without the heat. Candelabrum can be removed during the winter months if you decide to use your fireplace and great decorative fillers for the warm months when your fireplace will be dormant.

Sources:

1. “Fireplace Screens Provide Safety and Beauty”: www.firepalceguide.com/fireplacesreens/

2. “Choosing the Right Fireplace Tools”: www.fireplaceguide.com/fireplacetools/

3. “Fireplace Hearth Rugs”: www.northlineexpress.com/hearth-rugs.asp

4. “Art That Warms”: www.northlineexpress.com/rsearch_firebacks.asp

5. “Fireplace Bellows”: www.northlineexpress.com/rsearch_bellows.asp

6. “Firewood Racks”: www.northlineexpress.com/firewood-racks.asp

7. “Fireplace Candleabras”: www.fireplacescreensetc.com/fireplace-candelabrum.html

Wood Racks Overview

2006-03-16T14:47:17Z

Wood Racks are an awesome addition to any fireplace, because they look great and they are functional. You can find a wood rack that will work with just about any motif you have in your home. The key is finding the rack that will fit all of your needs the best.

Wood Rack Uses

2006-03-16T14:50:39Z

There are three main wood racks uses; Outdoor storage, Small space outdoor storage and Indoor Storage. You may only need one of these, or you may need all of these.

· Outdoor Storage Racks - This is probably the rack you will be storing the bulk of your fire wood. If you are getting this type of rack and it will not be on a patio or some other platform, you may want to make sure the rack you choose elevates the wood off the ground. If it does not, you may be inviting rodents and insects over for a picnic. This is the quickest way to get rotted wood, which is not something you will enjoy handling in any way. You should also keep in mind most people only need a wood rack 90 - 100 days out of the year. Who wants a huge rack hanging around doing nothing but taking up valuable space the other 265 - 275 days? When choosing your rack look out for racks with easy disassembly. This makes life much less complicated when it comes time to put the rack away for the summer. Of course, make sure the rack you choose will be large enough to hold all the wood you will need in one winter. No one I know wants to go chopping wood in freezing cold weather all because they did not have enough space to store all their wood.

· Small Space Outdoor Storage Racks - When choosing a wood rack for small space outdoor storage, the most important thing to look for is a rack which will be weather resistant. If you get a rack made for indoor use than it probably won't last nearly as long outdoors. Most wood racks made for outdoor purposes are generally too large and too bulky to fit nicely on a patio, but there are a limited few made specifically for this purpose. Just be sure the rack you choose will be able to withstand a lot of abuse. If you plan to use a chimnea for frequent outdoor get-togethers, you will definitely want to make sure your rack will be able to hold at least one night’s worth of wood. One of the most dangerous things I can think of to do after a little bit of party fun drinks is go get wood. Too many splinters, and nails and shadows! oh my!

· Indoor Wood Racks - This is obviously the most common type of wood rack. Its job is to sit by the fireplace, hold wood, catch wood debris and look pretty. So make sure you get one you will enjoy aesthetically and one which will fit your desired motif. Almost every wood rack will have enough bottom coverage to keep wood chips from getting all over your nice, clean floor. Unfortunately, like everything else in life, not all wood racks are created equal. If your wood rack will only be used for aesthetics, a wood rack without a dirt catcher will be fine. If, on the other hand, you plan to actually use your wood rack, make sure it has a bottom designed specifically to catch all those little particles.

Wood Rack Materials

2006-03-16T14:51:26Z

Depending on the look you want, you may go with steel or wood. If you want something with the maximum amount of durability possible, you will want to go cast iron. There are of course other materials used in the making of wood racks, but these three are the most frequently used. Be careful of the materials you choose. You don't want to get a super cheap wood rack if it won’t even last a full winter. You might as well be throwing money down the drain.

· Steel - The most commonly used material for making wood racks is Steel. Steel is uber durable and you can get your rack with a baked enamel finish or powder coating for some additional protection. You may also want to get tubular steel as opposed to solid steel. This type of steel is generally light weight and makes your life easier should you need to move your rack.

· Wood - Racks made of wood help add a lot of charm to your fireplace. If you own a log cabin this type of wood rack would fit in smashingly. These racks will last a really long time. Plus, if you get a rack made of a wood like Chinese Cedar, it will be naturally weather resistant. This means you won't necessarily have to stains and finishes if you choose to keep it outside. Most of these types of woods develop a natural gray patina after an extended period of outdoor use. This type of material would be perfect for a small area storage rack.

