The first thing you need as a firewood burner is a fireplace. Fireplaces can be found for sale from various retailers, usually those related to hearth products.

In order to make sure everything goes smooth with your fireplace purchase, keep the following tips in mind:

1) Get a proper measurement of the space where you’re going to be putting your fireplace.

2) There are a few different types of fireplaces to choose from. Some have a more traditional log-cabinet look, while others look like sheet-metal and resemble the stove in your kitchen. Some come with custom tiles and/or handrails, as well as other useful accessories such as screens and grates. These are items you may or may not want to buy for your fireplace, so make sure you take note of any extras that may come with the unit.

3) Installation is relatively straightforward. If you’re considering getting someone else to do it for you, be sure they have experience installing fireplaces in both homes and businesses.

4) Once your fireplace is installed, the first thing you’ll want to do is ensure it’s level. The last thing you want is for one side of your enclosure to be higher than another.

5) After leveling the firebox, make sure you properly seal all seams and connections with a high-temperature caulk designed for fireplaces.

6) A good practice for your fireplace is to install a screen in front of it to keep embers from flying out and burning carpeting or other delicate materials you may have in your home. While screens are useful, many people choose not to use them. It’s entirely up to you whether or not they’re worth the hassle of having to clean up after each fire.

7) After you’ve used your fireplace for awhile, soot will build up on the walls of the enclosure. This is especially true if you burn pine or other resinous wood. If this happens, don’t try to remove it with a wet rag or anything that’s water-based; these products can cause stains to form on the surface of your enclosure. Instead, use a product designed for cleaning up after wood fires.

8) The most important rule in burning wood is “burn dry.” You should never burn any kind of wet or green firewood because it will cause creosote buildup in the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and can ignite at any time. (pipefiks.no)

9) The best way to prevent creosote buildup is to have your chimney smoke-checked on a regular basis. A professional can use an inspection mirror or smoke tube to check for loose mortar in the flue, cracks in the bricks, etc. Have your chimney checked at least once a year. (https://pipefiks.no/piperehabilitering/)

10) Clean out your fireplace regularly to prevent embers from building up in the enclosure. Embers are another source of creosote, so make sure you clean them out either by scooping them away with a shovel or using an oversized fireplace brush that has flexible bristles to sweep the ashes into a metal bucket. (https://www.pipefiks.no/tjenester/staalpiper)

11) If you prefer not to clean out your fireplace yourself, you can always hire a professional chimney sweep to do it for you. A good chimney sweep will also be able to recommend other ways to keep creosote from building up in your flue, such as having a heat exchanger installed.

12) Finally – and this is important – don’t ever leave your fireplace unattended. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, you should never leave the house with your chimney still burning. This includes not just wood-burning fireplaces but gas log inserts as well.