Receiving Helpdesk

what are fake fire logs made of

by Dr. Ellis Reynolds MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What Are Fake Fireplace Logs Made Out Of?

  • Consumable Fake Fireplace Logs. Sawdust was an original ingredient in the first fake fire logs; using it was an attempt...
  • Coffee Grounds. Recycled coffee grounds are gathered from coffee houses and manufacturing facilities to reuse in fake...
  • Wax and Oil. Instead of petroleum, today's fireplace logs utilize biomass materials,...

Artificial firelogs are basically big candles. Most are made from postindustrial sawdust, cellulose, and waxes. Because they're made from recycled materials, firelogs have been promoted as being more environmentally friendly than regular wood logs, and as producing less emissions, including carbon monoxide.Dec 15, 2016

Full Answer

What are fake fireplace logs made out of?

Things You'll Need

  • Can of spray foam insulation
  • Tall kitchen garbage bag
  • Newspaper
  • Paring knife
  • Spoon
  • Brown spray paint
  • Black acrylic paint
  • Metallic red and orange acrylic paints
  • Paper plate
  • 1/4-inch flat artist brush

More items...

What are the best fireplace logs?

  • BEST OVERALL: Duraflame 4577 Ultra-Premium Firelogs
  • LONGEST LASTING: Pine Mountain Traditional 4-Hour Firelog
  • HONORABLE MENTION: Pine Mountain Chimney Cleaning Safety Fire Log

How many logs do you need to start a fire?

How to Light a Fireplace: The “Top-Down” Method

  • Group the wood by relative size: large, medium, and small.
  • Line up your largest logs across the fireplace grate.
  • Lay a row of smaller logs across the logs that you arranged in the previous step. ...
  • Add one more layer comprising smaller logs than the last, again running the opposite direction of the layer directly below.

More items...

How to build fake fire logs?

Method 3 Method 3 of 3: From Cardboard Download Article

  1. Cut out two 3 1\2-foot by 2-foot pieces of cardboard. When you’re done, orient them so that they’re taller than they are wide.
  2. Fold lengthwise every 6 inches (15.2 cm). Since your cardboard is 2 feet (0.6 m) wide, you should be able to make four equal folds.
  3. Paint the "bricks" on. ...
  4. Cut two long pieces from your remaining cardboard. ...

More items...

How do you make fake fire logs?

1:302:41DIY Faux Campfire Logs & Lights Decor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I'll start placing the logs into the wire basket. I'm starting with the longest logs and placingMoreSo I'll start placing the logs into the wire basket. I'm starting with the longest logs and placing them diagonally. Away from one another.

Are fake logs toxic?

“Certainly the burning of real or synthetic logs releases toxic pollutants into the air,” White said, “but we found that burning synthetic logs significantly increased the risk of developing breast cancer, whereas burning the wood logs did not.

What are fake fireplace embers made of?

Rock woolThere are several types of glowing embers. Rock wool is the most common type. The second type is made from the mineral vermiculite. Both are designed to be used with either propane or natural gas fireplaces.

What are fake coals made of?

Reeds artificial coals are manufactured from high thermal resistant refractory fibres and ceramic dyes to insure a high glow factor and a long lasting product.

Do fake logs create creosote?

Independent tests show that duraflame® firelogs do not produce the hardened flammable tar deposits known as creosote, commonly produced from burning high moisture content wood fires. And the soot left in the chimney after burning firelogs has almost no BTU value so it can't be reignited to cause a chimney fire.

Are Duraflame logs synthetic?

Since my assumption was that they were made of scary things like plastics and nasty chemicals, I was surprised to learn that fire logs are made from compressed sawdust, vegetable and plant wax, and other recycled ingredients, such as ground nutshells or coffee grounds.

What is glowing embers made of?

AMERICAN GAS LOG's Glowing Embers provide added realism for your Vented Gas Log set. Made of Rock Wool, this product can be used to help re-fresh your gas log set and help provide an increase of glow under you gas logs.

