Blog

In today's blog post, we are  thrilled to share an interview with Don Forsman president of Welch Forsman.  With 45 years of experience in the home building and renovation industry, Don talks about how he's grown a residential construction company from 3 to 37 including a custom cabinetry shop and metal fabrication shop. 

Is it time to replace your gas fireplace? Learn about the safety, efficiency, and cost considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Discover the inner workings of gas fireplaces and the advantages and disadvantages of standing pilot systems.

Elevate the Comfort, Efficiency and Safety of Your Home with a Wood Burning Insert: Key Factors to Consider

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like snuggling up beside a crackling fire to keep warm and create a cozy atmosphere in your home. If you're considering installing a wood burning insert or wood burning fireplace, you're in for a treat! Not only can it enhance the aesthetics of your living space, but it can also provide an efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home. But before you rush to purchase one, let's take a closer look at some important considerations to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

installation Safety Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

There's something undeniably cozy and inviting about a crackling fire on a chilly evening. Whether you're remodeling your home or simply looking to add a touch of warmth, a wood-burning fireplace insert can be a great addition. However, amidst the excitement of choosing the perfect style and design, it's essential not to overlook the crucial aspect of safety. In this blog post, we'll discuss an often overlooked safety precaution: consulting the installation manual to ensure that your fireplace insert meets the necessary requirements for mantel distance and hearth depth. Let's dive in!

As a new homeowner, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the number of appliances you need to purchase for your home. From refrigerators and ovens to washers and dryers, there are a lot of decisions to make. To help you make the best choices for your home, here are some tips for purchasing appliances.

First, consider your budget. Appliances can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start researching different models and brands to find the best value for your money. Consider the time you'll spend enjoying the appliance and the average lifetime value.  Some appliances have a short life span so why invest more than you have to in them?  

Second, think about the features you need. Different appliances come with different features, so it’s important to consider what you need before you buy. For example, if you’re looking for a refrigerator, you may want to consider one with an ice maker or a water dispenser.

Third, consider energy efficiency. Many appliances come with energy-saving features, so it’s important to look for models that are energy efficient. This will help you save money on your energy bills in the long run. Fireplaces are an example of an appliance that can add hours of enjoyment but also provide an efficient, backup heating source. Some products even offer an energy tax rebate.

Finally, don’t forget to read reviews. Reading reviews from other customers can help you make an informed decision about which appliance to buy.

Purchasing appliances for your new home can be a daunting task, but with a little research and planning, you can make the best decisions for your home. Some appliances are more fun than others.  If you are considering a fireplace, read this shopping for a fireplace page to find out which one is right for you. Good luck!

Considering buying a used fireplace from Craigslist ?

We are here to save you from a decision you might regret. Reclaimed fireplaces are rarely the deal you think they are. Yes, believe it or not, we get this question a lot.

Sky- TM vertical fireplace transformed a dated kitchen and living room into a contemporary space perfect for enjoying views of sunsets over this Minnesota lake.

The Modern Contemporary Design Qualities of Element4 Fireplaces.

Contemporary design borrows qualities from modernism, minimalism, Art Deco and global styles. The simplicity and subtle sophistication of this style demands a new kind of gas fireplace. Our European friends at Element4 have mastered this design aesthetic.

All Seasons Fireplace has been installing the Element4 brand throughout the Twin Cities and beyond since 2015. Seven years later we are still excited about this brand. From North Loop loft renovations and rooftop office spaces to multi million dollar new home construction projects, the Element4 never fails to impress.

Remodeling Industry Statistics in 2020-2021

Building your dream home can be a daunting task and sometimes concessions are made that we regret down the road. Joe and Beth lived with those concessions long enough and in 2020 they decided to add the fireplace they always wanted. Joe and Beth were not alone in their decision to remodel. According to LIRA, Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the remodeling industry earned 339 Billion in 2020 and is predicted to reach 352 billion in 2021.

