Gel fireplace

The recent cold fronts that have hit the south has really gotten me to do some thinking about fireplaces. I grew up with a fireplace, but my current home doesn't have one and getting one of those gas ones just isn't the same, plus the weather in Florida changes everyday.

I got the inspiration to do this from my cousin up in Michigan. They have one of those showcase homes you would find in magazines. Anyways, instead of having a true fireplace that took up their living room that really didn't fit into the decor, they had one angled steel bar that ran about 8 foot on top of a bed of pebbles. My cousin demonstrated its use as a fireplace. He used gel, similar to sterno's but much better and designed to be used for fireplaces (it even crackled like a real wood). He spread the gel on the bar and just lit it. Next thing you know, there was a nice fire going and heat started coming off it. It was really warm after about 10 minutes. It got so warm that their second floor started heating up.

So as an inspiration, I have been thinking of how I would do this to my home without  ruining my decor. So I came up with this portable gel fireplace. Hopefully, you'll get enjoyment of doing this as I did. Here we go....

Step 1 Disclaimer

First off, I have to do a disclaimer so I don't get into trouble if someone gets hurt or loses a home.

**By following this instructable, you are taking full responsibility of any consequence that may happen as a result of this project. This is an open flame, so be aware that this needs to be used in an open, well ventilated area. If you experience lightheadedness and/or other symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, open windows or doors. In addition, this should be on a solid surface and not be in an area where a flame may ignite an object and start a fire (carpet, draperies, or other flammable materials). Please be mindful of your surrounding and do not leave this or any open flame unattended or be within children's or pets's reach.**

Ok, let's move on to the tools needed

drill with a steel drill bit
welding plier clamp or bench vise (or something that can bend steel)
metal shear
level

Materials needed

1/8" thick stainless steel (mine measured 12 x 24). Cost: about $10 at a scrap yard
1/16" sheet metal (mine was scrap laying around). Cost $5 at home depot or even less at scrap yard
various nuts and bolt. No more than $3 at home depot
Can of fireplace gel. $3.00 at www.northlineexpress.com

Comments

[l8nite]

pretty neat idea. where do you get the gel stuff and how expensive is it?

[sum4all]

I got mine from www.northlineexpress.com for $2.99 per can. The can states that it will last 2-3 hours.