How long do wool embers last?

A typical fireplace requires around 1oz of embers (depending on size and how dense it is packed) and we recommend replacing your embers once per year. That means this bag could last you around SEVEN YEARS. Upgrading your fireplace only takes minutes with our rock wool embers.

What is Rockwool for fireplace?

Decorative ROCK WOOL is used on VENTED gas logs or to replace the wool on DIRECT VENT GAS FIREPLACES. Rock wool is a fibrous material made from minerals. Placed on top of the sand in a natural gas log set, the fire passes through it, becomes red hot and glows without melting or burning.

How do you clean fake coal?

The fragility of fake coals means they can become damaged if they are washed using water or a cleaning agent, or if they are vacuumed. As such, the best course of action to take is to use a high temperature fake coal paint spray which will enhance the colour of the coals.

What are ceramic coals made from?

20 Gas Fire Replacement Medium Ceramic Coals Products are made from high thermal resistant refractory fibres and then coloured with ceramic dyes. They are also renowned for their realistic looks, durability and superior quality.

Can I replace gas fire coals with pebbles?

Most gas fires with pebbles can be changed to coals but not normally the other way around. Coal effect gas fires generally burn richer with a more yellow flame and are too sooty to have pebbles. And some gas fires with white stones can also be swapped for coloured glass beads.

Step 2

Shake the can of spray foam insulation for one minute. Insert the applicator in the end of the nozzle.

Step 3

Spray a 12-inch long line of spray foam insulation on the trash bag. Spray a second line parallel to the first. Add one to two lines of foam on top of the initial lines. Allow the spray foam insulation to expand and dry. This is the base for the fake fire log. Repeat the process for your desired number of fake fire logs.

Step 4

Spread newspaper on the work area, such as the surface of a table. Remove the foam from the tall kitchen trash bag and place it on the newspaper.

Step 5

Carve lines and grooves into the surface of the spray foam log so the outside of it resembles the bark of a tree. Repeat the process with all logs. Discard the scrap insulation pieces.

Step 6

Take the carved logs outside and place them on the ground. Cover any areas you want protected from overspray from the paint can. Shake the can of brown spray paint. Spray a solid coat of brown paint on each log. Let dry.

Step 7

Place the fake fire logs back on the newspaper covering your indoor work surface.

Step 8

Squeeze a drop of black acrylic paint, the size of a half dollar, on a paper plate. Dab the edges of the fan brush in the paint. Pounce the end of the fan brush up and down on the paper plate to remove excess paint droplets. Gently touch the ends of the fan brush to the surface of the fake log and pull quickly down the length.

How long do firelogs last?

Some faux firelogs are made to produce the crackling and popping sounds of natural wood, but the effects reportedly only last for about 30 minutes of the total burn time. Wood fires offer a lot to watch, between the flames and the positioning of the logs as they burn. The aroma of firewood is missing with faux firelogs, as well.

Why are there limits on what can be burned in a fireplace?

The reason there are extreme limits on what can be burned in a fireplace is because of toxins that can be released, such as from burning colored paper —something that should always be avoided. Even treated lumber releases dangerous toxins. Artificial firelogs are different. Research suggests that firelogs are more environmentally friendly than real firewood. According to experts, artificial firelogs produce 50% less smoke, 85% less carbon monoxide, and 70% less particulate matter than firewood.

Can you use artificial fire logs for a fire?

If you mostly care about enjoying a fire without having to deal with a lot of hassle, an artificial firelog may be perfect. A lot goes into burning logs, after all. Firewood needs to be cut, split, and stored in a place where it can dry out. Finally, it can be carried into the house for a fire. But first you have to know how to get a fire started so that the firewood can burn efficiently and so that there isn’t excess and unnecessary wood smoke. The fire must be tended and watched continuously until it goes out.

How to make fake logs?

If you don't have real logs at your disposal, don't worry - you can make fake lightweight logs by cutting pool noodles into short sections and wrapping these in construction paper. Another good idea is to mimic the appearance of "coals" by piling a string of LED or Christmas-style lights beneath the fire.

