skip to main content

Building a Home Design Dilemma Fireplaces

Alternatives to wood burning fireplace?

2 years ago

We will not have natural gas access at our new home (nor do we want it) so gas logs aren’t an option. We wanted to do a wood burning fireplace but for the cost/maintenance/potential hazard compared to how much we will actually (not) use it doesn’t seem worthwhile. What other alternatives to a wood burning fireplace would you recommend? I still want the fireplace “look” - raised brick hearth, brick surround, and mantle. I’ve searched some electric ones but know nothing about them.

Comments (10)

shirlpp
2 years ago
Zero clearance. Convert from natural gas to LP.
KATHY
2 years ago
We have a propane fireplace because no natural gas out where we are, it is vented and I like the fireplace.
Related Discussions
new wood burning fireplace
Q
Comments (6)
Wood burning fireplaces are usually less efficient and are messier but if you have wood, like the smell and sounds of a real fire they are great. Gas ones can be switched on and off and not lose heat up the flue. I have yet to use this fireplace but I really hope to have a client use it in the future as it seems to be easy to use, reasonably efficient and safe to use for a wood burning one. Rumfords really put out some nice heat and this one allows for the ability to close a screen or glass or leave it open depending on your wish. But it can be closed off at night and not worried about. Gas FP's dont always require chimneys and they are usually less costly up front. The dont usually require any extra foundation and are easily installed. Wood burning or masonry units may require addtional structure or a foundation. Here is a link to the wood burner I refer to. I have no idea on its cost but I am sure its more than some. But it has some great features. Watch the videos. Good luck on your decision http://www.renaissancefireplaces.com/en/renaissance-rumford-1000
...See More
Is Marble Okay for Wood Burning Fireplace?
Q
Comments (5)
A sealer might help, but any fireplace will spit out some wood sap/water/resin when in use. I think this material would penetrate any sealer and in time create a noticeably spotted hearth. If you can find a sealer, however, which specifically states it would be resistant enough for use on a hearth, it would be worth a try. As for alternatives: There are ceramic tiles designed to look like marble. Probably pretty stain and scratch resistant, but will break if something - like a log - is dropped on them. Granite is available in light colors; expensive and not terribly stain resistant, but hard to scratch. The artificial material used for laboratory bench tops is very stain and scratch resistant, but I've never seen it any color but slate gray. Natural slate or bluestone is a very good hearth material, but might be a bit rustic for your taste, not to mention a real contrast to light colored marble. If there is a well stocked stone dealer within a reasonable distance, a visit would be well worth your time for both a look at what's available and their advice.
...See More
Cost to install wood burning fireplace
Q
Comments (9)
Not sure of your foundation set up but a Isokern fire-lite may work. See if you have SOLID 2/10 trusses under your floor. If you have new style Engineered I beam trusses I would check with builder of your house to see if existing trusses can support the weight before going any further. The 36"model weighs 1000lbs but doesn't include weight of Cinderblocks(280) FaceBrick or Stone or Tile (300-500) Plus weight of FireBrick Lining(200)inside unit. Your floor must support all these and metal chimney (generally must be 3 ft above roof height by Code). The weight coould exceed 3500 lbs. Cost in Virginia for unit was $2500 + Mandatory Flue attachment $1000 + Chimney pipe (EPA Approved double Pipe) ~$200 per foot. + $1000 mandatory Isokern dealer Install. This does not include transportation, tax or building a chase for the chimney pipe in your home. This is far cheaper than a Solid Masonary unit..which with Foundation,Mason,Materials and in NY-NJ-CT area could be anywhere from 10k-30K~ Good Luck; you mall also want to check the Firerock site, they are made in Georgia, USA. Here is a link that might be useful: Isokern
...See More
Fireplace insert for So CA wood burning fireplace
Q
Comments (2)
If you aim for a serious amount of heat, you need to get a direct vent insert. These cost at least $2K. They are energy efficient in that most of the heat does not go up the chimney like the typical gas logs that look nice but do not give out real heat. And stay away from unvented systems which are a safey hazard and outlawed in many places. Do a search of direct vent on this forum to find out more.
...See More
tangerinedoor
2 years ago
Electric.
Em
Original Author
2 years ago
@shirlpp what is LP?
Jean
2 years ago
Liquid Propane. In a tank in on your lot.
frenchcottageaussies
2 years ago
We installed a Dimplex Revillusion electric fireplace last fall. I can use it only with the light for ambiance or with the heat. It heats up pretty good (we wired it for 220V) and the embers look much more realistic than gas. I like the flames better than the gas fireplace that was there before. We also used to have a wood burning fireplace (w/glass doors) in another house and I am so glad I don't have to deal with the ashes and dust, chopping and storing the wood, and waiting for the thing to heat up anymore. Finally, the cost is much lower than a decent looking gas fireplace, too.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
Just for looks or will you want the heat? Honestly I see no reason to have a FP unless it provides heat. I would need to know more about your style to even begin to advise about what would work. I am sorry but the one above is acomplete overkill IMO for an electric FP. but that is not in anyway my style so I need to know yours.
Em
Original Author
2 years ago
@Patricia Colwell Consulting i loooove the look of a brick fireplace with raised hearth. We won’t really need the heat but I think a living room without a fireplace seems empty. I’ve considered just a mock fireplace 🤷🏻‍♀️
Em
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
@frenchcottageaussies is that just an insert that went into the existing surround?
frenchcottageaussies
2 years ago
@Em, it is built-in. We took out a cheap gas fireplace that the last owner had installed and found out in the process that it was about to set our house on fire. It was installed without the correct clearances, the mantle above the fireplace had smoldered marks and they used simple drywall instead of concrete board around the opening.

We resized the opening to make it fit exactly to the Dimplex, re-tiled, and build a new wood surround. If you google the model, you can see the specs. On YouTube you can find videos of the fire in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbWx5LJBDjE

Sign Up to Comment

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

FIREPLACES Photo Flip: 40 Wood-Burning Stoves to Set Your Heart Aflame

By Bryan Anthony

A collection of stylish stoves warm up contemporary, traditional and eclectic spaces from around the globe

KITCHEN DESIGN Gray Cabinets and a Wood-Wrapped Fireplace Update a Downtown Loft

By Mitchell Parker

The kitchen peninsula is jazzed up with custom wallpaper made using a photo from the homeowners’ Amsterdam honeymoon

FIREPLACES Updated Woodstoves Keep Home Fires Burning

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Better technology means more efficiency than ever for modern woodstoves

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

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

LIVING ROOMS 10 Fresh Ideas for Your Fireplace Alcoves

By Karen Wilson

Not sure how to make use of the space on either side of your chimney? Check out these alternatives to the standard built-in bookcase

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

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

Sponsored

More Discussions

What stain color did you pair with your Coretec Cairo Oak floors?

5

What is Going On with This Grout?

12

Composite Decking? Photos?

3

Windows too close to floor

14

Do these dimensions look ok for fireplace mantel?

2