Wood to Gas Fireplace Conversion

Two Ways to Convert Wood to Gas

There are two main approaches, and the right one depends on your firebox, your chimney, and what you're trying to get out of the fireplace. We assess all of that and give you a straight recommendation.

Why Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas?

We hear it constantly — homeowners who convert their wood-burning fireplace to gas wish they'd done it sooner. Here's what you actually gain.

• ✓ No more hauling, stacking, or storing firewood
• ✓ No creosote buildup in your chimney
• ✓ No ash cleanup after every fire
• ✓ Instant on/off — start a fire in seconds
• ✓ Programmable thermostat control
• ✓ Year-round reliability, regardless of season

What the Conversion Process Looks Like

Every conversion we do follows the same four steps — consistent, code-compliant, no surprises mid-project.

1. 1

   Initial Assessment

   We look at your firebox dimensions, the masonry, the flue condition, and where the nearest gas line is relative to the fireplace. That's what it takes to make a real recommendation instead of a guess.

2. 2

   Recommendation

   We tell you which approach makes sense for your fireplace and why. Insert or gas logs — we explain the reasoning based on your specific situation. You get a clear estimate before anything gets ordered or scheduled.

3. 3

   Prep Work

   If the job calls for a liner — which is standard on gas insert conversions — we run the flexible stainless steel liner through your existing flue before the unit goes in. Any firebox prep work, cleaning, minor masonry repair, or gas line extension all happen at this stage too.

4. 4

   Installation and Testing

   The insert or gas log set goes in, the gas connection is made and pressure-tested, and we run a full operational test. We don't leave until it's working correctly. Before we go, we walk you through the controls so you know exactly how to use what we installed.

Is Your Fireplace a Good Candidate for Conversion?

The short answer: most can. When we assess your fireplace, here's what we're looking at:

• ▸
  Firebox dimensions — to confirm the right insert or log set fits your opening correctly
• ▸
  Chimney condition — to determine whether a liner is needed and whether the flue is structurally sound
• ▸
  Gas line proximity — to plan the gas supply connection for your specific installation

The Pacific Northwest Factor

King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties fall under Puget Sound Clean Air Agency jurisdiction, which means wood-burning fireplaces are subject to seasonal and episodic burn bans. On high-pollution days — and those happen throughout fall and winter — wood burning gets restricted or shut down entirely. The bans can run for days during cold snaps, and the fines for burning during one are real.

Gas fireplaces are exempt. You can use yours on any air quality alert day, any time you want heat or just want a fire to sit next to, without pulling up the PSCA website to check first. Converting to gas doesn't just make life easier — it means your fireplace is actually usable on the cold nights when you want it most.