There are many places to purchase a fireplace. Hearth specialty shops, hardware and furniture stores, online, lumber yards, the big box stores or maybe on eBay. But all fireplaces and those selling them, are not created equal. If you’re planning to add a gas fireplace to your home, we can help with some insight and can help explain why the best values in the fireplace industry are at your WE LOVE FIRE dealer!
A gas fireplace is nothing to be messing around with. The installation is not for the typical do-it-yourselfer. There are dozens of components that fit together and work in unison that a trained technician understands. But before we go any further, let’s discuss some basic planning for a gas fireplace.
WHERE TO LOCATE THE FIREPLACE?
This first step may sound rather fundamental, but give some thought where you would like the fireplace located. If it’s going in the family or living room, will the gas fireplace be located on an outside wall? If not, the venting system will need to go up through the roof. Read more about How Gas Fireplaces Work.
Can a gas supply line be extended to the location? Let’s just say that the gas supply is 60 feet away and there’s two concrete walls to go through. The preferred location is on the opposite side of the room with a concrete slab floor. Extending a gas supply line for the fireplace will likely add significant cost to the project.
Is the objective to warm the room or just provide coziness and ambiance? Some gas units have more powerful burners and will heat more space than those with smaller heat outputs.
Are the viewing angles of the fireplace conducive to several spots in the room? For example, if the gas fireplace is planned for the family room, can you see it from the dining room and/or kitchen? It might be a nice touch if you could!
These types of questions, along with pictures of the inside and outside of the house will go a long way during preliminary discussions with your WE LOVE FIRE expert.
GAS FIREPLACES AND FINISHING TREATMENTS.
When some people say “fireplace” they’re actually talking about the mantel, the hearth and the type and color of the brick or stone. When an industry professional thinks “fireplace”, she or he is thinking about the unit itself, the hardware so to speak . . . . the equipment that’s framed into a stud wall.
Is the gas fireplace going to be a conventional size? There are models that range from 20” – 30” high and 36” – 44” wide.
Is it going to be a linear fireplace, that is, much wider than it is high? Some linear fireplaces are 12” high and five or six feet wide!
This might be a good spot to mention TV’s. Is a large screen model mounted above the fireplace in the plan? If so, it would be worthwhile to read "Will a fireplace damage my TV?".
Maybe there’s interest in a see-through style unit that would tie two rooms together with a unique look. Or perhaps a corner fireplace with two pieces of glass or a pier fireplace with glass on one end and two sides!
WHERE TO SHOP
OK, you have a sense of where you would like to locate a gas fireplace and the type or style of the unit. But where do you go to actually see these fireplaces in operation? Let’s face it, some gas fireplaces have very realistic and impressive flames patterns and ember glow. Others, not so much. Some fireplaces have remarkable heat output. Others, amazing ‘media’ options with different log species (for example driftwood, oak, split campfire or birch logs), glass beads or river rocks. The odds are remote if you’re going to be able to discern these options and features from a picture or video online or from the shelf of a big box store. Your WE LOVE FIRE dealer has lots of burning display models in the showrooms and you can see and feel them in action.
Service is another huge reason to see your WE LOVE FIRE professional. Fully trained, nationally certified experts are available for installations, warranty claims and service work that might be needed down the road. The gang at the lumber yard knows lumber. The crew at the hardware store knows paint and tools! Buy online or from eBay and good luck trying to get help if you ever have a problem!
Another important point that goes without saying: price is significant. We all want to make an intelligent and informed decision, especially when making a larger purchase. However, price should not be your most important consideration. “Value” should be. And the value you’ll find at your WE LOVE FIRE dealership is outlined below.
THE TOP TEN REASONS TO SHOP WITH US!
10) Beautiful showrooms with burning displays so you can experience the realism of the fireplace.
9) An engaging and impassioned staff that actually listens to your wants and needs and can answer questions!
8) The trust and rapport we develop with our clientele.
7) Competitive pricing on hearth products and supplies.
6) The best values in the fireplace industry.
5) Quick and responsive inquiries to questions and service requests.
4) Product lines that are chosen for their reliability, aesthetics and performance that will enhance your lifestyle.
3) Trained, seasoned and nationally certified professionals who are passionate about what we do.
2) Our reputation. Just check with your friends, neighbors and relatives.
1) Our customer satisfaction goal is 100%.
