Key Takeaways
- Wood Burning Fireplace Cost Guide: Prices (unit only) typically range from $1,000–$15,000 across radiant front, circulating, and high-efficiency EPA-approved models. Radiant front fireplaces are the least expensive, followed by circulating models, and then high-efficiency units.
- Best Wood Burning Fireplace Types: Choose radiant front for classic ambiance, circulating models with blowers for better heat distribution, or EPA-certified high-efficiency units for serious whole-home heating.
- Installation Requirements: Professional installation ensures safety and code compliance—proper clearances, chimney/venting, and permits—with total installed costs often $3,000–$30,000 depending on home and model.
Article Contents
When winter temperatures drop and heating bills climb, many homeowners turn to the timeless appeal and benefits of a wood burning fireplace. More than just a source of warmth, these heating systems offer the perfect blend of functionality, ambiance, and cost-effective home heating that modern gas or electric alternatives simply can't match.
Whether you're building a new home or upgrading your current heating system, understanding the different types of wood fireplaces available will help you make the best choice for your specific needs and budget.
What Are Wood Burning Fireplaces? Everything You Need to Know
A wood burning fireplace is designed to burn seasoned wood logs to produce heat and create a cozy atmosphere in your home. Modern designs have evolved from traditional open-hearth styles to include factory-built zero-clearance models and advanced high-efficiency systems, giving homeowners more choice in price, performance, and installation.
High-efficiency wood fireplaces use a sealed combustion chamber to burn wood at optimal temperatures, producing cleaner heat and better distribution compared to older, open-burning styles. In contrast, open radiant and circulating models provide ambiance and supplemental heat at a lower upfront cost, though they are less efficient.
The three main types of wood fireplaces – open burning radiant front, open burning circulating front, and high-efficiency models – each offer distinct advantages depending on your heating needs, budget, and home layout.
It’s also important to note cost differences: a prefabricated zero-clearance fireplace can be installed for a fraction of the price of a custom masonry build, which often runs $30,000–$50,000 or more.
Best Wood Burning Fireplace Types: Compare All Your Options and Costs
Choosing the right wood burning fireplace starts with understanding the three primary types available today. Each category offers different benefits, heating capabilities, and price points to match various homeowner needs and preferences.
Open Burning Radiant Front Wood Burning Fireplaces
Radiant front wood burning fireplaces are the most popular and budget-friendly option for homeowners. These open front fireplaces provide a beautifully realistic flame appearance and natural wood fire ambiance, delivering gentle radiant heat without the use of a blower for a quieter, more traditional heating experience.
Pros
Radiant front fireplaces offer several compelling advantages for homeowners:
- Budget-friendly Pricing: Most accessible option with costs ranging from $2,500-$10,000 installed
- Smaller Footprint: Compact and space-efficient for smaller areas
- Increases Home Value: Adds a desirable feature that buyers love
- Temperature Flexibility: Enjoy cozy fires during moderate temperatures without overheating your home
Cons
Traditional radiant wood fireplace models do have some limitations:
- Smaller Visual Appearance: Most are smaller in size and may not create the dramatic focal point some homeowners desire, however, premium zero-clearance lines like the Majestic Biltmore Series are available in larger sizes (36", 42", and 50" wide openings, 28 ½" high, and 25” deep) that closely resemble the size of a traditional masonry fireplace
- Limited Heat Output: Only warms the immediate seating area near the fire
- Quick Wood Consumption: Higher fuel costs and more frequent loading during longer sessions
Heating Ability
The heating ability of radiant front fireplaces focuses on warming the immediate area around the fireplace. They're ideal for creating a cozy gathering spot but shouldn't be considered a primary heating source for large spaces or whole-home heating applications.
Open Burning Circulating Front Wood Burning Fireplaces with Blower
Circulating front wood burning fireplaces bridge the gap between traditional radiant models and high-efficiency systems. Circulating wood burning fireplaces feature a realistic flame display and include an optional blower to help distribute a modest amount of heat, making them a functional yet visually appealing choice for supplemental warmth.
