Wood-Burning Fireplaces Versus Gas Fireplaces

If you're thinking of adding a stunning designer fireplace to your home, two of the most popular choices are wood-burning or gas fireplaces. Both types of fireplace can add a touch of grandeur, warmth and luxury to your home. However, both wood-fired and gas fireplaces offer a range of different features and advantages, which you'll need to take into consideration.

 

To help you decide which style of fireplace is perfect for your new home, we've put together the guide below-it outlines all the key elements you'll need to think about.

 

The Wood-Burning Fireplace

 

Wood-burning fireplaces are great for bringing that old-fashioned feeling to cosy nights indoors. If relaxing with a drink while watching the flames flicker is your idea of the perfect evening, then a wood fire could be your perfect match.

 

Advantages

The advantages of wood-burning fireplaces include:

Powered by firewood, which is free. If you live in the country or in regional areas, you can even chop your own. Otherwise, firewood can be purchased quite cheaply from local hardware stores There are no energy metres to worry about Looks, feels and fills your home with the smells of a traditional wood fire Makes a big statement and impact

 

Disadvantages

There are some drawbacks to wood fireplaces to keep in mind: Firewood and other fire-starters such as coals must be properly assembled and then maintained whilst burning-there's no 'set and forget' option   You'll need to use the proper firewood for longer burning Fire takes time to be started correctly and it can take some time for flames to reach optimum levels of heat Regular care and maintenance is required

 

The Gas Fireplace

 

Gas fireplaces and heaters are the modern alternative to wood, and many families prefer them purely for convenience. They're straight-forward and can provide your home with instant heat, anytime you want.

 

Advantages
Just some of the advantages associated with gas fireplaces include:

Can be started instantly with the touch of a button - no waiting required No wood needs to be collected, or correctly assembly in the grate Heats your entire home quickly and easily Low-maintenance (although regular servicing is still required) Can be placed almost anywhere inside your home

 

Disadvantages

There are a few disadvantages that cannot be overlooked:

Costs more to run than other heaters, due to the price of natural gas Does not have the same ambience as wood-burning varieties Looks, feels and smells like a gas-powered fire (rather than a traditional open fire)

 

Summary

 

Wood-burning fireplaces and gas fireplaces can both bring a new level of elegance and cosiness to your home - however, each one delivers this in a different way. If you are looking to bring a touch of antiquity and elegance to your new home design, wood-burning fireplaces just can't be ignored. Otherwise, if a contemporary feel is what you're after, don't look any further than a gas heater.

 

Whatever you choose, a designer fireplace is the perfect addition to any home to finish off a living space in style. With so many styles to choose from, there's a perfect fireplace for you.