As temperatures start to drop again, we bring our attention back to the places indoors where we gather for quiet moments with our family and friends. This remodeling project in a private neighborhood on Lake Minnetonka reflects the thoughtful planning and masterful execution that only seasoned craftspeople can deliver. Many thanks go out to our team members on this project who were Scott Goodwin Construction, Laura Paulson Designer, and Brad Norris of ENVR stone fabrication.  Photography provided by Jordan Powers.

The Phoenix Grill

We learned a lot from a year like 2020.  Home became a place for work and relaxation.  We created new spaces to help separate times of work and play. Time in nature helped us to turn off the noise of work and settle into the calm of our surroundings.  Danish designer Bent Falk designed this piece to be enjoyed as a fire pit, barbeque grill, or outdoor sculpture.

How many chimney fires are there in a year?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are approximately 25,000 chimney fires a year in the United States. The CSIA claims that these fires result in 125 million dollars in damage.

Just over a year ago real estate professionals, designers and advertisers in Artful Living magazine met at Martin Patrick 3 to tour the sales office and get a preview of the Eleven on the River condominium development by the Ryan Companies, Robert A. M. Stern Architects, and Luigi Bernardi.

Regular maintenance is critical to a safe and proper functioning gas fireplace. An annual tune-up will guarantee that the fireplace will function reliably and beautifully. The All Seasons Fireplace tune-up procedure includes a 20 point check of the vital parts of the appliance.  In this post we will discuss the 5 most critical parts of the tune-up procedure.

This south Minneapolis couple discuss their decision to add custom fireplace doors to their Twin Cities bungalow. Fireplace doors make wood burning fireplaces safer and more convenient to use.  We think this result is stunning! Read on to hear the whole story. 

This Shaker wood-burning stove takes center stage in this simple and clean Scandinavian new home design. We interviewed a new homeowner about her experience working with Sustainable 9 to design and build her new home in Edina, MN. This is what she had to say about her experience and her method of keeping the process manageable and fun.

Learn how working with a Designer can improve your home renovation project! The last few months have given us all an opportunity to take stock of our surroundings at home. Some people find themselves on the DIY networks and in the isles of Home Depot while others choose to call in the experts.

I sat down to talk with Krista Schwartz from Indicia recently to discuss the benefits of working with professional designers. 

This Edina couple, Margaret and Steve, used two linear see-through gas fireplaces and a design approach called, Human-Building Interaction (HBI) to build their new sustainable home.

The Loppet Foundation provides a new freestanding gas stove to the Trailhead warming house at Theodore Wirth Park. Thanks to a generous donor, the community space in the Theodore Wirth warming house has a new freestanding gas stove to warm the toes of Nordic skiers in Minneapolis.  A big renovation to the golf course at the Theodore Wirth park marked a significant transformation to the City of Lakes' urban oasis for cross country skiers.

New Wood Burning Stove EPA Standards for 2020. Learn about the new NSPS standards that require wood stoves to operate with emission levels no higher than 1.9 gm/hr and take advantage of the tax credit of up to $1500.00 when you purchase wood-burning products that meet the new standards.

Modern gas fireplace technology and design keep evolving and improving.  In this video from our archives, Joe talks about the split flow burner system developed by Travis Industries.  This technology allows you to reduce the BTU output of your fireplace by as much as 80% which means you can use your fireplace more often and enjoy the aesthetics of the glowing embers and dancing flames of your fireplace when heat is not desired. Travis has recently updated this technology to include a new ember bed interior with halogen under lighting to mimic the glow of a natural ember bed. Watch the All Seasons Fireplace Video on Hometime

At All Seasons Fireplace, our commitment to our customers goes beyond helping you find the perfect fireplace for your home or office. We're part of this community and we hope to have an impact on the families who struggle with ALS. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, impacts hundreds of families in the state of Minnesota, including our own. We lost our good friend Jim to ALS in October and we are honoring him by becoming a sponsor to the local chapter of ALS. 

Fall has arrived and it's time to start using your gas fireplace. Lighting a gas fireplace is intimidating for most people but once you get comfortable, you are capable of doing it yourself. Natural gas is a powerful fuel and if you are not careful, you could cause an explosion.The local gas company or your fireplace dealer can provide some hand holding, if you need it.

