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Is it possible to change a gas/propane fireplace over to a wood burning?

I wanted a wood burning fireplace but bought a house with a propane, ornamental one. Can I keep the same mantel and the outer part, or would it be like starting from scatch? I live in North East, Maryland, is it expensive?

Public Comments

  1. It really depends on what you have. Check inside the fireplace for a pit near the back center. If there is one, you've got a fireplace that once was wood burning. Couple of things: local code may prevent wood burning so check with the city or county. Also, you really should have someone come out because they'll need to inspect the flue and see if it's set up for that. As for expensive, it would be about 1000 dollars just for labor in my area. Your mileage may vary.
  2. No it will not be expensive at all to have it turned over to wood. Basically they will just remove and cap off the gas or propane pipe, check fireplace walls and flue and your good to go.
  3. We have a dark blue enamel wood burner in our house. Tryed to change over to propane and aren't allowed because of code. First heated the house with that wood burner. The insurance co. doesn't like it in the house. If we wanted to convert we would first have to sell what we have and purchase another one. Burn candles instead. We now have outdoor wood burner. Being yours is just the opposite, can't see a problem. However every State has their own codes. Check that out first and check with you insurance co. It would take some expence to build new fire place. Will say one thing, propane is much cleaner to deal with.
  4. Remove the gas line either by cutting it off at the entrance or pull it out , after removing the burners. If the burners can not be pulled out cut the line as close to the enterance leaving enough room to cap the line. Clean the fireplace and place the anirons. And enjoy !
  5. the chimney size and type is the determining factor. many prefab gas fireplaces require require little more than what a gas heater would. this would be very dangerous to burn wood in as the fire would probably come out the front after you. the pipe for gas is to small and is not insulated or joined properly for wood burning. you could burn down the house. most material yards have charts to calculate the proper flue size based on firebox width, height and depth. if you have a masonry chimney it can be very expensive to enlarge (read rebuild). metal pipe chimneys are less expensive but can still cost quite a bit. a typical 12" diameter triple wall flue pipe can run between $45.00 and $125.00 per foot. add enclosure and labor. before burning wood it would be a good idea to get a fireplace builder to take a look at what you have. your local material yard can often recommend someone and it should cost little or nothing. well worth it for the peace of mind.