An old fireplace can be restored, converted to gas or electric, or sealed for décor—book an inspection first, then choose a heat or no-burn plan.
An aging hearth can feel like dead space or a draft factory. Good news: you have plenty of routes that save energy, boost comfort, and fit any style. This guide lays out clear choices, costs to expect in broad strokes, and the steps that keep a makeover safe and stress-free.
Quick Ways To Refresh An Old Hearth
Skim this table first. It shows popular paths, what each path delivers, and who tends to love the result.
Option | What You Get | Best For |
---|---|---|
Restore wood burning | Crack repairs, new liner or damper, tighter draft, real flame | Homes that still want live fire and classic brick |
Gas insert | Sealed glass front, strong heat, remote control | Easy heat with less mess and quick on/off |
Gas log set (vented) | Open look, moderate heat, real flame on gas | Ambience with existing chimney draft |
Electric insert | Plug-in flame effect, space heat, no vent | Apartments, low-maintenance comfort |
Pellet insert | Thermostat control, good heat, vented | High heat from biomass with bagged fuel |
Ethanol burner | Clean flame, simple setup, limited heat | Short-use mood lighting where code allows |
Seal and style | Draft stop, candle cluster or plants, art niche | Homes done with flames that still want charm |
Rebuild surround | New tile, mantel swap, custom millwork | Design refresh around any fire choice |
Start With Safety And Code Basics
Book a chimney inspection before any upgrade. NFPA 211 guidance is widely cited for yearly checks of chimneys, fireplaces, and vents. A sweep can spot cracked tiles, loose mortar, failed caps, and creosote. If you plan a conversion or bought a home, ask about a video scan and a Level 2 review.
Burning wood releases smoke and fine particles. The EPA Burn Wise program explains cleaner burning, certified heaters, and why seasoned wood matters. Pair that with working alarms. The CDC’s carbon monoxide basics page covers CO risks and safe venting.
Code notes for planning: many areas restrict unvented gas units. The International Residential Code bars placing an unvented decorative heater inside a factory-built fireplace unless that system was tested for it. Always confirm local rules and permits before running gas lines or rewiring.
What To Do With Your Old Fireplace: Upgrade Paths
Think in three buckets: keep real fire, switch the fuel, or retire the flame and lean on design. Each path below lists core steps, budget cues, and common snags so you can pick with confidence.
Restoring A Wood-Burning Fireplace
Fix The Structure
Start with the flue. A damaged clay tile liner allows heat and embers to hit framing. A stainless steel liner can solve that and improve draft. Masons also patch firebox mortar, reset loose bricks, and repair the smoke shelf.
Tame Draft And Soot
A tight damper, a good cap, and proper throat geometry cut smoke roll-out. Top-sealing dampers also help with winter drafts when the fire is off. Ask the sweep to size the flue to the opening; an oversize flue can stall warm air and make smoke spill.
Burn Cleaner
Use seasoned hardwood split to fit your grate. Moist wood hisses, smolders, and coats the flue. Keep a small, hot fire and add logs in stages. If you want less smoke and more heat, look at a certified wood insert with a glass door and secondary burn tubes.
Polish The Look
Glass doors, a fresh metal surround, and log grates change the face with minimal tools. Limewash or refinish brick (outside the firebox) for a lighter vibe. Use high-temp paint inside the box only if it is metal; brick inside the box takes heat, not paint.
Converting To Gas, Electric, Or Pellet
Gas Insert
A direct-vent gas insert seals to the fireplace and vents through the chimney with a co-linear kit. You get steady heat, a thermostat or remote, and low ash. Plan for a gas line, an outlet for the fan, and a surround trim kit to cover gaps. Pick a size that matches the opening so the faceplate looks balanced.
Gas Log Set
Vented log sets keep the open look but still need a damper clamp to lock the damper open. Heat is lower than an insert yet the flame looks real. If code in your area allows vent-free units, weigh the tradeoffs: water vapor indoors and air quality concerns. Many buyers still choose vented for extra reassurance and better visual realism.
Electric Insert
Electric brings an easy win when venting is tough. Most units plug into a standard outlet and give flame effects with or without heat. Look at depth, glass style, and trim. For the cleanest install, add an outlet inside the firebox and route a dedicated circuit if the heater draws more amps.
