Q&A two-sided fireplace..making it draw correctly

Question:

Hello, I'm building a new house soon and am thinking of placing a two-sided hearth between the dining room and living room, the fire being visible from either of these two rooms. It's use would be occasional, for the ambience of a fire. However, I have heard that these types of fireplaces often don't draw well. Any opinion on the matter would be appreciated.



Answer:

You' are correct. If you intend to build one, use one of the following ideas:
1. Use a mason that has built many before and get references
2. Buy a prefab unit, which is factory engineered to draw well