Tags:marble fireplace  cast stone mantle    Fireplace Mantle

Let's get back to basics, and talk about what fireplace inserts are.  It can be a little confusing when you're shopping, because there are inserts, stoves, and logs to choose from.  If you want a gas fireplace, you'll be looking at all three.  If you want a wood-burning unit, it'll just be stoves or inserts.  You can also get inserts that burn pellets or corn, but for today, we'll just talk about wood and leave the others for another time. 

Basically, a stove is a free-standing unit.  If you don't have an existing fireplace, but you want to burn wood in your home, you'll want to look at stoves.  These get installed against a wall or in a corner, and then venting is run outside.  This works the same way a chimney does. 

Now, if you have a fireplace, that's when you'll look at inserts.  An insert is basically a self-containing stove that nests inside the firebox (or opening) of your existing hearth.  It uses the flue and chimney you already have in place, so there's no need for any special venting to be installed.

Insert styles can range from flat, sleek models to more traditional versions that stick out and look a bit like stoves. 

Why would you want an insert?  They're much, much more efficient than a regular fireplace.  Most of the heat goes up the chimney with a traditional hearth.  The only reason you'd want one is if you just burn a fire now and then for ambience.  If you're at all interested in heating your home with wood, an insert or a stove is the way to go.  Both are about three times more efficient than fireplaces.The news come from http://www.bossgoo.com/