Nothing is better than relaxing in front of a wood fireplace on a winter evening. If you have a gas fireplace in your home, you might wonder if it’s possible to convert it to a wood one.
You can convert a gas fireplace to a wood fireplace. If your home originally had a wood fireplace, you can convert it back. However, if the original fireplace used gas, you’d need to do a complete fireplace replacement.
Read further for my explanation on how to convert a gas fireplace to a wood fireplace. I will also explore whether you can convert a wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace and if so, explain how to go about it.
How to Convert a Gas Fireplace to a Wood Fireplace
So, you want to convert your gas fireplace to a wood-burning one. How do you go about this? Here’s how:
Have Your Fireplace Inspected
If you’re a DIY expert, having your fireplace professionally inspected can seem like a waste of time and money. However, a flue and chimney inspection is vital because it will let you know if any repairs are needed, if there is sufficient ventilation, and if you need to have a chimney sweep done.
You should also consult a gas fireplace contractor for an evaluation, and a quote for removing the gas components, as it’s not safe to remove them yourself.
Obtain Approval from the Local Authorities
Before going ahead with your gas to wood-burning fireplace conversion, it’s worth checking with your local authorities.
Some cities have pollution regulations and require approval for wood fireplaces, while some
homeowners associations might not allow smoke to come out of their chimneys.
Shut Off the Gas Line to the Fireplace
Once you’ve obtained any necessary approvals from the authorities, the conversion process can begin.
The first step is shutting off the gas line to the fireplace, which is usually included in your gas fireplace professional’s quote. Shutting off the gas and sealing the line to the fireplace before removing any parts will help prevent carbon monoxide leaks and explosions when using the wood-burning fireplace.
Remove the Gas-Related Parts
After shutting off and sealing the gas line, the contractor will remove the gas-related parts. These usually include the gas insert and logs.
Let your contractor know if you’d like to keep these parts (e.g., to sell them off). Otherwise, they can dispose of them responsibly for you.
Install the Wood Fireplace
The period between the gas fireplace removal and the wood-burning fireplace installation is the perfect time to clean the area thoroughly and replace any broken or old-fashioned tiling.
It’s best to have a wood fireplace contractor install the new fireplace because the process is complex, and it’s easy to make a mistake if you’ve never installed one. A fireplace contractor can also advise you on the most suitable size of the fireplace for your opening.
Once you have information on the best-sized wood fireplace for your space, you can start shopping for one, which is the fun part! You might also consider buying some wood fireplace accessories, such as:
- A log holder
- A fire stoker
- A fireguard
Can I Convert My Wood-Burning Fireplace to a Gas-Burning One?
In the previous section, I explained the safest way to convert a gas fireplace to a wood-burning one. But what if you want to convert a wood fireplace to a gas-burning fireplace? Is this possible?
You can convert your wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace, but you’ll need to have your chimney cleaned and inspected beforehand. You’ll also need to measure the space, install a gas line to the fireplace and have a contractor install the gas fireplace insert.
