NDL Hearth Blog

A wood-burning fireplace in your home not only adds warmth and coziness it can be a lifesaver in a power outage. Fireplaces require specialized tools designed to let you burn wood safely and easily. Be prepared before shopping for accessories for your fireplace. Measure the opening of the fireplace and the depth and back width of the firebox.

The first thing you will need is a grate from Landmann, Pilgrim or Minuteman to place the logs on. They are generally sized to the floor of the fireplace and hold the logs up from the bottom of the fireplace to allow air under the fire which will keep your fire burning. They also hold the logs in place and prevent the logs from rolling out of the firebox.

A screen from Pilgrim or Minuteman is the next essential that you will need to keep sparks from flying out of the fireplace and to keep little hands or paws from reaching in. Screens are sized to the opening of your fireplace and come in many styles and finishes to match any home décor.

A tool set from Minuteman or Pilgrim is your next essential. Toolsets generally all come with a poker, broom and shovel along with other tools depending on the set. Some of the other tools available are log grabbers and hoes. When picking a toolset consider the length of the tools and feel of them. You do not need an extra long set of tools for a small fireplace and they may seem ungainly when you try and use them. Along with an attractive and functional toolset consider a matching log holder to store your wood in. Log holders from Pilgrim, Minuteman and Landmann come in many styles such as hoops, baskets and racks that will even hold your tools and kindling.

An attractive screen, tool set and log holder add the perfect finishing touches to your fireplace. Other fireplace necessities to consider are fire starters, gloves, double bottom ash buckets, bellows, brick and stone cleaner. Contact Northeast Distribution LTD at 866-602-7227 today for an authorized hearth dealer near you.

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A wood fire in your home is beautiful to behold, and there are certainly many homes out there that burn fires in their open fireplace. At NDL, we would like to educate you on the essential tools of a wood fireplace, or what we call, the fireplace tool box.

There are a few items that are essential to the safe and efficient function of a wood burning fire. But we would like to first talk about fireplace tool sets. Fireplace tools can be purchased for both decorative and utility purposes. You need well made fireplace tools in order to maintain and use your fireplace safely.

The type of tools you want in your tool set are up to you, but put some thought into how you will use them, and be sure to “roll play” with them before you buy them.

A beautiful wrought iron set may look great, but it may be too heavy for you to use. Luckily, Pilgrim makes tools sets that are both functional and beautiful. With different combination and styles, you can find a set that meets all of your needs and fits in with your home style.

The fireplace grate is another essential part of your fireplace tool box. It is designed to keep the firewood off the floor of your fireplace allowing the ashes to fall below and air to flow in. The fireplace grate is an essential factor to the burning process. By keeping the wood away from the floor, it allows the fire to draw fresh oxygen to the hottest part of the flame. This allows for more efficient wood burning.

Lastly, but certainly not the least important item in your fireplace tool box is the fireplace screen or fireplace doors. Although many people prefer burning a fire without a screen, this is not a good idea. Besides being able to catch sparks which are inevitable, the logs can become displaced as they burn down and change size. A screen or fireplace doors helps stop the disturbed logs from rolling out of the fire and into your living space. Screens and doors also make fires safer for young children and pets. However, screens and doors can be both functional and beautiful as well, and they are made to fit any style home.

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Northeast Distribution is the leading distributor of hearth accessories and products in New England, NY, NJ, and PA. We know stocking stuffers; after all we have been specializing in winter warmth for over ten years. Keep the family warm this holiday season, and let us connect you with the finest hearth retailers in your area.

If you are looking for stocking stuffers for men, look no further. Zippo lighters, fire starters, stove fans, grill utensils, and log totes all make great gifts. Are you looking for unique stocking stuffers? We have them in beautifully handcrafted stove top steamers and kettles, wrought iron fireplace screens and firewood storage racks.

Contact us today for stocking stuffer ideas and the locations of the hearth retailer nearest you.

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Our fires are lit, and you surely remember the dry air inside your home from winters past. For the health of both your family and the wood furniture in your home, consider how you will humidify your home this winter. One of the most practical fireplace accessories on the market today is a wood stove steamer.