· Cast Iron - This material is the perfect choice for just about any fireplace accessory. It can withstand more heat than steel or just about any other material and it is virtually indestructible. If you are planning on using your wood rack on a daily basis, this will probably be something well worth considering.

Styles of Wood Racks

2006-03-16T14:52:10Z

Wood racks come in many different styles. The style you get will be determined by how you plan to use your rack and what your own personal preferences are.

· Arched Racks - Arched wood racks imitate the niches that lined old Victorian fireplaces. These niches were viewed as being statuesque.

· Log hoops - These circular, wood racks are perfect for those of us who do not have much space by their hearth, but need plenty of wood. They are generally made of tubular steel, for better maneuverability, plus they can hold a huge amount of wood for their size. These are great for outdoor use also.

· Folding Rack with Sling - If you buy this type of rack you will not have to worry about spending the extra money for a separate sling. Once the wood is where it needs to be the sling fits easily on the rack. The sling is usually made of some kind of leather, cotton, or polyurethane. If made of leather they should be at lease double sewn and possibly riveted for extra strength. When the wood rack is no longer in use, simply fold the rack and store it away.

· Wood Rack Carts - These Racks have wheels for maximum portability. If, like me, you are too lazy to bring in just one days worth of wood with a sling, you can buy one of these and wheel in several loads at once. This is also great for people with back and, or health problems. Most carts will have enough decorative accents to make the cart look great once it is in the house. This way you can avoid having to transfer the wood to a standard wood rack once the wood is indoors. You may want to get a cart sling to help keep down the wood mess down.

Accessories and Package Deals

2006-03-16T14:52:57Z

· Covers - If your rack will be outdoors, consider buying a cover to keep the wood from getting wet. Moisture causes mildew and mildew causes rot. Again, you don’t want rotting wood! A tear, UV and mildew resistant cover is perfect. The best covers will easily cover the full length of your wood rack and feature grommets to hold the cover securely in place. There are also nifty floating covers. This type of cover is used on outdoor racks with posts at all four corners. The cover fits on top of the posts and can be moved both up and down to accommodate a growing or shrinking load of wood. Because the cover does not cover the wood all the way to the ground it allows a ton of cross-ventilation. This is also good for mildew prevention.

· Wood Slings - Wood Slings provide one of the easiest ways to transport wood. They are easy to carry, you can tote up to 10 pieces of wood per load and they help keep debris off clean floors. What more could you ask for? “A good price,” you say. Polyurethane slings can be procured for around $10, plus they are durable and weather resistant, making them perfect for just about anything you or Mother Nature can dish out.

Final Thoughts

2006-03-16T14:53:41Z

I would say wood racks are all but a necessity if you have a fireplace or a chimnea. They keep you from having to run and get wood all the time or from having to chop wood in the dead of winter. Just remember price is not everything. Quality is.

What is rust?

2006-06-22T15:41:51Z

Rust is a pesky foe. Removing it can be quite difficult and doing it wrong can cause permanent damage. Knowing what rust is and finding a technique is recommended for your rust problem is the only way to remove it properly.

When iron compounds corrode due to the presence of oxygen and water, rust is formed. Rust is a mixture of iron oxides and hydroxides.
“Rusting” is a common term for corrosion, and usually corrosion of steel.

Iron is found naturally in the ore haematite as iron oxide, and metallic iron tends to return to a similar state when exposed to air, (hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) and water. This corrosion is due to the oxidation reaction when iron metal returns to an energetically favourable state.

Energy is given off when rust forms. The process of rusting can be summarized as three basic stages: The formation of iron(II) ions from the metal; the formation of hydroxide ions; and their reaction together, with the addition of oxygen, to create rust.

Iron is the main component of steel and the corrosion of steel is observed more frequently, since iron is rarely used without alloying in the present day.

When steel contacts water, an electrochemical process starts. On the surface of the metal, iron is oxidized to iron(II). The electrons released travel to the edges of the water droplet, where there is plenty of dissolved oxygen. They reduce the oxygen and water to hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ions react with the iron(II) ions and more dissolved oxygen to form iron oxide. The hydration is variable, however in its most general form.

Rust is hydrated iron(III) oxide. Corrosion tends to progress faster in seawater than fresh water due to higher concentration of sodium chloride ions, making the solution more conductive. Rusting is also accelerated in the presence of acids, but inhibited by alkalis. Rust can often be removed through electrolysis, however the base metal object can not be restored through this method.