How to make a fire look like it's burning?

Glue the flames and logs together with the glue gun, then make rocks to go around the fire by breaking off pieces of styrofoam and painting them gray. Finally, position a flashlight behind your fire to make it look like it's burning and set up a fan to blow air on it so the flames move.

How to make a fan?

For the Fabric and Fan method: 1 Thin, tightly woven white fabric. Silk, rayon, nylon, and polyester work fine. 2 Logs. Can be real or fake (see below). 3 A non-rotary blade type fan. A "forward curve" blower (also known as a "squirrel cage" blower) works best, as it runs the quietest. 4 Flame-colored lights. You can use genuine colored lights or just shine normal flashlights through colored glass or cellophane. 5 Thin wooden dowels or similar-sized objects. Half-inch dowels work well. 6 Flame-colored cellophane (optional). See above. 7 Light strips (optional). Christmas-style light strings work fine, as do modern LED strips. 8 Fireplace grate (optional). Helpful for a realistic look and to hold up heavy logs if you're using real ones. 9 Basket, coffee can or similarly sized container (optional). Useful for containing/concealing the fan and making the fake fire portable.

How to make a bonfire with tissue paper?

You can arrange your flame-colored tissue paper in any way you see fit to make flames. When you're done, use a hot glue gun to stick your individual flames together into one multi-colored bonfire. One quick, easy way to create tissue flames that gives great results is as follows:

How to make a fire rustling?

Set up a fan behind your fire (optional). If you have space, a small, gentle fan can give your flames a constant rustling motion, mimicking the effect of real flames. If you can, have the fan blow up directly behind the fire; otherwise, set the fan at its lowest setting a few feet behind the fire.

How to keep flames in place?

Attach your flames to dowels. The base of each fabric flame should be secured to a wooden dowel to keep the flame in place while allowing it to blow freely. Take each flame you've cut and attach its "bottom" to a dowel with a staple, tape, or other method that allows the rest of the flame to move freely.

How long do firelogs burn?

The main attraction of firelogs is that they’re easy. They light without fuss, burn steadily for two to three hours, and when they’re done you have only a small pile of ash to sweep up. Wood fires need constant attention, and even when the flame is out, hot coals may smolder for hours.

How many fire logs should I burn for a three hour burn?

During the same three-hour burn with cordwood, you could use up to 25 pounds of split logs, generating a whole lot more heat per fire. Don’t expect to dry your wet mittens by an artificial-log fire. Artificial firelogs look cozy and warm, but they ...

How long does it take for a Duraflame log to burn?

The whole log was engulfed, making it nicer to look at. For about the same price, the standard Duraflame 5-pound log burned for three hours and produced mostly 4- to 6-inch flames for the first hour, but those flames settled down to a tamer 3 inches after that.

What is Duraflame roasting log?

Duraflame makes a product called a Roasting Log for use in outdoor fireplaces or campfires , and though they’re approved for cooking, they don’t make the nice flames of the indoor logs, and they’re not as light-it-and-forget-it as indoor firelogs. If I want to make some s’mores or roast a hotdog on a stick, I use wood.

Can you use split wood in a fireplace?

Depending on where you live, split firewood can be hard to find at a decent price. Artificial firelogs make good substitutes for wood in fireplaces, as long as you’re aware of some of the trade-offs. Artificial firelogs, made mostly from sawdust and wax, create much of the ambiance of a real wood fire, with less of the work.

Do you need a fire starter for a firelog?

You don’t need any kindling or starters for a firelog. Just light the paper wrapper where the instructions direct you. Photo: Grant Clauser. One thing to note with all of these is that your burn time can vary depending on the draft in your fireplace.

Do Java logs smell like coffee?

As the name suggests, Java-Logs are partially made of recycled coffee grounds, and they do smell like coffee before they’re burned. As they burned, however, I didn’t notice any coffee smell in the house, and outside there was the same papery-waxy smell of all the other logs.