Pros
Circulating wood fireplace models offer several advantages:
- : Better heating compared to basic radiant fireplaces
- : Won't break your budget while offering improved performance over radiant models
- : Enjoy quiet operation when you want ambiance without fan noise
- : Choose when to use the blower
Cons
The main drawbacks include:
- Smaller Appearance : Like radiant front fireplaces, these also are smaller in size
- Electrical Dependency for the Blower: No heating benefits during power outages when you might need them most
- Visible Vents: Vents are visible above and below the fire and may not be aesthetically pleasing
- Moderate Heat Output: Still limited compared to high-efficiency systems
Heating Ability
Circulating wood burning fireplaces warm the area around the fireplace while providing some heat circulation to adjacent spaces. However, they should be used as supplemental heating rather than a primary heating source, offering more heat than basic radiant models but lacking when compared to high-efficiency fireplaces.
EPA-Approved High Efficiency Wood Burning Fireplaces
High-efficiency wood burning fireplaces are at the top of wood burning technology. These EPA-approved wood fireplaces are fully sealed systems designed for maximum heat output, extended burn times, and clean combustion that meets strict environmental standards.
Pros
High-efficiency models excel in several key areas:
- Extended Burn Times: Often lasting 6-10 hours or more on a single load of wood
- Less Firewood Consumption: Significantly more efficient than open-burning alternatives
- Whole-home Heating Capability: Can zone heat specific areas or heat entire homes
- Clean Combustion: EPA-approved systems meet strict environmental standards
Cons
The trade-offs include:
- Fire Behind Glass: Less appealing to those who prefer open flames
- Smaller Viewing Area: Glass area is smaller than open models due to sealed design
- Temperature Sensitivity: Can overheat rooms during mild weather, limiting seasonal use
- Higher Initial Costs: Premium pricing compared to open-burning alternatives
Heating Ability
EPA-approved wood burning fireplaces can effectively heat areas ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, depending on the specific model, your home's insulation, and ceiling height. They represent the only wood fireplace category capable of serving as a primary heating source for most homes.
Wood Burning Fireplaces Product Tier and Sizing
Economy Open Burning Fireplaces
Economy open burning fireplaces offer solid performance at an affordable price point. Standard sizing typically includes 36” and 42” fireplaces with opening heights ranging from 20” to 24” and depths between 14” to 16”, providing a classic fireplace proportion that fits well in most residential settings.
Premium Open Burning Fireplaces
Premium fireplaces usually cost slightly more than economy ones. Premium open burning units typically range from 36” to 54” wide with taller opening heights of 28” to 32” and depths between 16” to 24”. One example of a premium series of fireplaces is the Majestic Biltmore one mentioned above. This sizing creates a similar size and feel to traditional masonry fireplaces.
High Efficiency Fireplaces Cost and Sizing
High-efficiency tier models require careful sizing to match your specific heating needs. They are sized similarly to wood stoves and fireplace inserts. Most manufacturers offer various door styles and decorative facing options to customize the appearance as well. These fireplaces will have the highest price tag.
Wood Burning Fireplace Installation: Safety Requirements and Best Practices
Proper installation is crucial for fireplace safety, performance, and code compliance when installing any wood fireplace system. Wood fireplace installation costs typically range from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on the type and complexity. We recommend that you hire a professional to install your wood burning fireplace.
Fireplace Safety Clearances and Floor Protection Requirements
All wood burning fireplaces require specific fireplace safety clearances to ensure safe operation and meet building codes. Floor protection extends in front of the fireplace opening to catch any sparks or embers, typically requiring non-combustible materials like tile, brick, or metal sheeting.
Wall and ceiling clearances vary by model but generally require non-combustible facing materials such as tile, marble, granite, or other approved materials around the fireplace opening. Most installations also have minimum ceiling height requirements to ensure adequate clearance above the unit and proper room ventilation during operation.
Wood Fireplace Chimney and Venting System Installation
Every wood fireplace installation requires a proper wood fireplace chimney system connecting from the top of the appliance and extending above the roofline. Each fireplace will require either air-cooled or insulated pipe systems, depending on what the appliance is tested and approved for, with insulated chimney pipe being preferred for most installations due to better draft performance and reduced clearance requirements.
