skip to main content

Indoor gas/outdoor wood burning fireplace?

Kelli Tucker Campbell

15 years ago

Hi all,

We are in the early stages of building a house and are trying to figure out if what we'd like to have is even possible. Here's the house we'll be building: Long Meadow. As you can see, there's a screened-in porch on the other side of the living room fireplace. My husband and I would like to cover the chimney in stone to match the front facade. But what we'd really love is to build in a fireplace on the outside. So the inside fireplace would be gas, and the outside would be woodburning, and there would be something separating the two inserts (and they would share the chimney). I don't want a see-through unit.

Is this just a pipe dream, or is something like this possible? We're going to visit a hearth and grille shop at some point, but I find your opinions just as important. Thanks! And post pictures if you have any!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

SeattlePioneer
15 years ago
You'd need to have separate flues for each fireplace.

I'd spend time considering whether you could be happy with a gas fireplace that had windows inside and outside both with the same piece of equipment. That would save you lots of money.
fandlil
15 years ago
I agree that you need 2 flues, and the chimney can be built to accomodate two, especially since you're starting from scratch. Unless you are wedded to the idea of burning wood on the outside, I suggest that you consider going with gas direct vent on the inside, because that's the safest and most energy efficient system you can have, and having a plain vented gas fireplace on the outside. For the outside, most of the heat will go up the chimney, but you probably won't care too much because your priority for the outside is the cozy feel and appearance of a fire when when the outside temp drops to between 45 - 60 degrees and you want to take the chill out of the air. If the porch is screened and therefore exposed to the elements, you probably don't want more heat than that on the outside.

But I think your priority for the indoors would (or should) be generating heat safely, efficiently and as cleanly as possible. A direct vent system will do that for you.
Related Discussions
Gas fireplace vs. wood burning
Q
Comments (15)
Another wood fireplace lover here. That being said, we're in the process of having a wood-burning insert installed in our fireplace (Pacific Energy Vista). At the rising costs of fuel it just makes sense. We're planning on using it as an alternate heat source, to keep the oil barons at bay! The warmth, feel, and visual effect of a wood fireplace can't be beat. Now it will be behind glass, but we'll still get to watch it, while watching our oil bills drop. It's also good exercise ;o) You don't get exercise from flipping a switch or pushing a button on a remote LOL. And with the carbon footprint being minimal using a wood burning appliance I know we're doing our share for the earth.
...See More
Can I convert my gas log fireplace to wood burning?
Q
Comments (1)
If you have a complete masonry chimney then you should be able to since the the fireplace itself is firebrick and looks like it was built as such. I would get a chimney sweep in to look at and inspect the chimney before burning. Your local chimney sweep should be able to advise you on putting a starter pipe in as well.
...See More
wood burning fireplace or stove or gas?
Q
Comments (3)
"For atmosphere you can’t beat an open fireplace..." That's true. I have a relative who just moved from a home with a wonderful real fireplace to another one with good fireplace as well. It threw out tons of heat; I had to move back. But yeah, Most heat is lost up the flue. Aside from stand alone wood stoves, there are also built in fireplaces that are just oversized glass door wood stoves that are almost as efficient. either of these 'glass door stoves' would require insulated flue pipe that IS expensive; the 'stoves' ain't cheap either. The flames in these stoves aren't natural and the viewing area is smaller than a classic fireplace, but the unusual flame shapes are still attractive and while less efficient, the doors may usually be left partially open to hear fire crackling etc while observation is in progress.
...See More
Wood-burning fireplace vs. vent-free gas fireplace vs. NO fireplace
Q
Comments (12)
We had wood burning, and while I very much enjoyed the sights, sounds, warmth of a wood burning fire, we converted to gas. I do not miss the dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the fireplace. While we had wood, we were able to cut our own firewood which was a satisfying project at our ages then. I suppose we could still do it now, but cutting, loading, hauling and splitting wood aren't very high on my list of satisfying chores these days - and ordering, buying firewood has become expensive. Truthfully, we don't use the gas fireplace that often. This sprawled out one story house (1955) isn't hard to heat with natural gas radiant in the ceilings. I have the fire going during storms, or for the ambiance occasionally and when expecting winter guests and wanting the house to feel welcoming.
...See More
stovetechri
15 years ago
I agree. They have stainless steel outdoor wood zeros that can be framed in the wall

Related Stories

LIVING ROOMS How to Convert Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

By Laura Gaskill

Learn about inserts and other options for switching your fireplace from wood to gas or electric

FIREPLACES Heat Your Space in Style with Today's Wood-Burning Stoves

By Shawn Gauthier

Cleaner burning and streamlined, new wood-burning stoves warm up the room

REMODELING GUIDES Clean-Burning Woodstoves Ignite a Greener Heating Trend

By Laura Gaskill

No need to rely on oil or gas to heat your home — new woodstove designs burn cleanly and are beautiful to boot

FIREPLACES Updated Woodstoves Keep Home Fires Burning

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Better technology means more efficiency than ever for modern woodstoves

STORAGE Stylish Wood Storage for Contemporary Spaces

By Becky Harris

Go with a good-looking grain for your home by using wood logs indoors as an architectural or artistic feature

FIREPLACES Ribbons of Fire: 10 Artfully Minimalist Fireplaces

By Mary Jo Bowling

Long and lean and sleek to the core, these gas-burning fireplaces make a powerful contemporary statement

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Luxuries: The Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

If you love homemade pizza and are (ahem) rolling in dough, a wood-burning oven may be just the right kitchen investment

FIREPLACES Design Workshop: Smart Ways to Store Wood Outdoors

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Consider size, location, protection, air circulation and, of course, style for storing your firewood

ENTERTAINING Beat Winter's Chill With an Indoor Picnic

By Holly Marder

Build warm memories with loved ones by bringing lighthearted outdoor dining to your living room

LIVING ROOMS Double- and Triple-Sided Fireplaces Offer Countless Benefits

By Samantha Schoech

They can divide an open layout, blur indoor-outdoor boundaries, warm a modern look or just your toes. Is a mutisided fireplace for you?

Sponsored

More Discussions

contemporary corner fireplace

2

Help find brick from this photo?

3

Fireplace remodel suggestions

2

Is this concrete?

2

What to do with a fireplace wall in middle of the kitchen?

0