By Regina P. Brown
What’s better than a bright yellow crackling fire on a cold, rainy night? Fireplaces bring ambiance and warmth into our homes; they create a comfortable atmosphere. Wood-burning stoves are even more practical: they radiate heat, and also cook pots of food. Fireplaces are usually installed by the home builder, but can be added later. Let’s learn some of the various types and their terms.
Styles
AntiqueVintage style fireplaces utilize original materials from period-style homes. Many historic and century-old houses boast reclaimed wood and tile, or repurposed iron and metals. |
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ColonialForged metal, strap hinged, and hand-wrought metal handles reminiscent of colonial days help define this old-fashioned style fireplace. |
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ContemporaryModern homes offer the convenience of sleek-looking ash-free fireplaces. With a gas starter and ceramic logs, home owners are pleased to add an uncluttered style and warm ambiance without the maintenance. |
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RusticBricks and hand-carved wood define this fireplace style. Other organic materials, such as rocks and mortar, add a homey country appeal. |
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TraditionalTraditional fireplaces are permanently installed into a wall, lined with brick interior flue. With a fire-proof hearth and wooden mantle above, it encloses a real wood fire. It may have a gas starter, or not. Surrounded by decorative wood or tile designs, the fire is constrained by glass doors and/or a wrought iron screen. Regular maintenance includes sweeping out ashes and cleaning the flue. |
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StovesA large metal box or cylinder forged from iron. With a door that opens, it stands on metal legs and has a metal flue. It can heat a whole house and cook food on its flat surface; however, the flame is not visible. Valued for its practicality, it can stand alone near a wall, in the middle of a room, or be inserted into an existing traditional fireplace. The fire is contained so there are less airborne ashes to cause allergies or lung problems. Alternative solid fuel includes coal or pellets. |
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Wall-MountedSmaller fireplace, fueled by electricity, installs in or on a wall. Fresh modern design can be easily mounted in homes with limited space because no flue is needed. It also eliminates allergies and lung problems caused by airborne ashes. |
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Types & Designs
Decorative FireplaceA faux fireplace that brings aesthetic value to the home but does not operate. It may be used for staging purposes, to hide a fault in a wall, or simply to add charm and character. |
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Double FireplaceThis style fireplace has openings on 2 sides, each into a different room. This luxury feature could be installed between a master bedroom and master bathroom, or between a living room and dining room. |
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Electric FireA fire that is powered with electricity rather than gas or wood-burning logs. It doesn’t need a flue, so it saves space. Simulating a traditional fire, it can be installed on a wall. |
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Electric HeaterThese fireplace look-alikes bring the ambiance and warmth yet are portable and can be place anywhere there is a power outlet. They may placed directly on the ground or in a decorative mantle-type frame. They give off heat and the temperature can be adjusted just like a regular portable heater. |
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Ethanol-Burning Vent-FreeA natural biofuel, denatured ethanol does not require a metal pipe connected to utilities. Allergy and asthma sufferers enjoy the lack of ashes and airborne particles that come from burning wood. Because it doesn’t have a vent, the heat stays and warms the room. A wonderful solution for condos, they can be installed on ledges, built into walls, or be free-standing. Check out GREEN solutions from EcoSmart. |
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Masonry Heater / Radiant FireplaceAs a primary heat source for rural homes, masonry heaters are built in a home’s central location and fired up only once per day. The system captures the heat and disburses it in the house throughout the day. May be connected to an HVAC radiant system, such as floors and hot water tank. These enormous styles may feature hand-crafted stonework and carved sitting benches. This “heart of the home” is often a design element in the center of the home. Some masonry fireplaces even include pizza-baking ovens. |
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Open FireAn open fire that is NOT enclosed in a fireplace. It may burn wood coal, or solid fuels such as gas or ethanol. Instead of a traditional-looking chimney, it has a canopy hood that draws smoke up and out of the house. This ultra-modern design may be seen in upscale and luxury homes. |
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Oversized FireplaceAn extended opening allows this extra-large fireplace to burn an open fire, often with sitting benches for family to gather around. It takes up an entire wall of the room. |
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Smokeless FireplaceFireplaces that use electricity or burn environmentally friendly gel fuel. Because they don’t produce smoke or ashes, they are considered safer for those with allergies or asthma. |
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StovesIron stoves are more efficient when burning using combustion because they rely on outdoor air intake. They are often a good option for those looking to convert to a GREEN energy efficient house without indoor air pollution. |
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Insert FireplaceAn enclosed metal firebox that sits inside of a traditional fireplace opening. Usually these are inserted afterwards as an adaptation to the existing fireplace. They can burn wood logs, pellets, or coal. Doors may be clear glass or solid metal. |
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Multi-Fuel StoveCan burn wood, coal, pellets, and/or smokeless fuel. A solid fuel stove burns wood, coal, or pellets. This stove can be installed inside of a traditional fireplace opening and often connects to the existing flue and chimney. |
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Pot-Belly StoveA wood-burning stove is that round shaped and can be installed in the corner of a room. Photo from Pinterest |
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Wood Burning StoveA metal stove that burns wooden logs. May also burn other solid fuels such as coal or pellets. |
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Materials
Add texture and character to a fireplace by combining the following materials:
· Brick
· Cultured stone – cast concrete that resembles natural stone
· Faux stone / rock
· Forged Metal
· Glass tile
· Marble
· Rock
· Stone
· Stacked Stone
· Stone Veneer (artificial stone look)
· Tile – especially natural travertine
· Wrought iron
Parts & Features
This section covers many fireplace parts.
