Wood-Burning Fireplace
Key Characteristics
- ✓Authentic crackling sounds and wood aromas
- ✓Radiant and convective heat output
- ✓Requires chimney and flue system
- ✓Burns seasoned hardwood or softwood logs
- ✓Creates genuine ambiance unmatched by alternatives
- ✓Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
Types & Variations
Common Materials
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Wood-burning fireplaces are best positioned on exterior walls to simplify chimney construction. They serve as natural focal points in living rooms and great rooms, and outdoor versions create stunning patio gathering spots.
💡 Pro Tip
Burn only seasoned hardwood with a moisture content below 20 percent for the cleanest, most efficient fire. Have your chimney inspected and swept annually to prevent dangerous creosote buildup that can lead to chimney fires.
Related Terms
Firebox
The inner chamber of a fireplace where fuel is burned, constructed from heat-resistant materials such as firebrick to contain combustion safely.
Chimney
A vertical structure containing one or more flues that channels smoke, gases, and combustion byproducts from a fireplace or stove upward and safely out of a building.
Fireplace Grate
A metal framework placed inside the firebox to elevate logs off the floor, allowing air to circulate beneath the fuel for more efficient and complete combustion.