Convert Tired Fireplaces Into Wood Stove Showpieces

Many homes are designed with beautiful fireplaces as a focal point. Yet with the rising costs and environmental impact of natural gas, those once-cozy hearths often sit dark and unused. At the same time, efficient wood-burning stoves are making a welcome comeback. By converting your tired fireplace into a wood-burning fireplace insert, you can give new life to unused space and enjoy glowing fires that provide warmth and save money.

Assessing Your Existing Fireplace

The first step when considering a fireplace conversion is to objectively assess your existing setup. Key factors to evaluate include:

• Fireplace type - Masonry and zero-clearance fireplaces can often be converted, while prefabricated metal typically cannot.
• Size requirements - Your insert must properly fit the firebox without modifications.
• Ventilation - Enough airflow to prevent risk of smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide buildup.
• Chimney condition - Any repairs needed to safely accommodate a wood-burning insert.

This assessment will determine if your fireplace is truly a good candidate for a stove insert conversion. If the structural elements and ventilation are sufficient, you can move ahead confidently.

When Fireplace Conversion Isn't Feasible

While many fireplaces can be converted, some situations simply won't work. If your fireplace is too small, lacks proper ventilation, or has a damaged chimney, a new wood-burning fireplace may need to be constructed instead. Rebuilding an entire brick fireplace and chimney is costlier but may better suit your space.

Choosing the Right Wood Stove Insert

Once you determine your fireplace can support a wood insert, the fun part begins - selecting the perfect stove! As you evaluate options, consider:

• Heat output - Carefully match BTU output to room size so the fireplace insert can properly heat the space.
• Efficiency - Look for high-efficiency EPA certified stove models to save wood fuel and money.
• Safety certifications - Confirm the insert meets crucial safety and emissions standards.
• Aesthetics - Find a style that aligns with your home's decor - modern, classic, rustic, etc.

Investing in an efficient, safe, and visually-appealing fireplace insert will help transform your underutilized fireplace into an incredible design feature you can enjoy for years.

Preparing the Fireplace and Chimney

To properly welcome your new fireplace insert, some construction preparations may be needed, including:

• Professional chimney inspection - Confirm structural integrity and identify any repairs.
• Chimney cleaning - Remove creosote so the flue is fully prepared for wood smoke.
• Install liner - Protect existing masonry or brickwork with a stainless steel liner.
• Ventilation - Install vents if added airflow is needed in the room.

While a handy homeowner can do minor preparations, we recommend hiring a certified chimney sweep and installer to handle this vital prep work. Their experience and diligence helps ensure your insert operates safely.

DIY Fireplace Makeovers

If you're up for a hands-on project, there are some fireplace makeover steps you can tackle:

• Remove old gas fireplace - Safely disconnect the gas line and venting.
• Install nailing strips - Secure board strips on side walls to support the insert.
• Place hearth pad - Protect flooring underneath with thermal hearth pads.
• Touch up paint or bricks - Freshen up the look with new interior paint.

By prepping the firebox yourself, you'll save on labor costs while still leveraging professional chimney and install services.

Hiring a Professional Installer

When it comes to safely and properly installing your new fireplace insert, it's best to hire a certified professional. There are several key benefits to professional stove installation:

• Experienced handling heavy inserts
• Connect stovepipe from insert to chimney cap
• Ensure proper clearances to combustibles
• Certify compliance to building codes and safety

While DIY videos make it look straightforward, fireplace insert installation has serious risks if not done properly. Investing in an experienced installer guarantees your new hearth functions beautifully and safely for years of cozy winter enjoyment.

Questions to Ask Prospective Installers

As you evaluate prospective installers, asking the right questions is key:

• Are you certified by NFI or CSIA?
• May I see your liability insurance?
• Do you issue official certificates upon completion?
• What building codes do you comply with?

Reputable professionals will happily answer any question and never make you feel uncomfortable asking for credentials.

Enjoying Your New Wood Stove

Once properly installed, that formerly dark and unused fireplace transforms into a beautiful modern heat source. You'll enjoy:

• Mesmerizing flames - Gaze into rolling, hypnotic fires.
• Radiating warmth - Feel cozy heat permeate the room.
• Lower utility bills - Pay less for supplemental heating needs.
• Eco-friendly option - Burn renewable wood instead of gas.

Beyond fiscal savings, well-installed wood inserts also provide an incomparable ambiance. During cold winters, few things compare to warming up next to the crackling fire with steaming mugs of hot chocolate or apple cider!

Tips for Maintaining Your Stove

To keep your fireplace insert running safely and efficiently for years to come:

• Inspect stovepipe connections annually
• Have the chimney professionally swept
• Only burn well-seasoned firewood
• Remove ash buildup from firebox

With proper use and care, your converted fireplace brings joy for decades.

Converting lackluster fireplaces into wood-burning showpieces has become a hugely popular project - and for good reason! The transformations are nothing short of astounding.

Below are just a few of the many fireplace makeovers out there proving these conversions can make drab hearths into dramatic centerpieces:

Modern Sleek Stone Surround This outdated brick fireplace got a modern facelift with a smooth stone facade, hearth, and custom mantle. The contemporary wood insert harmonizes beautifully.

Farmhouse Chic Whitewashed brick, reclaimed wood mantel, and matte black stove transform this fireplace into a chipper farmhouse statement.

Rustic Mountain Retreat This fireplace makeover embraced the mountain setting fully with a stacked ledgestone surround and massive reclaimed timber mantle around the dark iron stove.

Hopefully these amazing fireplace transformations have inspired you to consider inserting a spectacular wood stove into your own lackluster fireplace. Bring new life into unused spaces and enjoy the unbeatable coziness only dancing flames can provide while slashing your heating bills. Let tired fireplaces burn bright once again!