Wood burning fireplaces can either be masonry or factory-built (i.e. pre-fabricated) units.

If you do not have an existing wood burning fireplace and wish to have one, pre-fabricated wood burning fireplaces of varying sizes would be a great alternative to conventional masonry ones at a much better price point.

New clean looking radiant wood burning fireplaces can be finished in such a way that it would be hard to distinguish it from a masonry fireplace.

If efficiency is a more important factor than the authenticity and look, circulating wood burning fireplaces would be a great option. They are capable of having a fan, so they can circulate the heated air and distribute that air farther in the room. These fireplaces have exposed metal louvers, which make them look more industrial.

While wood burning fireplaces are normally designed more for decorative rather than heating purposes, new high-efficiency fireplaces provide much greater heat output and can even duct heat generated into other areas of your home.

Wood burning fireplace with venting diagram courtesy of Heat&Glo

Notes on Venting of Wood Burning Fireplaces

The nicest thing about pre-fabricated wood burning fireplaces is that they do not need any masonry structure to support them. That is why they are sometimes referred to as zero-clearance fireplaces, as they can be installed in combustible framing and set right on top of combustible floor.

Factory-built fireplaces also use metal pipe instead of masonry flue, which makes them a feasible option where a traditional masonry fireplace could not be installed.

Proper venting of pre-fabricated wood burning fireplaces is crucial for their operation and it also happens to cost almost as much (if not more) than the firebox itself. The length and the complexity of the venting route will determine what parts and pieces are needed to safely and efficiently install a wood burning fireplace. We are here to assist you with this process, please see what services we offer and let us know how we can help!