AshpanA flat, metal pan inserted under the fire which collects the burned ashes. It can be pulled out for ease of emptying the ashes and cleaning the fireplace. |
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ChimneyThe tall brick tunnel above the fireplace that is built around the flue pipe. Usually built into an exterior wall, the brick is often visible from the exterior. Chimneys may service multiple fireplaces; for example, 2nd floor fireplace may be located directly above the 1st floor fireplace and utilize the same flue. The chimney may be decorative as well as functional. |
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Chimney StackThe portion of the brick chimney that rises above the roofline. |
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CleanoutThe fireplace cleanout is a small heavy metal door in the back of the chimney. It opens for rapid removal of the ashes, often more efficient than removing ashes from the front and carrying them through the house. |
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CollarOn a wood-burning stove, the flue spigot at the stove top in which the vitreous pipe is inserted. |
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Doors - GlassJust like screens, they protect the home from fire damage caused by flying sparks and ashes. They also help to regulate the heat coming from the fire. For families with children, glass doors are a safety feature, preventing youngsters from touching the fire. Glass doors may swing open or push back accordion-style. |
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FirebackA large cast iron, concrete, metal, or brick plate in the back of the fireplace. Its purpose is to redirect heat from the fireplace and radiate the heat into the room. Firebacks may add a decorative element. |
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FireboxThe area inside of the fireplace which contains the fire. It is constructed of fire-proof brick or other similar materials. |
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FlueA long, tall metal pipe above the fire that allows smoke and gases from a fireplace to ventilate to the outside. The flue is usually contained inside of a brick chimney. It may have a liner (a stainless steel flexible tube). |
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Chimney SweepThe flue needs to be cleaned periodically to remove the build-up of creosote, which can become flammable, and to clear the debris so the flue can operate effectively. A chimney sweep with a special broom can clean the flue. |
 
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CowlA metal cover installed on top of a chimney flue that allows smoke to escape but prevents birds and rain from entering the flue. Look for the anti-downdraft version. |
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Gas StarterMetal pipe carries gas fuel into the fireplace. A starter on the side of the fireplace turns the gas on or off. Its main purpose is to start or burn a wood fire. It can also be used as a stand-alone fire for ambiance (not for heat, as a gas fire does not get as hot as a wood-burning fire). |
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GrateA heavy iron metal stand made of iron fingers. It elevates the wood logs above the floor of the fireplace to stimulate airflow. |
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HearthThe space in front of a fireplace, installed with fire-resistance materials such as brick, tile, or stone. It may be placed directly on the floor, or it may be a ledge that people can sit upon. Often the fireplace utensils (broom, tray, poker) and the wood may sit on the hearth. |
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MantleA large, wooden decorative shelf above the fireplace. Styles range from basic rustic wood to elaborate carved framework. May also be constructed of stone, tile, or brick. |
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Register PlateA stainless steel or galvanized metal plate fitted inside the flue. Its purpose is to seal the chimney in cases when the flue does not have a liner. Not to be confused with a closure plate or cover plate. |
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Screens (Wrought Iron)Metal screens contain the ashes and prevent sparks from flying into the room. They also help the fireplace to emit steady heat rather than spurts of heat from wood burning. Wrought iron designs accent gorgeous styles. They are used for durability and also aesthetic charm. Metal screens may be pull-type permanently installed curtains, or portable frames. |
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ThroatThe “neck” where the fireplace narrows to meet the flue. |
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Conclusion
With so many convenient options, every homeowner can enjoy the mood of a glowing fireplace on a cold wintry night. Remember when your buyers are purchasing a home with a fireplace, they may opt to have a fireplace inspection. And when sellers are selling a house, they should have the fireplace cleaned and serviced, and provide a copy of the receipt to the buyers. Unless, of course, it’s a faux fireplace!
Article is also published in The San Diego Realtor® magazine, pages 30-31.
Read more in our "Learn the Lingo" series:
1) Backyard & Outdoor Structures: Learn the Lingo
2) View From the Windows: Learn the Lingo
3) Architectural Styles: Learn the Lingo - Part 1
4) Architectural Styles: Learn the Lingo - Part 2
5) Learn the Lingo: Luxury Bathrooms
6) Learn the Lingo: Fences & Gates
7) Learn the Lingo: Vintage Features of Historic Homes
8) The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home Can Be Gourmet
9) The Gourmet Kitchen: Everything and the Kitchen Sink
10) Open the Door of Possibilities (Exterior Doors)
11) The Difference a Good Door Makes (Interior Doors)
12) Tiles
13) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 1)
14) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 2)
15) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 3)
16) Roof Architecture – Don’t Let it Go ‘Over Your Head’
17) Let There Be Light Fixtures ... And There Are Many!
18) A Discussion of Ceilings Will Have You Looking Up
19) Fireplaces: Literally the Hearth of the Home
20) Learn the Lingo of Walls
21) Apply Your Knowledge to Major Appliances
22) Don't Be Floored By this Topic: It's Right Under Your Feet
23) HVAC / Mechanical Lingo
24) Rural Properties - A Sustainable Life "Off the Grid"
25) Land Usage, and Showing & Selling Rural Properties
26) The Dramatic Effect of Stairs and Staircases - A Flight of Fancy?
27) Electrical Components - Get Wired for Understanding
28) Learn the Lingo: Plumbing Fixtures (Part 1 of 2)
29) Learn the Lingo: Plumbing Fixtures (Part 2 of 2)
30) Swimming Pool and Spa Lingo
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