Choosing Your Fireplace Fuel: Gas or Wood
Another important decision in planning your new porch fireplace is whether
you want it to burn gas or wood. Each type has unique benefits to consider.
- Gas fireplaces are the most cost effective and convenient to use. They
can be turned on by a simple switch, and many come with a remote control
you can use from the comfort of your outdoor sofa. Gas fireplaces are
typically considered safer, require less additional structural support,
and have less stringent code requirements than wood-burning ones.
- Although gas-burning fireplaces offer many benefits, classic wood-burning
fireplaces will never go out of style. Nothing quite compares to watching
the ever-changing flicker of flames and listening to the crackle of burning
wood logs. And the nostalgic appeal of campfire smell – who can
resist? As for functionality, if you’re looking to warm up a 3-season
porch for winter use, wood-burning fireplaces emit more heat than gas
fireplaces.
Choosing Your Fireplace Style: Traditional, Insert, or Stove
Another important fireplace choice is style. Both gas and wood-burning
fireplaces can be built in a traditional open-hearth style or you can
use an insert or a stove. The advantages of each style include:
- Built by skilled Archadeck stone masons, traditional open hearth fireplaces
offer tremendous substance, charm, and durability. (Due to the craftsmanship
and materials involved, traditional fireplaces can be more expensive than
the other options. Using modular, pre-made fireplace kits can reduce the cost.)
- Fireplaces with inserts are typically less expensive than traditional fireplaces
and offer more versatility in design: they can be built in a wider range
of places, they have more ventilation options, and they come with more
façade choices. For example, in addition to brick and stone, you
can use wood or siding. You can choose to cover all the fireplace’s
sides in the same material or use one type of material for the inside
and then have the outside match the home. Stainless steel inserts are
typically used to prevent rust and corrosion. Although they do add a bit
to cost, they will provide many years of lasting performance.
- Another style option is to use gas or wood-burning stoves rather than fireplaces.
Stoves take up less space and have a somewhat rustic or vintage appeal.
You can also create a special backdrop behind the stove for visual effect,
such as a stone or tiled wall.
Fireplace Design Choices
Fireplace façade options abound, but stone remains quite popular.
Choose from natural or cultured stone to fit your budget, style, and lifestyle.
Stone façades can add tremendous visual interest and an upscale
look. For the hearth, choose from marble, flagstone, recycled granite,
slate, limestone, or a number of other man-made or natural stone options.
Mantel options allow design inspiration to flourish. From classic stained
oak with decorative moldings to a marble slab or repurposed antique barn
wood, your outdoor fireplace can be fully customized to your liking.
For more outdoor fireplace design ideas, visit our gorgeous
Fire Features gallery.
Give us a call now for a design consultation about adding an outdoor fireplace
to your Durham, Chapel Hill, or Raleigh porch, deck, sunroom or patio.
We look forward to working with you!
(919) 446-5585.