Pellet Insert
Pellet models feed fuel from a hopper and use a small vent. They deliver strong, even heat and simple thermostat control. Plan on routine ash removal and yearly service. Keep pellets dry; a sealed bin avoids clumps and feed errors.
Ethanol Burner
Tabletop kits and long burners offer a simple flame without a vent, but heat output is low and fuel is a running cost. Provide clearances, never refuel while hot, and follow the manual to the letter. Check local rules before you buy.
Closing The Firebox For A No-Burn Look
Seal Drafts, Then Style It
If the chimney is out of service, stop air leaks first. A top-sealing damper or a sealed plug above the firebox blocks rising warm air. Add a cap to keep rain and birds out. Once sealed, build a vignette: staggered pillar candles, stacked split logs, a plant cluster on a tile tray, or a sculptural screen.
Turn It Into Storage
Inset shelves, a painted book nook, or a slim cabinet turns wasted space into daily use. Use masonry anchors, fire-rated backer, and a hearth rug to protect flooring during work. Leave access to any gas stub for future use.
Create A Showcase
Hang a mirror or art inside the opening for contrast, then frame with a simple screen. Paint the firebox matte black for depth. Add a low LED strip under the mantel to graze tile and add evening glow.
Make The Surround Shine
Tile And Stone Upgrades
Swap builder tile for handmade ceramic, marble slab, or a herringbone sheet. Keep clearances to combustibles per your insert or stove manual. A shallow hearth extension in matching stone pulls the room together.
Mantel And Millwork
A new mantel changes scale fast. Box-beam wood, cast stone, or a minimalist steel shelf each set a mood. Flank with built-ins or tall bookcases for balance and extra storage. Add dimmable sconces for evening light.
Paint And Limewash
Brick outside the firebox takes paint or limewash well. Test on a small area first. For a soft, aged look, limewash keeps texture while muting color. If the surround is drywall, use a wipe-able finish to stand up to soot and handprints.
Maintenance Checklist That Pays Off
Whatever path you choose, a simple care plan keeps the hearth safe and tidy.
Task | When | Notes |
---|---|---|
Chimney inspection | Yearly or before fuel changes | Ask for Level 2 with video when selling, buying, or converting |
Chimney sweeping | As creosote builds or at start of burn season | Use seasoned wood and hot fires to reduce buildup |
Cap and crown check | Each spring | Seal cracks and secure screens to block rain and pests |
Gasket and damper check | Each fall | Look for bent plates, worn gaskets, or missing clamps |
CO and smoke alarm test | Monthly | Replace batteries on a set schedule; replace units per label |
Glass and surround clean | As needed | Use the cleaner your insert maker approves |
Pellet or gas service | Annually | Clean fans, check vents, verify flame pattern |
Smart Planning Tips
Size Before You Buy
Measure the opening height, width, and depth, plus the hearth and surround. Check clearances in the manual of any insert or log set you like. A cardboard mock-up helps you confirm scale from the sofa.
Mind Air And Power
Gas needs a safe route for venting and combustion air, plus a shutoff. Electric needs a grounded outlet inside or near the firebox. Hide cords with a hardwired kit or an outlet in the cavity.
Pick Glass And Media
Logs look classic. Crushed glass fits modern rooms. Many inserts let you swap media later, so you can freshen the look without new gear.
Plan The Finish
Order tile and mantel parts when you order the insert so everything lands at once. Dry-fit tile sheets, check grout lines, and pre-paint trim. Cover floors and nearby furniture before work starts.
Think Ahead
If you seal the box now, leave a hidden conduit for a future electric insert. If you go gas, keep a clean cover plate for a later style update. Good prep keeps options open.
Budget And Timeline Hints
Get written bids that spell out demo, liner work, gas or power, finish materials, and cleanup. Inserts and custom mantels often carry lead times, so order early. Expect permit reviews to add a week or two. Off-season scheduling can cut delays and secure better crew availability.
Decide what you’ll DIY and what you’ll hire out. Masonry rebuilds, liners, gas lines, and new circuits call for licensed trades. You can handle paint, tile, and a mantel swap if you’re handy. Set a small contingency for surprises inside the flue or behind the surround.
Photograph the firebox before demo so reassembly, clearances, and cable routing stay straightforward for future reference.