The chimney system must be tested and approved by the fireplace manufacturer to ensure compatibility and warranty coverage. Proper height above the roof and adequate clearance from roof penetrations and nearby structures are essential for safe operation and optimal draft performance.
Wood Burning Fireplace Accessories: Glass Doors, Outside Air Kits & More
Most wood burning fireplaces are customizable in terms of style. Here are three to keep in mind:
- Glass doors are optional with open burning fireplaces but provide safety benefits and help control airflow when the fire dies down.
- Outside air kits are generally required by building code and provide dedicated combustion air from outside rather than using heated indoor air.
- Refractory panel interior options for open burning models improve heat reflection and protect the firebox walls, while decorative fronts for high-efficiency models allow you to customize the appearance to match your décor.
These accessories should be selected during the planning phase to ensure proper integration with your installation.
Best Wood Burning Fireplace Brands: Top Manufacturers Compared
Selecting from the best wood burning fireplace brands guarantees you’ll get quality construction, reliable performance, and proper support throughout your fireplace's lifetime. These leading manufacturers have established reputations for innovation, durability, and customer satisfaction.
Osburn Wood Burning Fireplaces
Osburn wood burning fireplaces lead the market in high-efficiency wood burning technology, offering EPA-certified models with impressive heating capacity and extended burn times. Their Canadian engineering focuses on clean combustion and maximum heat output.
Buck Stove Wood Burning Fireplaces
Buck Stove wood burning fireplaces are renowned for their robust construction and American craftsmanship. Buck Stove specializes in two high-efficiency models, with strength in larger size and commercial heating. Buck Stove has a strong reputation for its high-performance, American-made wood-burning stoves.
Empire Wood Burning Fireplaces
Empire wood burning fireplaces combine innovative design with reliable performance across their wood burning fireplaces. Empire makes 3 large open burning fireplaces that do well in customer homes, additions, or in moderate climates.
Superior Wood Burning Fireplaces
Superior wood burning fireplaces meet high performance and safety standards through thorough testing. They focus on quality engineering and produce all 3 types of wood burning fireplaces, though the majority are radiant front. Our lowest priced wood burning fireplace is made by Superior and just under $1,000.
Majestic Wood Burning Fireplaces
Majestic wood burning fireplaces have built a strong reputation for balancing traditional fireplace aesthetics with modern efficiency improvements. Majestic focuses on grandeur and aesthetics, with large viewing areas and classic masonry styles. They offer some of the largest units in the industry, like the Biltmore series.
Wood Burning Fireplaces Frequently Asked Questions
Wood burning fireplaces costs vary based on several factors such as if they are built-in or freestanding as well as their heating capacity. Wood burning fireplace costs range from $1,000-$6,000+ for basic radiant models, circulating models, and high-efficiency EPA-approved systems, excluding installation costs. This makes them a great, budget-friendly alternative to masonry fireplaces that cost almost triple that much at $30,000 to $50,000.
Wood fireplaces give authentic ambiance, powerful heat, and lower fuel costs but need more maintenance. Gas fireplaces are cleaner, easier, and more convenient but usually cost more to run and lack the “real wood” feel. The better choice depends on whether you value authenticity and lower fuel cost (wood) or convenience and low maintenance (gas).
Yes — in most areas you need a building permit to install a wood-burning fireplace, since local codes require inspection for safety and insurance purposes.
Top-rated brands include Osburn for high-efficiency models, Buck Stove for durability, and Majestic for design flexibility. Choose based on your specific heating needs and budget.
Shop Wood Burning Fireplaces Online at HVACDirect.com
Choosing the right wood burning fireplace depends on your heating needs and budget. Radiant front models offer traditional ambiance, circulating fireplaces provide better heat distribution, while EPA-approved high-efficiency systems deliver maximum heating performance.
When you're ready to buy a wood burning fireplace for your home, HVACDirect.com offers the variety, expertise, and support you need to make the best choice. Our experts will also help you pick out the best kind and size for your home and budget. Whether you're looking for a cozy radiant front fireplace for ambiance or a high-efficiency EPA-certified fireplace for serious home heating, HVACDirect.com has the products and expertise to make your project successful. Shop our selection of wood burning fireplaces to find the perfect heating solution for your home.
