Ask a Designer! - Home by Tim + Chris

Which is the better option: A wood or gas burning fireplace?

A wood burning fireplace provides ambiance and makes for a cozy lower level in our Sturgeon Lake project.

Now that we are experiencing the seasonal shift, this is a common question we get asked. There are pros and cons to both and we will present you with the key considerations for both options. It really depends on what your preference is and of course your lifestyle can often dictate where you land with the type of fireplace you prefer.

Ambiance for your space

This gas burning fireplace in our Clear Lake project, blends in with the contemporary look in a bright and open airy space.

There is nothing like a wood burning fireplace when it comes to ambiance for your room. No other option provides the feel of real wood burning, real embers glowing in a dimly lit room on a cozy winter night and the light smoky scent of wood being stoked as another log is added. A gas option is just as warm and cozy as an open fire, but it doesn’t add up to the same experience as a crackling fire! And isn’t there something decorative about wood piled by a fireplace or outside the front door?!

Ease of use and convenience

There is no doubt that having a real wood burning fireplace, will add up to more chores. Planning ahead for enough cut wood, stacking and organizing within a covered storage space will definitely take some time. A gas fireplace option is as easy as clicking a button or even a remote. When it comes to lifestyle, gas is an option that requires little to no preparation on your behalf. This could also be a key consideration if you do not have a wood storage option. Storing wood and even if you have it delivered, is going to be a fall routine along with your other seasonal to do’s that can pile up literally!

The texture of stone against a wood burning option is truly a traditional choice when it comes to fireplace style.

Taking care of your fireplace

Both gas and wood are going to have some level of maintenance. For a gas option, the glass will require intermittent cleaning and an annual overall check but other than that, gas provides an easy and convenient heat source. Some people prefer a licensed service provider to do a yearly review of venting and connections to ensure safe operation of their gas fireplace. For a wood fireplace, an annual chimney clean is important. Having the chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney cleaner will ensure creosote build-up is removed.  As well, collecting and disposing of ashes beyond a one inch build up between fires is recommended. 

Cost and Efficiency

In the long run, gas can cost more. For fire burning time over a longer period, gas will be cleaner and easier to burn with a higher efficiency rate than wood. However, gas can be expensive depending on how prices fluctuate and you may find yourself, rationing fireplace time. Wood on the other hand, if sourced locally, can be inexpensive making it an affordable option. The initial cost of installing a gas fireplace can be less than installing a wood burning option and there could be more styles to select from. 

Environment and Impact

It is generally stated that gas-fueled fireplaces are more environmentally friendly and give off fewer emissions. While gas is not a renewable resource, wood is. The world of wood burning fireplaces have improved options on the market to select from. It can be challenging to choose between the two. Overall, the environmental impact is going to depend on how often you use your fireplace. Both types of fireplaces set the mood and factoring in all the pros and cons will ultimately match your lifestyle with one option over the other.

We brought a little country to the city with this project from a few years ago! The stone with a gas burning option, helps to keep a more traditional look for this space.

You want to heat your home and create an atmosphere. It is a personal choice and sometimes the style of your home can help dictate which choice to make. At Home by Tim + Chris, we help our clients with all of the options. We are a trusted source as we have installed many designs of both gas and wood burning fireplaces in the homes we have worked on.

We enjoyed talking about fireplace options in this issue, and we look forward to answering more of your design questions!

If you have a design question you would like to submit for the next Town Crier issue, you can send it to the Home by Tim + Chris design team at: info@homebytc.ca

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