Should you choose a gas or wood burning fireplace? Here are a few ways to compare the two types of fireplaces. If you are struggling to understand the differences between gas fueled fireplaces and wood fueled fireplaces we offer a way to compare the two in terms of energy efficiency, convenience, aesthetics and experience.

Every machine works better when it is clean and if you enjoy grilling, it's very likely your grill needs a good cleaning before the summer season of entertaining starts. Follow these 8 steps to clean your gas grill to make sure you're getting the most efficiency from your appliance. We're using a Broilmaster grill that has seen several years of use and is still performing well because it's cleaned and repaired regularly. Our Broilmaster customers use their grills for at least 20 years before they have to replace the whole grill.

These 5 gas fireplace installation tips will help you pay attention to the details that matter. Resist the urge to order a fireplace online. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! A fireplace is not a product that should be ordered online.  The following guidelines will help you understand the importance of knowing the process and using the resources provided by the manufacturers to ensure a safe and effective installation.

Answer these two questions before you convert your wood burning fireplace to gas! When you start any kind of a renovation, you need to start with a good understanding of where you are and what you want in the end. Very often, this important step is missed. In this tear down real estate market, we are seeing the fireplace decisions coming too far down the line during the planning process.

Remodeling can be an exciting (sometimes stressful!) process. Use this checklist to make sure that your remodeling project runs smoothly, on time and on budget. With careful planning and flexibility, it can even be FUN! Use this handy check list of tips we've collected from our builders and architects.

Iconic Mid Century Design that stands the test of time

The Focus Fireplace is available in both wood-burning and gas-burning products.

Interior designers are turning to electric fireplaces to provide a welcoming focal point in commercial and residential settings. Read more about the heating capabilities, installation, aesthetics, safety and efficiency of the new electric fireplaces.

Screens of all kinds are part of our everyday lives and in this story we will illustrate how this architect, builder and homeowner discovered a creative way to integrate a large screen television and media center with a new Valor linear fireplace in this remodeling project.

Our recent move to the new showroom in St. Louis Park has prompted us to reflect on how far we have come and the relationships we have built over the years.  Mark Nelson sat down with us to talk about our 10 years of working together and our most recent project in the Homes by Architect Tour 2017.

We’ve been working with you at David Heide for many years now. Can you recall how we came together?

One of our favorite brands of outdoor grills is FireMagic Premium Outdoor Grills. They’ve been in business for more than 75 years, and when you see their grills, you will understand why they have been around for so long. There is a FireMagic Premium Outdoor Grill to suit everyone’s cooking style and budget, and you can get a stand-alone or a built-in model installed in your outdoor living area.

Dramatic outdoor lighting can change an ordinary landscape into a magical space.  We have all experienced that feeling of awe when we step into a beautiful outdoor space. 

Inspired outdoor spaces can lift us out of the ordinary and pull us into a new mood.  

The element of fire in designs by Tempest Torch is all about welcoming and way finding. Much like tiki torches firmly planted in the sand might beckon you to an island oasis, this product’s spiral-like presentation of fire gives off that same vibe. The torches are made of tempered glass and designed to direct the oxygen needed for combustion in a pattern that increases the flame velocity and lends a spiraling dramatic effect.

A vent-free fireplace is a fireplace that does not include a chimney and draws indoor air to fuel the fire. These fireplaces require natural gas, gel fuel, or electricity to operate.  Most electric fireplaces do not pose a threat to indoor air quality but fireplace safety due to air quality should be considered when choosing a vent-free gas or gel fueled fireplace. Careful consideration of the ventilation system in your home should eliminate the risk. Generally speaking, a vent-free fireplace is safe if installed in an outdoor application.

Not all gas fireplaces are created equal.  As in most industries, the most trusted manufacturers are the ones who have been serving the market the longest.  There are some differences in quality and you should be aware of the most important features that will make your fireplace look and function well.

This North Loop neighborhood loft received national attention from the Wall Street Journal.  We interviewed the designer to find out why the home owners love this peninsula, 3 sided fireplace from Element4 so much.

