What kind of fireplace would you buy if you had this room? Or none?
Asked by
Aster (
20023
)
July 2nd, 2011
Imagine a glass enclosed patio—almost all windows with screens that go down to less than 2’ off the tile floor. Would you consider a wood-burning fireplace or have to settle for a fake electric one? I was dreaming of a tiny soapstone one but it still seems like a fire hazard.
One wall IS all painted brick with a big bbq grill in the center. But it could not be vented on that wall because behind the wall is the garage.
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12 Answers
I would get one of the wood burning stoves that has a window in the front. That would eliminate the fire hazard from sparks, but would still allow you to enjoy the beauty of the fire. It would also be the most heat-efficient option.
@bobbinhood I’d love that but wouldn’t the heat off the back of it make the windows shatter?
Some of the fake ones are really very good. While staying with some cousins at a resort it took us over half an hour to convince ourselves the fireplace flames weren’t real. Here is an example.
@dabbler thats fantastic but I was thinking of being independent of the power company.
All wood stoves come with their own requirements for clearance from floors, walls, ceilings etc. A glass room is very likely going to allow heat to escape rather easily (depending on the glass).
I am curious how the BBQ grill is vented (does it have a chimney)?
@Kayak8 It is not vented. It was outdoors until the patio was enclosed. Now it just gets smoky in there for half an hour then clears up. It’s hooked up to a gasline that comes out of the brick wall. I hope this is ok. No chimney.
@Aster I understand the concern now. I honestly don’t know. Since the stove would heat up very slowly, it seems like the walls should be fine, but I certainly can’t guarantee that. However, wouldn’t you have the same concern with a fake stove? They put off an impressive amount of heat.
BBQ would not pass fire code in my town. If there is ANY home insurance claim you may find that the policy is null and void and your are out the money you paid for house insurance. Your idea of soapstone is great because the stone never gets HOT.
You will need to vent the “fireplace” through the roof.
Sounds like a death trap unless you can get a vent to the outside and that includes the gas grill. Go for a fake fireplace or better yet get a big screen TV with a fireplace video and Norah Jones playing in the background!
No tv permitted on my patio!!! It’s the one place I can get AWAY from tv noise !!! Only bird songs and bamboo windchimes allowed !
I think I’ll have to get the fake fireplace , then. Whether or not the gas grill is dangerous is up for argument. Has a painted brick wall behind it and a ten foot pine ceiling.
I’d kick out the BBQ grill and put in the soapstone fireplace.
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