At NDL, we offer steamers in many shapes and sizes manufactured by Condar, Minuteman, Imperial and Last Waltz Clay Studio. These steamers come in styles that range from traditional teapots, to animal shapes, to hand-made and hand-glazed clay designs. With this many varieties and manufacturers, you are sure to find one to match your style. They are quite easy to use, just fill them with water and place it on the stove. You may also turn these steamers into aromatherapy solutions by adding potpourri, spices, or stove scents to the water. Once the steam begins to be released into your home, it not only becomes a room humidifier, but it will release the sweet smell of fragrance as well.

Wood stove steamer add decorative value to your home. Due to their unique shape and quality, just leave these decorative pieces on the wood burning stove for all to see. If you wish to add a unique touch to your home or you need extra humidity; a wood stove steamer is what you are looking for.

Of course, NDL offers a full range of fireplace accessories including fireplace glass doors, fireplace tool sets, chimney caps, and ash buckets. Let us direct you to the finest hearth dealer in your area. Contact us today.

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This winter, if you are having trouble keeping the cold at bay, consider adding a fireplace or fireplace insert to your home. Not only will you add comfort and atmosphere, you will add value to your home as well. A working hearth is considered a plus to home buyers, thus increasing the value of your home. Fireplaces and inserts can be fueled by natural gas, electricity, pellets, or wood and all these fuel sources have their advantages. Pellets and wood are considered renewable energy sources and are economical. But that is not all. Many fireplace inserts have a tax credit as well!

Gas and electric fireplaces and fireplace inserts are generally easier to use with less mess and effort. They are also very efficient and can be hooked up to a thermostat and remote. This way, you have constant heat which you can enjoy with the touch of a button. Whichever fuel source you choose to run your fireplace or insert, one thing is certain; working fireplaces add atmosphere and ambiance to any home. New home buyers love the idea of a working hearth and they make your home more enticing. If you are remodeling for your own enjoyment, a room with a burning fire adds a whole new dimension to entertaining.

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Did you know you could get a federal tax credit for installing a new pellet, or wood wood (biomass*) burning stove, insert or fireplace? You can receive up to $1500 on the price of your next stove and installation! The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the appliance (including installation/labor costs), up to $1,500. This is a tax credit so it is as good as money in your pocket. If you are looking to buy a stove, Northeast Distribution LTD would be happy to provide you information on a certified stove, fireplace, or insert and we will direct you to the finest hearth retailer in your area.

To qualify for the tax credit:

• The tax credit is in effect until December 31, 2010. The stove, insert or fireplace must be installed in your primary residence before December 31, 2010.
• The stove, insert or fireplace must be used for heat or water heating and have a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value. Ask us about the appliances that qualify. NDL or your fireplace retailer can help you with this information.
• This credit applies to all “biomass fuel” powered stoves, inserts and fireplaces. The law defines "biomass fuel" as any plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis, including agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), plant (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers.
• To verify tax credit eligibility, make sure you get a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.
• To qualify, file tax form 5695 with your tax return statement.

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Are you having thanksgiving dinner at your home this year?  Add a special touch of style and décor to your hearth with fireplace accessories.  As the temperature drops around New England many of us have begun to light our living room fires. But fireplaces are not just for warmth, they create ambience and atmosphere as well.  Fireplace accessories today are designed for functionality as well as elegance and style. With the addition of a beautiful iron fireplace screen or hearth tools, you can add a touch of class to your hearth.

Some questions come up when you a considering what wood burning fireplace accessories you need to enjoy your fireplace and allow the process be as easy and safe as possible? So you are looking for three things: what accessories are functional, decor oriented and safety conscience? For functionality, tools are a necessity. Most fireplace tool sets come in sets of three; a shovel, a broom of sorts and something with which to move the logs around. These are usually made of cast iron and can be as rustic or decorative as your tastes require.

For safety, a fireplace screen and a hearth rug are both worthwhile endeavors. Hearth rugs are designed to melt or smolder ash or embers which may fall out of your fireplace, stove or insert when you open the door. Screens are good for protecting kids and pets from getting too close to the fireplace. Both screens and rugs can add decorative accents to any room. As far as the decorative aspects of your heath, the hearth is the center of your home. Therefore, it can be the focal point of your decorative tastes in any season. Tool sets and screens come in many finishes, brass, copper and black. All fireplace accessories come in styles from pragmatic to elaborate. Choose the ones that fit your taste and add a conversation piece to your Thanksgiving dinner.

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