Ceramic Charcoal grills are all the rage these days and there is good reason for it.  The construction of these new grills allows more cooking options and better results. Take a look at the unique qualities of the Primo ceramic grill. 

Introducing a groundbreaking solution for crafting contemporary fireplace enclosures - the revolutionary Skamol Building Board.

It’s a light-weight, non-combustible building board that simplifies the construction process to one building material.

Your fireplace design begins with the technical details and ends with the aesthetic details.  Be sure to address every aspect for a successful fireplace design project.  In this post we discuss how to choose the fireplace you need based on heating requirements and design specifications.

Does a Fireplace Add value to your Home?

According to US News and World Report the answer is, YES!  Fireplaces do add value to your home!

If you have a functioning fireplace, don’t get rid of it. Of the real estate agents surveyed by Angie's List in 2017, 54 percent said a gas-burning fireplace increases the home's value most, though a survey of 2,000 homeowners and home buyers showed 58 percent prefer to have a wood-burning fireplace at home. But what seems clear is having a fireplace of some kind is a positive for your home value.

Salmon grilled on a cedar plank with the Primo Ceramic Charcoal Grill. 

This simple salmon recipe with mango salsa is a healthy and tasty meal in any season.  Paired with a Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley and you've got a winning combination, especially when it is prepared on the Primo ceramic charcoal grill.

The OFYR grill from Holland is our new favorite outdoor living product. Bring beauty, warmth, food and friendship to your outdoor space with this beautiful corten steel grill.

Outdoor living environments including outdoor kitchens, wood or gas outdoor grills and fire pits like these turn your backyard into an inviting entertaining oasis and will allow you to bring nature into your daily routines.

One of our favorite outdoor kitchen projects included this sunken living space which created an urban retreat that can be enjoyed daily. The owners wanted to fashion a space in their backyard that reminded them of their cabin in the North woods.  The sunken fire pit conversation area is surrounded by a grove of birch trees that provides a private and intimate space. 

Pope Architects designed this new space for Space Center to celebrate their 100 year anniversary.  

    One of the most rewarding parts of doing business is meeting nice people along the way. And, as everyone knows, Minnesota is known for our nice people. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of touring the new office space at Space Center. Pope Architects, Siegfried Construction and European Home/Element 4 were our partners on this project.

The foodie culture in Minneapolis/St Paul is thriving!

New restaurants are popping up all over town and All Seasons Fireplace has had the opportunity to work on a few really fun projects. Our most recent commercial space design project for the Kona Grill in Minnetonka is turning heads. The Kona Grill is located in the Ridgedale Center, which has recently added a Nordstrom store and undergone a building renovation.

If you want a modern fireplace for your home, look no further than a gas fireplace from element4. Whether you are looking for sleek materials, such as brushed stainless, or a unique multi-sided unit for that special room, European Home offers a complete line of modern indoor and outdoor gas fireplaces. As the exclusive dealer for Element4 in the Minneapolis/St Paul area, All Seasons Fireplace can help you get the modern gas fireplace you’ve always dreamed of.

All Seasons Fireplace was chosen to partner in the design of a commercial space in St Louis Park. An electric fireplace was incorporated into the design of a new massage studio in the bustling new shopping area called “West End” in St. Louis Park.

When we think about fireplaces we often think of warm and comfy moments where family and friends gather for special occasions.  But there is a destructive element to fire that we at All Seasons Fireplace take very seriously.  Last week, AIA Minnesota invited the fire marshal to update members and guests about the new fire code in Minnesota which goes into effect on May 2. There was good news and bad news.

Gas fireplace adds convenience and efficiency to home renovation in Waconia

We love the installations we have been doing with the 100H Element4 gas fireplaces in Minnesota lately. Here are a few shots from our trip out to Waconia and the installation we did there. These clients enjoy cabin life every day in their newly remodeled home in Waconia.

A complete fireplace design scheme will consider the surround as an integral part of the composition.  Mantels, shelving, seating areas and wood storage can all contribute to the finished design.  