Hydrated iron oxide is permeable to air and water, meaning that the metal continues to corrode after rust has formed. The iron mass eventually converts entirely to rust, and disintegrates. Corrosion of aluminium is different from steel or iron, in that aluminium oxide formed on the surface of aluminium metal forms a protective, corrosion resistant coating, a process known as passivation. Stainless steel similarly resists rusting by forming a passivation layer of chromium(III) oxide. This is also true of magnesium, copper and zinc.

Galvanization consists of coating metal with a thin layer of another such metal. Typically, zinc is applied by either hot-dip galvanizing or electroplating. Zinc is traditionally used because it is cheap, easy to refine and adheres well to steel. Zinc also provides cathodic protection to metal that itself is unplated, but close enough that any water touching bare iron is also in contact with some zinc. The zinc layer acts as a galvanic anode rusting in preference. More modern coatings add aluminium to the coating as zinc-alume, aluminium will migrate to cover scratches and thus provide protection for longer. These rely on the aluminium and zinc oxides protecting the once-scratched surface rather than oxiding as a sacrificial anode.

How do I remove Rust from fabrics?

2006-06-22T15:43:30Z

How do I remove Rust from acrylic fabrics?
This technique works for acrylic fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin and Polyester
Apply lemon juice to the stain, but do not let it dry. Rinse thoroughly with water. If possible, launder. If not and the stain remains, test a fabric-safe rust remover, Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish, then apply according to package directions. After using, flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) the area with cool water and launder as soon as possible.

How do I remove Rust from cotton or linens?
Rub liquid dishwashing or laundry detergent into the stain, rinse with water, and launder as soon as possible. If stain remains, test fabric for colorfastness (use a fabric-safe rust remover), Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish, according to package directions.

How do I remove Rust from things in my house?

2006-06-22T15:44:15Z

How do I remove Rust from asphalt, linoleum or vinyl?
Wipe the stain with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry. If any stain remains, use a rust remover, Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish, which is safe for resilient floors when used according to package directions.

How do I remove Rust from carpet?
Apply lemon juice and salt to the stain. Flush with water and blot well. If any stain remains, test a fabric-safe rust remover, Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish; if the fabric is not damaged, apply according to label directions. Flush thoroughly with water; blot excess liquid. Allow to dry.

How do I remove Rust from ceramics or porcelain?
On the tub, sink, ceramic tile, or toilet, wet Pumie Scouring Stick, a pumice bar, and rub the iron stain. Caution: Do not use this pumice stick on the ceramic glass found on cookware or ceramic cooktops, as it will scratch the surface. A paste of borax and lemon juice also is effective on iron stains. Rub the paste into the stain and allow it to dry. Rinse with clear water, repeat if necessary. Rinse again and dry with a clean cloth.

How do I remove Rust from other things?

2006-06-22T15:45:03Z

How do I remove Rust from brick, concrete or granite?
Make a poultice from 7 parts lime-free glycerine, 1 part sodium citrate (available from drug stores), 6 parts lukewarm water, and enough powdered calcium carbonate (chalk) to create a thick paste. Apply this paste to the stain and allow to harden. Remove with a wooden scraper and repeat if necessary. Wash area thoroughly with clear water and let dry.

How do I remove Rust from stainless steel?
Rub stainless steel with a damp piece of very fine grade emery paper, followed by rubbing it with a slice of onion. Rinse well with hot water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

What should I let a professional clean?
Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool, leather and suede

How do I remove rust from a gun?

2006-06-22T15:46:07Z

Removing surface rust from a gun without damaging the finish can be tricky if you don't know how, but there's really nothing to it. Keeping your gun free of rust helps preserve your gun's beauty and value.

• Find some light oil, fine steel wool, and a suitable work surface that won't scratch up your gun.
• Check if the gun is loaded; if so, unload it.
• Apply some oil on and around any rust spots.
• Making sure to keep oil present at all times (add some if you need to), gently rub rusty area with steel wool.
• Wipe with an old rag or paper towel occasionally to remove rusty oil and to inspect the surface.
• Repeat as necessary until no rust is left.
• Apply a light, even coat of oil to all steel surfaces.

Tips:
• Always keep guns pointed in a safe direction.
• Never use abrasives, like sandpaper or emery cloth, on your gun.
• After removing rust, keep that spot oiled and keep your eye on it. It will often be the first spot to rust in the future.

When iron starts to corrode, it forms rust, a substance that often causes unsightly brownish stains. If you accidentally brush up against a rusty surface, you'll be rewarded with a serious laundry stain. Follow these stain removal tips to give your fabrics and household surfaces a clean start.

Sources:
http://hunting.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Remove_Rust_Gun0962933349.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust
http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-iron-and-rust-stains.htm