anyone here ever build a Kiva fireplace? (indoor)

[~Hanna~]

I want to build one in my house, I think.

[cjd]

I had to look it up to see what sort of fireplace that was... Here in New York most homes have more the more conventional types. That Kiva type is very nice because it fits into a corner. Most of the kits sold seem to me masonry and would require a foundation. The floors in most homes will not take that sort of weight  and would start to sag over time. Even a house that's built on a slab may need the floor beefed up. Some companies make steel fireplace inserts that use metal chimneys that can be built into a wire mesh frame and plastered over to look like a true masonry fireplace like you want. The cost would be less because they can usually be placed into the existing construction because of the low weight requirements. For me the results would not be the same using that type. The masonry kit looks like the way to go if I was putting this in my home that's what I might use. It could also be built from scratch but that would require someone with the understanding of working with firebrick and cement. Even a very good brick mason would be hard pressed to get the results some of the kits in the links below give.
http://www.grandriversupply.com/grs/Fireplaces.aspx?m=g&c=kfp&gclid=COvi7earnp4CFc5L5Qod8jQzpA
http://southwestbuildingsupply.com/catalog/kiva-fireplaces/205 

[~Hanna~]

wow, CJD: thankyou....=o)

[Zelhar]

Fireplace is a health hazard. It releases ash particles and also poisonous CO gas. These are especially harmful for people with asthma and respiratory problem.

[~Hanna~]

I need the heat, to keep my house warm.

Fireplace is a health hazard. It releases ash particles and also poisonous CO gas. These are especially harmful for people with asthma and respiratory problem.

[cjd]

I need the heat, to keep my house warm.

Fireplace is a health hazard. It releases ash particles and also poisonous CO gas. These are especially harmful for people with asthma and respiratory problem.

If you really want to heat your house you should look into getting a wood stove like the ones shown here. Fireplaces are nice but they only warm the spot directly in front of them. A good airtight stove will give off some real heat. They are also much easer to install then a fireplace.
http://www.vermontcastings.com/content/products/productline.cfm?category=16&sc=33

[pennyjangle]

Hanna,
A wood stove will heat your entire house to the point were you might have to open windows, depending on where it is located. I have a regular fireplace with a blower but I have a ranch house.

[~Hanna~]

The windows are too old to open properly I can only open one or two on each floor.

....I cannot get them replaced yet.


Wood burning stoves are very expensive, then you have to buy hearth pads, then pipes and then a chimney liner.

I am trying to save $$$ I am on a fixed income.

Hanna,
A wood stove will heat your entire house to the point were you might have to open windows, depending on where it is located. I have a regular fireplace with a blower but I have a ranch house.

[pennyjangle]

So you don't have a fireplace at all?  I have friend that has a Amish fireplace, it puts out a lot of heat for one room only.

[~Hanna~]

I have one electric fireplace and some oil filled heaters, any time the electric fireplace gets turned on, my electricity goes out. The electric fireplace does not heat the 1300 sq foot house, I need a wood burning fireplace.  The electric fireplace could be on all day long and not heat up the house.

So you don't have a fireplace at all?  I have friend that has a Amish fireplace, it puts out a lot of heat for one room only.

[angryChineseKahanist]

Very interesting. Never seen these things.
http://www.kivafireplace.com/
Dosen't look easy to build.

[~Hanna~]

those particular ones are pre-fabricated, you only have to install them. Other ones, you do all by hand.

[angryChineseKahanist]

When I was in school, I built a burner that looks somewhat like that.
Only, much uglier. And it didn't really work.