Insert or Zero Clearance

[grassb]

I am interested in construction a new fireplace for my home. I currently do not have any sort of flue etc. I love the idea of having a wood burning fire place as well as the efficiency of an insert. I have tried searching the internet to see if it is safe/possible to construct a fireplace around a wood insert. Can this be safely done without a traditional masonry firebox? will metal studs and or a hardyback material be sufficient, or should i go with a zero clearance unit?

 

[webby3650]

The only way you can have a wood burning insert is if you have a fireplace to insert it into. Nothing else would be acceptable.
Have you considered a freestanding Woodstove? It would be way cheaper! Otherwise a high efficiency ZC fireplace is the way to go.

 

[begreen]

There may be a bit of confusion with terminology here. Why install a Zero Clearance fireplace in which to install an insert? There are excellent, high-efficiency EPA ZC fireplaces that won't need an insert to heat like beasts. Look at the BIS Traditions for example.

 

[Grisu]

It sounds like you will want an EPA-certified zero clearance fireplace. With an efficiency of >70% it will heat your house (almost) as well as a woodstove but look pretty much like a real fireplace. Just to give you some idea what to look for here are some possibilities:

http://www.heatnglo.com/Products/North-Star-Wood-Fireplace.aspx
http://www.napoleonfireplaces.com/products/nz3000-high-country-wood-burning-fireplace/
http://www.lennoxhearthproducts.com/products/fireplaces/montecito/

Which model(s) would be best depend on the size of the house, location of fireplace, insulation etc.

 

[grassb]

Thanks for all the great info!

 

[Minnesota Marty]

I had a BIS zero-clearance fireplace for 20 plus years. They heat great. I am currently building a new house and am installing a Valcourt LaFayette zero clearance unit simply because I like the look of the unit in my living room. I am confident that the unit will perform extremely well.
IMO if you want a fireplace a zero-clearance unit is the way to go for the cost. I free-standing stove in a new home is also a nice look and obviously heats very well. It is just a matter of preference.