The Hearth of the Home

Are you considering a fireplace update as part of your next home renovation project, but struggling to decide which type is right for you? With so many options available, from traditional wood-burning fireplaces to modern gas and electric models, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Each type has its own unique features and benefits, as well as potential drawbacks that you’ll need to consider before making a decision. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of different fireplace types to help you make an informed choice and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your home. Whether you’re looking for a rustic and traditional feel or a sleek and modern look, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fireplace for your home!

Fire Season!

As the colder season approaches, many homeowners turn their attention to the centerpiece of their living space: the fireplace. A cozy fire is the perfect way to warm up your home and create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. In this article, we will discuss four types of fireplaces, including wood-burning, gas-burning, electric, and ethanol-burning, to help you determine which type is best for your home.

Four Types of Fireplaces

Wood-burning

The wood-burning fireplace is the most traditional option and is often associated with rustic, or classic styles. Think Laura Ingalls Wilder vibes with a good book or glass of wine. A subtype of this includes wood-burning stoves (very cool). Wood-burning fireplaces often have an open hearth, creating a generous amount of heat for your home. These fireplaces create a warm and welcoming environment with the sound of crackling wood and the view of flickering flames. Some of our favorite projects with wood-burning fireplaces are: the Irwin Farm House, the Honey House, the Franklin Farm House, the Clean Cottage Kitchen, and the Parquet Ranch (which also features a wood-burning STOVE and an awesome cedar mantle).

However, they require more maintenance than other types of fireplaces, and you’ll need to clean your chimney annually to prevent the buildup of soot. Check the soot buildup in your fireplace every once in a while. If you notice an ⅛” or more, it is time to clean your chimney. For more information on fireplace maintenance, check out this article How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Chimney?

Gas-burning

Gas-burning fireplaces are a great option for those who prefer a cleaner fireplace with less maintenance. These fireplaces are easier to install and maintain than wood-burning fireplaces and come in two types: direct vent built-in and ventless built-in. The direct vent built-in fireplace requires a vent or chimney, while the ventless built-in fireplace does not. Gas-burning fireplaces are also energy-efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. Some of our favorite projects with gas fireplaces are: Coach’s Quarters and Double Sided Fireplace.

For more information and tips on caring for a gas-burning fireplace, check out this article 5 Tips on How to Care for a Gas Fireplace.

Having a hard time deciding whether a wood-burning or gas fireplace is right for you? – Read our article Pros & Cons of Wood-Burning vs. Gas-Burning Fireplaces.

Electric

Electric fireplaces are easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for homeowners. They are cost-effective and can provide the perfect amount of heat to the room. Popular designs for electric fireplaces include electric mantel fireplaces, fireplace TV stands, and entertainment centers. Electric fireplaces can be an excellent option for those who want the ambiance of a fireplace without the hassle of maintenance.

Electric fireplaces are a popular and versatile option for homeowners looking to add a touch of warmth and ambiance to their homes. Unlike traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces do not require a chimney or venting system, making them easy to install and maintain. They are also energy-efficient and cost-effective, making them a great choice for those looking to save on heating costs.

One of the main advantages of electric fireplaces is their flexibility in terms of design and placement. They come in a wide variety of styles. If you want to see an awesome DOUBLE-SIDED electric fireplace that we did, stay tuned for the Fire & Hex Master Bathroom! (Coming Soon!).

Ethanol

Ethanol-burning fireplaces are also easy to install and maintain, and like electric fireplaces, they do not require a chimney or vent. Ethanol fireplaces burn clean and do not produce harmful fumes, making them a great choice for those with allergies or respiratory problems. They also come in a variety of designs and sizes, so you can find one perfect for your home.

Customized Hearths & Mantles

At Irwin Construction, we don’t just offer standard fireplaces. We also provide custom hearths and mantles that add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your fireplace. If you’re looking to add a little fireplace face-lift, ask us how we can help you design a custom hearth and mantle that fits your style and needs. We’ve created custom poured concrete hearths, specialty millwork, and even partnered with local artisans for mantles and corbels as well as special masonry. We will work with you to create a unique design that will make your fireplace stand out and become the centerpiece of your home. Have you heard about our custom corbels that went viral on Pinterest & Houzz? –  Check out the Honey House Project (#thehoneyhouse)

Choose Irwin Construction for your next Fireplace, Mantle, and Hearth Renovation!

If you’re looking to create a cozy and stylish fireplace for your home, complete our contact form. Our team of experts is committed to providing high-quality and personalized service that meets your family’s needs.

Want even more fireplace inspiration? Visit our fireplace board on Pinterest! And follow us on social media for recent projects! @irwin.construction

So which style fits your home?

