Who doesn’t love a fireplace? Even as their utility has decreased – central heating has come a long way since homes were first built – the fireplace has continued to be at the top list of desires for many home buyers. There’s something about the crackling flames and direct warmth that makes any space feel cozy and nostalgic.

But just like the tech that rendered them functionally less necessary, fireplaces themselves are also much more varied than they used to be! If you want to put a fireplace in your custom home, you have a lot to consider.

Types of Fireplaces

When looking at a fireplace, you have several primary options.

• Wood-burning: for a truly classic experience with that lovely crackling sound, wood-burning fireplaces are the way to go. Of course, burning wood brings obvious safety concerns, and your chimney must be regularly cleaned to prevent house fires. Speaking of the chimney, you also have a brick or metal chimney sticking out of the top of your house; not ideal for certain architectural styles.
• Gas: a gas fireplace is about as elegant as it gets: with the flick of a switch you have instant warmth and a pleasant flame. While not as architecturally complex as a wood-burning fireplace, you still need a vent for safety. Even with a vent, sometimes gas produces an unpleasant odor.
• Electric: while electric fireplaces are usually small and self-contained – ideal for apartments or retrofitting – they can also be built-in to great effect. Electric fireplaces produce no odor, no smoke, and require almost no upkeep. The one obvious drawback is the increased utility bills, significantly moreso than other types. An electric fireplace is worth considering for a small space or a secondary fireplace, such as in a bedroom.
• Pellet Stove: a pellet stove isn’t too different from a wood-burning fireplace, and in fact can be placed in an existing chimney designed for that purpose. They require the same safety and maintenance, too. The one difference is that the fuel they use – small pellets, typically of compacted sawdust – burns at a much higher temperature, meaning less smoke and odor. You still have to clean the chimney regularly, though.

Are you looking for a beautiful custom home in the Triangle? Tingen Construction can make your dreams a reality! We’ve been carefully crafting luxurious custom homes for decades. Contact us today to learn more, or check out our current listings around the Triangle!