Fireplace & Hearth

Wood-Burning Fireplace

A wood-burning fireplace is the original and most traditional form of home hearth, offering an authentic fire experience with real crackling sounds, natural wood aromas, and radiant warmth. These fireplaces have been central to home design for centuries, serving as both a primary heat source and a gathering place for families. They require a properly constructed chimney and flue system to safely vent smoke and combustion gases. The appeal of a wood-burning fireplace extends beyond its functional heating capability to encompass the full sensory experience of tending a real fire. The ritual of building, lighting, and maintaining a wood fire creates a connection to tradition that no other fireplace type can fully replicate. Modern wood-burning fireplaces incorporate improved firebox designs and air wash systems that increase efficiency and reduce emissions while preserving the authentic character that makes them so cherished.

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

Open masonry fireplace
Enclosed wood-burning fireplace with glass doors
Rumford fireplace with tall shallow firebox
Inglenook fireplace with built-in seating
Outdoor wood-burning fireplace

Common Materials

Firebrick for firebox liningNatural stone or brick for surround and chimneyCast iron fireplace doors and dampersClay or stainless steel flue linersSteel or cast iron gratesHeat-resistant mortar and refractory cement

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.