It’s that time of year to gather with friends and family around the fireplace. Picture the snow falling softly outside, a bowl of popcorn in hand, and the cozy glow of flames dancing in the hearth. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace then you know that special feeling. If you don’t have a fireplace then you know the longing feeling. We frequently educate homeowners on the different types, styles, and functions of fireplaces that are available during their home remodel. We have decided to break down all the fireplace possibilities for you.
Remodeling Your Fireplace – Know What You Have
Fireplaces have evolved significantly over the years. If your home was built before the 1980s, it’s likely to feature a wood-burning fireplace with a chimney on an exterior wall. These fireplaces often reflect the design trends of the era:
1920s: Small, quaint fireplaces with ornate masonry mantels and hearths.
1950s: Square, blocky designs showcasing mid-century modern aesthetics.
1960s–1970s: Terrazzo mantels with natural rock or stone hearths became popular.
1980s: Brick fireplaces dominated the scene.
Post-1990s: Gas fireplaces gained popularity, often vented through side walls or concealed chases, eliminating the need for traditional chimneys.
Common Fireplace Remodel Scenarios
Many of our remodeling projects involve updating original wood-burning fireplaces that have become inefficient or outdated. With thoughtful upgrades, these fireplaces can be transformed into stunning focal points that enhance both style and functionality. We often turn the old fireplace into a focal point of the remodel.
Remodeling Options for Fireplaces
Here are some popular paths homeowners take when remodeling their original wood-burning fireplaces:
Retain Original Wood-Burning Fireplace
Leave original wood-burning fireplace, remodel the hearth and mantle, and paint the firebox with a high heat paint. This is often just aesthetic and rarely are these fireplaces used for anything other than hanging stockings and arranging furniture around.
Pros: Retains a classic aesthetic; budget friendly.
Cons: Primarily decorative; wood-burning is messy and high maintenance; limited heat output; not environmentally friendly.
Convert to Gas Log
This involves running a gas line to the existing firebox and adding a log kit that fits within the confines of the original firebox. This can be a budget-friendly option. It is also very design friendly as they often are the closest look to a real wood-burning fireplace without the hassle or mess. They are also available with a cannon ball look instead of logs if you want a more modern look. The downside is that the heat output into the room is inefficient since most of the heat is escaping through the chimney. Additionally, they are either manually lit with a lighter or with a battery pack.
Pros: Authentic look; minimal maintenance; budget friendly
Cons: Limited heat output; requires manual or battery ignition.
Convert to Gas Insert
The insert is a self-contained unit with a glass front that has a built-in fan and thermostat, as well as a remote that controls the unit. It needs to have a gas line and a power source. Inserts are designed to be retrofit into the existing fireplace opening and you are very limited as to what size insert can fit. Inserts are very efficient with heat output. The downside is that the viewing area of the flame is often small. The frames around the glass are often large and depending on the look you are going for sometimes they clash with the design and overall aesthetics.
Pros: Highly efficient heat source; can warm an entire room or area.
Cons: Limited by the size of the original firebox; smaller viewing area for flames.
Convert to Gas Fireplace
This involves installing a new firebox in combination with a gas log (or modern cannon ball or glass look). This produces the most aesthetic fireplace. The styles are very broad and there is typically a design for all users
Traditional firebox with herringbone brick, gas log, and large viewing area. Operates similar to gas log described above.
Modern horizontal fireplace with glass bedding and color changing mode lights. Operates similar to gas insert described above.
The designs are abundant, but the space and budgets are typically the limiting factors in adding a new gas fireplace. We need an opening big enough to handle the clearance of the entire unit. We typically need to frame a new chase that the fireplace can be installed into. We need to have a gas line and power source. If you are doing new construction or a massive remodel, this is the way to go.
Pros: Various styles that are aesthetically pleasing; large viewing area; some have high heat output.
Cons: Requires framing a new chase, running utilities, and a larger budget.
Free-Standing Fireplaces
A free-standing fireplace is typically placed in a corner that has been dedicated to accepting the heat. The walls and floors will need to be finished with non-combustible materials and the vent pipe is exposed and typically exhausts through the roof. There are clearances that are unique to each unit so it’s not one size fits all. These fireplaces are hot! They will heat up space quickly and if you like the free-standing look, they can be a great addition to your space.
Pros: High heat output and unique aesthetic appeal.
Cons: Space constraints and specific clearance/finishing requirements.
Electric Fireplaces
These often offer plug-and-play convenience and can be ideal for various spaces. An electric fireplace may be a viable option when a gas line is not available. If retrofitting an electric fireplace into an existing firebox, you are limited to the size of the existing firebox.
Pros: Easy to install; no gas line required; energy-efficient.
Cons: Flame effect is simulated; minimal heat; limited by the size of the original firebox; smaller viewing area for flames.
Discovering What’s Best for You and Your Home
If remodeling is in your cards, then a fireplace should be in the conversation. While the walls are open and the dust is flying, it’s the best time to add the most functioning fireplace for your design and space. So, as you cozy up this winter and you are dreaming of your remodel by the fire (or lack thereof), remember our favorite saying, “If you love where you live, it’s always a good time to remodel.”
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