How to Change a Gas Log Fireplace to a Wood Burning Fireplace

A gas log fireplace consists of a burner which is hooked to the gas supply, a log rack and a set of artificial logs, usually made out of concrete. The gas log fireplace is primarily for decoration. It gives the appearance of a fireplace without burning wood, thus eliminating the need for buying firewood or cleaning up ashes. Gas fireplaces do put out some heat, yet not as much as a wood burning fireplace.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood burning log lighter
• Wood rack

1. Remove the gas logs and the log rack from the fireplace. They will normally just lift out.

2. Make sure the gas is off. Remove the burner or log lighter from the gas line by unscrewing it.

3. Install a wood burning log lighter which can be purchased from a hardware store or fireplace shop. This is a pipe about 12 to 15 inches long, dotted with holes which distributes the flame to the logs when lit. It is attached by threading it onto the gas line. It is a different design than the one used on the gas logs. The wood burning log lighter is only used to get the fire going, and should be turned off once the wood is burning. The gas log burner remains on as long as you want the appearance of a fire.

4. Position a log rack over the log lighter, centering it over the lighter.

5. Place dry wood logs on the rack, turn on the gas and light with a long lighter. Turn off the gas once the wood begins to burn.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a fireplace screen on the fireplace if it doesn't have one, and keep closed when burning a fire.

References

• Fireplace Basics

[tonypowerblue]

on 11/3/2009 I did this and the house nearly burned down, and the house completely filled with smoke. It was like there was no place for the smoke to go???