The designers we work with begin with the fireplace. They know how important a good functioning fireplace will be to their clients. Of course we know that aesthetics is what a designer will focus on so we offer the best fireplaces in both form and function. Read on to learn about specialty handmade tiles.

All Seasons Fireplace was a sponsor at this year’s AIA Minnesota award presentation that took place on Friday, December 4, at the Minnesota History Center. We had lovely time talking to architects and engineers who change the face of the world we live in. Whether it is an affordable housing complex in Wisconsin, a baseball field in St. Paul or a craft brewery turned entertainment complex in Minneapolis, these creative professionals make a significant contribution to the built environment.

Foundation Architects specialize in dental office designs. Bob Shaffer selected this fireplace to add a warm and inviting reception area to this dental office in Chanhassen.

McCann Agency Promotes “Hygge” with Their New European Home Linear Fireplace

One of the most interesting ways to ignite your business and add a warm and inviting work or reception space is with a fireplace. They aren’t just for homes anymore! A fireplace in your work space will enhance productivity and collaboration among your employees and will help inspire delighted clients.

All Seasons Fireplace Announces Exclusive Representation of European Home’s Element4 Gas Fireplaces

In the last year, All Seasons Fireplace has installed and tested several European Home Element4 gas fireplaces in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. Commercial and residential clients have been delighted with the aesthetics and function of these unique fireplaces. Simplicity of style and versatility of installation make this line unique. Designers are leaning toward simple and clean lines in much of the new construction and remodeling lately. The Element 4 line provides an elegant solution to these design needs. The framing of these products provides a clean viewing area that allows the focus to be on the unique beauty of the fire itself. Interior media options include logs, pebbles and fire glass.

One of the most popular grills on the market today is Broilmaster.

Known as one of the most durable gas grills on the market, you'll have this grill for 20 to 30 years.

One of the most popular products we sell to homeowners and landscape designers is the Tempest Torch. This innovative outdoor lighting is incredibly versatile and has a range of uses. You can add drama to your landscaping and other outdoor features with the Tempest Torch. And the best part is this unique, one-of-a-kind torch comes in an option that does not use electricity.

Check out these tips to make sure you and all your loved ones stay safe while enjoying the warmth and comfort that a fire can bring. Your fireplace is an important part of your home but do you know how to safely use your gas fireplace in your St Louis Park home? 

Do you love a natural wood burning fireplace but you still want to save money and add efficiency? You may want to make your wood burning fireplace more energy efficient by adding a wood burning insert. Wood burning inserts are a fast and easy fix for the heat sucking masonry fireplace.A chimney liner and custom trim can turn almost any wood burning fireplace into a heat producing machine.

Gas fireplace inserts are a great way to add convenience and value to your home. As a company that installs gas fireplace inserts in the Twin Cities and the surrounding suburbs, we know how much they can benefit your home. Here are a few of our favorite reasons why we think they could improve your lifestyle.

Choosing a gas fireplace to warm your space is a smart and fun solution to your home or office design needs. Everyone loves a fireplace and these 5 reasons should help you determine if a gas fireplace is the right design solution for you.

November 10 through November 14 is Winter Hazard Awareness Week here in Minnesota, and Wednesday, November 12 is Winter Fire Safety Day. Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in collaboration with the National Weather Service and other government and non-profit agencies, it seeks to educate, remind, reinforce and inform about the behaviors that lead to a safe and comfortable winter.

As the exclusive dealer of the European Home Fireplace in Minneapolis and St Paul, we cannot sing the praises of this direct vent gas fireplace product line enough. Not only are these gas fireplaces sleek and elegant, they offer a frameless design fireplace which offers a large viewing area and a sleek modern design which is so popular in contemporary home design.

When you have a gas fireplace in your home, there are few things better than curling up in front of a roaring flame with a good book or bag of marshmallows. Gas fireplaces provide warmth and comfort on demand. All Seasons Fireplace, a company with more than 30 years of experience, provides fireplace installation and fireplace tune-up services throughout the Twin Cities. We suggest regular maintenance from a certified technician to keep your gas fireplace well maintained and safe.