How to Buy an Island Fireplace

When designing a living room area, a great addition is an island fireplace. Island fireplaces make a warm, dramatic place for family to gather and enable you to enjoy the view from anywhere in the room. Here is what to consider when buying an island fireplace for your home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consider carefully the placement of the island fireplace. You need to choose a central location carefully to not interrupt traffic flow. Also consider vent placement carefully, especially if you have a multi-level dwelling, before you buy an island fireplace.

2. Decide if you want a gas or wood burning island fireplace. Gas Island fireplaces are much easier to install and are often vent free, but use costly natural gas. Wood burning island fireplaces burn renewable wood fuel but are much more difficult to vent.

3. Estimate costs of installation. If you decide on a gas island fireplace, you need to include the costs of gas line installation as well as gas venting. For wood installation, you must install proper insulated venting pipe. Call several contractors and get quotes on what installation costs will be for the particulars of your home.

4. Shop prices on island fireplaces. Gas island fireplaces run about 1500 dollars and wood burners cost around 2000 dollars. Be sure to include freight costs if applicable.

5. Visit a fireplace dealer in your local area to see how pricing compares. Ask about delivery charges and any discounts or promotions currently available.

Tips & Warnings

• When considering installation costs and equipment costs of gas and wood burning fireplaces, be sure to consider operational costs of the gas version.