Traditional fireplaces can be a valuable accessory and investment for your home, increasing the property value but also improving the ambiance and environment of your living space. Traditional fireplaces are often converted to gas fireplaces after the homeowner has decided that they use the fireplace often, and require something more energy efficient and cost effective.

A traditional wood burning fireplace makes use of real wood logs, and generally creates a lot of ash and debris. It is a natural way to burn a fire, and is popular in old country-style homes and traditional interior designs. Although these models are not incredibly cost-effective, they are a great starting investment for the homeowner.

Traditional fireplaces will require a chimney, as the heat and energy burns upward and needs a secure source for ventilation. Traditional fireplaces will use only wood as their fuel source, and this is often delivered in bulk by truck or a professional builder. Grocery stores and some department stores also offer firewood for fireplace use, but the overall cost can be considerably higher than finding wood independently, or cutting it down.

When installing a traditional fireplace, it’s important to install it with a secure grate and eliminate numerous hazards. Traditional fireplaces do not have the benefits of controlling the heat as easily as a gas fireplace, since they are not equipped with a simple on/off switch. They can be hazardous for children and small animals if they do not have enough safety features or panels installed, and will require regular cleanup because of the buildup and byproducts that are generated during the burning process.

Traditional fireplaces can often heat several room at once, offering a steady source of highly valuable heat. They can be more affordable with the right insulation and maintenance procedures over time, but will generally be more expensive than gas heaters or gas fireplaces in the long-term.

By its nature, a woodburning fireplace uses live flames to generate heat, and may be used as a supplemental heat source to create an ‘authentic’ effect. Many homeowners begin with a traditional fireplace to see how much they need one for heating purposes, and gauge the amount of wood they use. Prefabricated wood burning fireplaces have increased in popularity, since they can be customized to fit the decor and ambiance of a specific room. They can also be constructed with a variety of materials, including stone, granite, brick, and marble. The unique and authentic look of a traditional fireplace still draws many first-time users. After that, a conversion to a gas fireplace may become a valuable investment.