Fireplace 101

Nothing enhances a new log or timber frame home like a beautiful hearth filled with a crackling fire. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary look or your fireplace serves as a main heating system or is mostly for looks, there are many options available to you. Here are some pros and cons for various fireplace options both in terms of looks and fuel sources.

Traditional Looks

Open Hearth Fireplace: The most traditional of hearths, this is probably what most people think of when they think of a roaring fire in a log home. Pros of this style would include its iconic look and the ambiance of a traditional fire. Also, you can design a fireplace in practically any style you like, from rustic stone and logs to sleek marble or granite. Cons of this style include the mess and work involved in cutting, stacking, and storing wood as well as cleaning up after your fire. Although a traditional fire can be beautiful, it isn’t the most economical, easy, clean, or efficient way to heat your home. There is a saying that wood warms you twice, once when you cut it, and once when you burn it!

Wood Burning Stove or Fireplace Insert: Today’s wood burning stoves and inserts provide the look and feel of a traditional fireplace but are 70% more efficient than those made 15-20 years ago. The myriad of styles , options, and price points make these fireplaces the most popular choice. The cons of using wood remain the same as above. The cost of fuel depends upon your location and the amount of effort you put into it.

Pellet Stoves and Inserts: Pellet stoves can burn hardwood or soft wood pellets and some are even able to burn corn, soybean, sunflower seeds, etc. making this a very eco-friendly heating option. Pellet stoves are extremely easy to use and cleaner than traditional wood burning fireplaces. The cons of using pellet stoves is that not all fuel sources are available in all areas and storing large quantities of corn, soybeans, sunflower seeds or other crop type fuels can invite unwanted critters into your timber frame home.

Contemporary Looks


Gas: Seventy percent of new fireplaces are gas fueled. Natural Gas or propane is a clean, safe, and efficient fuel. Gas fireplaces are rated as either decorative or heat producers. With several venting options, gas fireplaces are not constrained by a chimney as traditional fireplaces are, this opens up many unusual design options available. Although gas is considered a very safe option, it is still gas and when problems arise, sometimes they can be explosive and devastating.

Bio Fuels: These fuels such as a gel based ethanol do not require ventilation and are the cleanest burning option. These fireplaces can be placed anywhere which allows for a variety of design options many of which compliment the more modern/contemporary log or timber frame home. Ethanol provides more of an aesthetic experience rather than actually heating the room or home.

Let Greene Ridge Builders help you build your dream log home or timber frame home.

For more information on fireplaces and fuel options visit the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association’s website at www.hpba.org.