Denton TX Contractor, General Contractor Denton, DFW Contractor, Residential renovations Denton, Home renovations DFW, Denton Construction Companies, DFW construction companies, hardwood floors, shiplap, shiplap fireplace, fireplace remodel, window seat, built-in cabinetry, cedar beam, exposed brick, farmhouse design, LED can lighting, cedar mantle, steel corbels
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Argyle contractor, Argyle renovation, farmhouse renovation, farmhouse before and after, farmhouse design, farmhouse décor, farmhouse kitchen, farmhouse living room, woodgrain tile, industrial lighting, over-sized island, white granite, custom cabinets, gray cabinets, white cabinets, subway tile, gray subway tile, blue subway tile, black granite, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, stainless steel appliances, stainless steel sink, german smear, german schmear, messy mortar, brick fireplace, custom mantle, cedar mantle, metal corbels, custom mantle brackets, exposed beams, structural beam, wine storage, farmhouse fireplace, reading nook, slate tile, stacked stone fireplace, barn door, double barn doors, glass barn door, farmhouse style renovation
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Argyle contractor, Argyle renovation, farmhouse renovation, farmhouse before and after, farmhouse design, farmhouse décor, farmhouse kitchen, farmhouse living room, woodgrain tile, industrial lighting, over-sized island, white granite, custom cabinets, gray cabinets, white cabinets, subway tile, gray subway tile, blue subway tile, black granite, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, stainless steel appliances, stainless steel sink, german smear, german schmear, messy mortar, brick fireplace, custom mantle, cedar mantle, metal corbels, custom mantle brackets, exposed beams, structural beam, wine storage, farmhouse fireplace, reading nook, slate tile, stacked stone fireplace, barn door, double barn doors, glass barn door, farmhouse style renovation
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Argyle contractor, Argyle renovation, farmhouse renovation, farmhouse before and after, farmhouse design, farmhouse décor, farmhouse kitchen, farmhouse living room, woodgrain tile, industrial lighting, over-sized island, white granite, custom cabinets, gray cabinets, white cabinets, subway tile, gray subway tile, blue subway tile, black granite, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, stainless steel appliances, stainless steel sink, german smear, german schmear, messy mortar, brick fireplace, custom mantle, cedar mantle, metal corbels, custom mantle brackets, exposed beams, structural beam, wine storage, farmhouse fireplace, reading nook, slate tile, stacked stone fireplace, barn door, double barn doors, glass barn door, farmhouse style renovation
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, master bedroom, master bathroom, master suite, master suite renovation, master suite addition, modern farmhouse, farmhouse bathroom, farmhouse design, farmhouse décor, fireplace renovation, faux fireplace, farmhouse fireplace, bedroom fireplace, rustic mantel, round mirror, concrete hearth, barn door, hexagon tile, custom cabinets, freestanding tub, shiplap, custom shower, subway tile, gray subway tile, black granite, steel gray granite, leathered granite, can lighting, LED lighting
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, master bedroom, master bathroom, master suite, master suite renovation, master suite addition, modern farmhouse, farmhouse bathroom, farmhouse design, farmhouse décor, fireplace renovation, faux fireplace, farmhouse fireplace, bedroom fireplace, rustic mantel, round mirror, concrete hearth, barn door, hexagon tile, custom cabinets, freestanding tub, shiplap, custom shower, subway tile, gray subway tile, black granite, steel gray granite, leathered granite, can lighting, LED lighting
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, bathroom remodel, bathroom before and after, can lighting, LED lighting, subway tile, modern farmhouse, farmhouse design, concrete counters, quartz counters, vent hood, open shelving, pot filler, farmhouse sink, coffee bar, pantry, custom cabinets, pendant lights, hardwood floors, exposed beam, open concept, fireplace remodel, shiplap, built-in, concrete hearth cap, mantel, rustic mantel, barn door, farmhouse decor, German smear
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, bathroom remodel, bathroom before and after, can lighting, LED lighting, subway tile, modern farmhouse, farmhouse design, concrete counters, quartz counters, vent hood, open shelving, pot filler, farmhouse sink, coffee bar, pantry, custom cabinets, pendant lights, hardwood floors, exposed beam, open concept, fireplace remodel, shiplap, built-in, concrete hearth cap, mantel, rustic mantel, barn door, farmhouse decor
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, bathroom remodel, bathroom before and after, can lighting, LED lighting, subway tile, modern farmhouse, farmhouse design, concrete counters, quartz counters, vent hood, open shelving, pot filler, farmhouse sink, coffee bar, pantry, custom cabinets, pendant lights, hardwood floors, exposed beam, open concept, fireplace remodel, shiplap, built-in, concrete hearth cap, mantel, rustic mantel, barn door, farmhouse decor, German smear
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, bathroom remodel, bathroom before and after, can lighting, LED lighting, subway tile, modern farmhouse, farmhouse design, concrete counters, quartz counters, vent hood, open shelving, pot filler, farmhouse sink, coffee bar, pantry, custom cabinets, pendant lights, hardwood floors, exposed beam, open concept, fireplace remodel, shiplap, built-in, concrete hearth cap, mantel, rustic mantel, barn door, farmhouse decor, German smear
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen before and after, can lighting, LED lighting, hardwood floors, living room remodel, fireplace remodel, rustic design, stacked stone, cedar, eastern cedar, cedar mantle, exposed beams, cedar beam, built-in shelves, marble counters, Taj Mahal marble, subway tile backsplash, herringbone, chandelier, craftsman doors, wine rack, game room, wood burning stove
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen before and after, can lighting, LED lighting, hardwood floors, living room remodel, fireplace remodel, rustic design, stacked stone, cedar, eastern cedar, cedar mantle, exposed beams, cedar beam, built-in shelves, marble counters, Taj Mahal marble, subway tile backsplash, herringbone, chandelier, craftsman doors, wine rack, game room, wood burning stove
Denton Texas, Denton contractor, Denton renovation, Denton remodeler, kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen before and after, can lighting, LED lighting, hardwood floors, living room remodel, fireplace remodel, rustic design, stacked stone, cedar, eastern cedar, cedar mantle, exposed beams, cedar beam, built-in shelves, marble counters, Taj Mahal marble, subway tile backsplash, herringbone, chandelier, craftsman doors, wine rack, game room, wood burning stove
Denton TX Contractor, General Contractor Denton, DFW Contractor, Residential renovations Denton, Home renovations DFW, Denton Construction Companies, DFW construction companies, Fireplace renovation, reclaimed brick, wood floors, engineered hardwood flooring
Denton TX Contractor, General Contractor Denton, DFW Contractor, Residential renovations Denton, Home renovations DFW, Denton Construction Companies, DFW construction companies, Fireplace renovation, reclaimed brick, wood floors, engineered hardwood flooring