Tudor Wood-Burner Converted to a Clean-Burning Showpiece

Problem

The owners loved the look of their original masonry firebox but never lit it: hauling wood, the smoke smell, and the cleanup meant the room's natural focal point sat cold all winter. They wanted the warmth and the ambiance without the maintenance.

Diagnosis

A Level 2 inspection showed the masonry and flue were in good shape and well-suited to a direct-vent gas insert. The original firebox dimensions could accept a sealed unit while preserving the historic brick reveal — keeping the period character that made the room.

Solution

• 01Ran a new gas line to the firebox with a code-compliant shutoff
• 02Installed a direct-vent sealed gas insert sized to the original opening
• 03Relined through the existing flue for the insert's coaxial vent
• 04Hand-laid a realistic split-log and ember set for a full, natural flame
• 05Preserved the original brick reveal and refinished the hearth stone

Outcome

The hearth went from decorative to the room's most-used feature — instant flame on a wall switch, no soot, no wood. The period brick was kept intact, so the conversion reads as original. Carbon monoxide and combustion safety verified before sign-off.