What does prefab fireplace mean?

A prefab fireplace is a one that has been manufactured and assembled in a factory before being transported and installed at a job site. This type of fireplace will save you time and money, over a traditional masonry fireplace. They are made in vent less, direct-vent and vented versions.

How much does a prefab fireplace cost?

In general, the cost of prefabricated fireplaces range from $1,000 on the low end up and up to $4,000 on the high end, although there are a few prefabricated units out there that cost more.

What are prefab fireplaces made of?

In contrast, factory-built or prefabricated fireplaces are designed and manufactured in a factory and arrive at your home ready to be installed. They are primarily made of metal, with glass doors, air-cooled pipes and insulated walls.

What do you need to know about a prefab fireplace?

This type of prefab fireplaces resembles traditional heating units in that it provides heat to the house by burning wood logs. Therefore, if you plan to install a prefab fireplace, you should stock a considerable supply of wood material that will last you through the desired period of fireplace usage.

Which is more expensive to install, a gas or a prefab fireplace?

Therefore, if you plan to install a prefab fireplace, you should stock a considerable supply of wood material that will last you through the desired period of fireplace usage. In general, prefabricated wood-burning fireplaces are more expensive to install than the gas-only since they require the construction of an additional venting unit.

What’s the difference between a prefabricated and a masonry fireplace?

Prefab fireplaces are made in a factory and are most common in newer homes. They first became popular in the 1960s. The inside of a factory-built fireplace is usually made from solid sheets of metal. They can also have refractory panels inside, which look like bricks, and serves to prevent the fire’s heat from penetrating and damaging the firebox.

Are there any hardware stores that carry prefab fireplace doors?

The big name hardware store retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s do not carry prefab fireplace glass doors. While on the surface this might not make sense, the simple reason is that is too much of a hassle for them.

Can an insert be put in a prefab fireplace?

Many people have often asked if they can install a wood burning insert into a builder grade fireplace and the short answer is yes you can . Now wood burning inserts can also be placed in prefabricated fireplaces, but again you are going to need to be careful on what insert you buy as not all inserts will work.

What is a prefabricated fireplace?

Prefabricated (prefab) fireplaces are a factory built, complete system heating appliance that operates similarly to an open hearth system. One of the main ways it differs from a masonry fireplace is that prefabricated fireplaces are made of metal and can use fuels such as gas and electricity, in addition to wood.

What is the best wood for a fireplace?

The best kind of wood to burn is one of the hard woods, such as oak, hard maple and birch because they release more heat and produce less creosote deposits. Oak is considered the best wood to burn in a fireplace, by far.

What is a factory-built fireplace?

Unlike traditional masonry fireplaces , which are built on site, factory – built fireplaces are designed to allow for installation at a later date, although they are just as often used for new construction. A factory – built fireplace is made up of a firebox enclosed within a steel cabinet, and a steel chimney or flue.