As you plan to build your new home or renovate your current one, you have grand ideas of what you want it to look like. Your house may have vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, or it may have large bow windows. You also want it to have a cozy fireplace.

As you’ve shopped for fireplaces in your area, you’ve probably realized that you have quite a few options to choose from. But before you look at appearance and style, you need to decide what kind of fuel you want your fireplace to burn. The fuel determines how the fireplace functions and how much upkeep the apparatus requires.

To decide which fireplace you’d like in your home, read the pros and cons of each type below.

Let’s face it-watching TV together every night doesn’t create lasting family memories. Whether you experience a lazy summer evening or a cold winter night, gather your family around the fireplace. The fireplace’s warmth and brightness will attract young children and teenagers alike.

Once your family gathers, create some memories by sharing games, songs, and stories. Here are 10 ideas to keep your family entertained around the fireplace.

When you purchase a new outdoor fire pit, you picture fun summer evenings sitting with your family under the stars. You’ll sing songs and tell stories, and your children will giggle as they roast marshmallows and hot dogs.

You can make this picture even more perfect when you branch out with your campfire food options. There’s no need to stick to plain marshmallows and hot dogs when you have so many other options for campfire delicacies.

Your new fireplace completes your vision of a comfortable home. You already have cushy furniture in your front room, and you’ve adorned your floors with plush carpets or rugs. You even have a few animal friends who share your home. But you worry that your fireplace and your pets won’t mix together well. After all, pets may feel curious about the fire and the soot, and they might not understand your warnings.

So how do you keep your pets safe when you have a fireplace? You shouldn’t throw up your hands and just remove the fireplace you and your pets deserve to have a warm, cozy place to relax. Simply use the tips below to ensure your pets never get into trouble.

Your new fire pit is the star of your backyard. During the summer, neighbors gather around to roast hot dogs and share stories. During the winter, you and your spouse cuddle up near the fire and enjoy a cup of cocoa together. No matter the season, your fire pit helps build fond memories.

However, if you have young children, your fire pit may pose a safety hazard. Tiny fingers and toes can easily burn, and the last thing you want is a trip to the emergency room.

So what can you do to let your children in on the fun while still staying safe?