What is a fake gas fireplace?

Fake gas fireplace logs are made of ceramic or a similar material. These absorb high amounts of heat without being damaged. Without them, most of the heat from the burning gas would just escape out the vent. By retaining more heat, the ceramic provides warmth and comfort for your home. They also look nice.

What happens if you put incorrect logs in a fireplace?

2. Fireplace Function – save money, make it last. Another consequence of incorrect log placement is the increase in sooting. Too much soot decreases the functionality of your fireplace and shortens the life span.

Can a fireplace repair technician fix logs?

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning and maintenance, your fireplace repair technician will probably fix the logs at no extra charge if you do it all at once.

How much wood is used in a fire log?

Part of the difference is also due to the amount of material used. In a typical evening’s fire, 20-25 pounds of wood are used. Firelogs are designed for single use, and weigh up to six pounds. Less material burned equates to less emissions. It also means less creosote buildup over the course of a burning season.

What is a wood fire made of?

As mentioned previously, a wood fire is often made up of many logs, not just one, and the volume of fuel helps to create a warmth that is a signature of wood fires. As firelogs are designed to only be burned one at a time, the single log certainly does not generate enough warmth to attract anyone to want to sit closer.

Is there a smell of wood fire?

The smell is certainly different, the flames are there but aren’t necessarily as random as a wood fire, and all that can be heard is the faint hiss of the escaping gases. Some manufacturers have introduced firelogs that imitate the sounds of a wood fire, and even some with different colored flames. But quite honestly, there’s nothing ...

Convenience

Image
If you mostly care about enjoying a fire without having to deal with a lot of hassle, an artificial firelog may be perfect. A lot goes into burning logs, after all. Firewood needs to be cut, split, and stored in a place where it can dry out. Finally, it can be carried into the house for a fire. But first you have to know how to get a fire starte…
See more on hudsonvalleychimney.com

Safety

  • Real wood burns a lot hotter than faux firelogs. A blazing fire with firewood creates a much greater risk of a chimney fire. In fact, it’s unlikely that an artificial firelog would ever cause the creosote in the chimney lining to catch fire. That’s actually another safety issue, since firewood causes the highly flammable deposits that build up inside the chimney flue. In tw…
See more on hudsonvalleychimney.com

Pollutants

  • The reason there are extreme limits on what can be burned in a fireplace is because of toxins that can be released, such as from burning colored paper—something that should always be avoided. Even treated lumber releases dangerous toxins. Artificial firelogs are different. Research suggests that firelogs are more environmentally friendly than real firewood. According to expert…
See more on hudsonvalleychimney.com

Warmth

  • When it comes to warmth, the type of firelog you have determines in large part how much heat it gives off. Artificial firelogs are made from many different materials. When firelogs first became available, they were usually always made of sawdust and wax; and they produced a substantial amount of heat. Today, you can get faux firelogs made with coff...
See more on hudsonvalleychimney.com

Cost

  • When it comes to cost, artificial firelogs are only good substitutes for firewood if you don’t use your fireplace very often. It makes sense to use artificial firelogs for the occasional fire, even if you get your firewood free, since you can consider all of the steps involved with using firewood. √ Artificial firelogs make sense cost-wise if you use your fireplace infrequently.
See more on hudsonvalleychimney.com

Ambiance

  • Artificial firelogs may produce all the ambiance you’re longing for, if you simply want some hassle-free flames with easy cleanup. Some faux firelogs are made to produce the crackling and popping sounds of natural wood, but the effects reportedly only last for about 30 minutes of the total burn time. Wood fires offer a lot to watch, between the flames and the positioning of the logs as they …
See more on hudsonvalleychimney.com

Chimney Maintenance

  • No matter which type of log you burn, faux or real,it’s important to have an annual chimney inspection.You can contact the professionals at Hudson Valley Chimney for reliable chimney services.
See more on hudsonvalleychimney.com

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9