custom fireplaces

For heating, it is often better. Zero-clearance wood fireplaces are clean-burning, EPA-certified home heaters — sealed appliances that pull all their combustion air from outside instead of consuming your heated indoor air. In many cases, installing a zero-clearance wood fireplace is half the cost of installing an open masonry fireplace.

A fireplace insert is designed to transform virtually any existing masonry or zero-clearance metal fireplace into an efficient source of heat — so inserts are for homes that already have a fireplace. A fireplace itself is the complete factory-built firebox, typically installed during new construction or a remodel when no fireplace exists yet.

Yes. Models range from zonal heaters to whole-house heaters, and an optional Power Heat Duct Kit can redirect up to 50% of the fireplace's heat to one or two additional rooms within 20 feet of the fireplace. Let your dealer know which rooms you want to warm so the system can be planned accordingly.

Yes. Built-in electric fireplaces and inserts provide supplemental zone heating — for example, Modern Flames' Orion Traditional insert heats up to 500 square feet — and the flame can be run with or without heat for year-round enjoyment. That makes them true supplemental heaters for the room they are in.

No. Electric fireplaces are zero-emission and require no venting, so they can be installed virtually anywhere — no chimney, flue, or gas line. That flexibility is why they work in rooms and remodels where a vented fireplace would be impractical.

They are a proven option in both masonry and factory-built lines. Isokern's Standard Series, for example, can be installed for a see-thru application, with the specific installation details covered in the series' installation manual. A hearth designer can help you decide where a two-sided view earns its place in your floor plan.

Decades — potentially as long as the home itself. Earthcore states that when treated and installed properly, Isokern fireplace and chimney products should at least last the life of your house. Installed properly is doing the heavy lifting in that sentence, which is why professional installation matters.

Indoor systems: no. Although they are simple and kit-like in design, Isokern fireplaces and chimney systems are not do-it-yourself projects and need to be installed by a professional. Outdoor fireplace systems are the exception — a homeowner can assemble those by following the assembly guide.

It is mostly a style decision, and both can be serious heaters. Traditional models offer a classic fireview with dozens of designer faces, trims, and fireback combinations, while linear models deliver a wide, contemporary ribbon of flame with underlit glass and multiple fire-art interior options. Budget-minded clean-face lines come in both styles, so the look does not have to dictate the budget.