Fireplace Project

Ever since we got our first gas bill last winter (it was BIG... for many months it was BIG), we have been trying to figure out a way to cut costs, and be more efficient. Kyle has been researching alternative methods for a long time now. We had plan in St. Louis Park (a possible masonry heater), and we were looking into wood fired boilers for our hot water heat here in Grand Rapids. However, the wood fired boilers are quite expensive, and we would still need to have some natural gas capabilities because Kyle and I will both be working during the day soon. We knew we wanted to heat with wood though, so about a month ago, we had three cords of seasoned wood delivered. It actually felt good to be out in the fall weather splitting and stacking wood. The boys were anxious to help as well, and it turned into a fun family activity.

A couple of weeks ago we noticed there was smoke coming out of the see through fireplace in the family room and living room. Kyle looked and found some small cracks in the chimney. So, now he was also trying to figure out how to fix that. In the process we began looking at wood stove inserts for the fire place. It seemed like a good alternative to our wood fired boiler, and a cheaper one as well. However, because it is a see through fireplace, we didn't want a standard insert because the back side of it would look pretty ugly.

So, we researched soapstone woodstoves. These are beautiful woodstoves, and the back is a really nice stone tile. They provide a nice even radiant heat, are efficient, and are low emission. We began taking measurements to see if it was a possibility to get one of these into the existing fireplace box. It looked like it was going to work, and there is a dealer in Grand Rapids. So we went to go talk to them about it...and they thought it was a very good option for us. So, we placed out order and it is suppose to be at the store the 1st of December with tentative installation set for December 8th. I can't wait!

In the meantime we are getting the existing fireplace box ready for the woodstove. We took the doors off last night, and the opening is bigger than we thought which will provide really nice airflow through the box and a nice big viewing area for the fire. We took the grate out, and cleaned up the tile around the outside. Looking at the bottom of the box, it was pretty wavy. So, we have decided to lay tile in it...which will look nice and provide a nice even hearth.

Pictures:
1. Kyle wanted to put a wood rack in front of the cabinet next to the fireplace. I suggested we take the doors off the cabinet, empty it out and use it as wood storage. It turned out very nice!
2 & 3. The open box on both sides. It now has the floor leveling compound in and is ready for the mortar and tile.
4. The firebox before cleanup and floor leveling.
5. Before picture of the fireplace.