If you want to have a fireplace in your home, you need to make sure you know what kind of fireplace you want. Fireplace types are usually defined by their fuel source, as different fuel sources dramatically alter the set-up and design of your fireplace.

Wood Burning

The most classic type of fireplace is a wood-burning fireplace. With a wood burning fireplace, generally, you have an open-hearth style, which basically means the fireplace opens up into your home, with stones around the base of the fireplace. With an open-hearth fireplace, you are going to want to put a grate around the fireplace. This type of fireplace can create a lot of heat. A wood-burning fireplace doesn't have to be open though. You can also purchase an enclosed fireplace, where you still burn wood, but the flame is enclosed. If you have children or smell pets, an enclosed fireplace may be a safer option. Regardless of the style, with a wood-burning fireplace you generally have a chimney that exhausts through the top of your home. You will also need to supply your own wood for the fireplace.

Gas-Burning Fireplace

Another option is a gas-burning fireplace, which is a good choice if you have a natural gas line or if you have the space to install a propane fireplace on your property. With a gas burning fireplace, the fuel source is built-in, so you don't need to obtain wood. You can still have an open-looking flame with a gas fireplace that is behind glass. You can go for a hearth-style looking fireplace or a gas fireplace stove. With a gas fireplace, you generally need to have some sort of vent for the gas fumes, but there are also ventless options. You don't have to install a chimney.

Electric Fireplaces

You could also go with an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces have increased in popularity because of their versatility. You can have a built-in electric fireplace, designed to look more like a classic mantle fireplace. Or you can have free-standing electric fireplaces. There are lots of different electric fireplace configurations, and you can put an electric fireplace anywhere you want. With an electric fireplace, you need to be mindful of the electricity it will consume and how that will increase your electrical bill.

When it comes to adding a fireplace to your home, you have lots of different fuel and style options. The key is to figure out what type of fuel source you want, and then choose a style from there.