The Best Gas Logs for a Double-Sided Fireplace (or, See-Through Fireplace)
For your double-sided fireplace, no gas logs offer greater durability, versatility, or a better look than R. H. Peterson. My favorite styles are the Split Oak Designer Plus gas log set, Charred Oak gas logs, or American Oak logs. There are many other great choices, but these three look and perform the best. For a see-through fireplace, you won't find better choices.
By Andrew,
Fireplace &
Gas Logs Expert
at Hansen Wholesale
Andrew knows double-sided (better known as see-through fireplaces). He's put together many before, so he knows exactly what logs and burner to get to make a beautiful fire. Take his advice and you'll have yourself the perfect see-through fireplace.
The Best Gas Logs for a Double-Sided Fireplace (or, See-Through Fireplace)
February 10th, 2017
See-through fireplaces offer unique challenges when outfitting them with gas logs. First, you have to have the right kind of burner. The typical burner for see-through gas log fireplaces is rectangular, not trapezoidal. Also, it has three burner tubes producing a much higher BTU rating. And of course you have to have logs to suit. Front and rear logs are normally different - with these sets they are the same. They also have more detailing applied, usually the rear logs don't need as much intricacy. Manufacturers make standard gas logs to look great from one side. But, they need to design "see-through" log sets to look great from any angle.
You have the same choices of control and gas with see-through or double-sided fireplaces as with any gas fireplace. Many people like electronic ignition with a remote-controlled flame. You can also choose the simple match-light option. You'll have to measure your fireplace dimensions to see what kind of burner you can fit.
Then it's time to choose the right gas logs. As I mentioned in my previous blog post about realistic gas logs, choose a wood look to match your surroundings. The great news is that R. H. Peterson makes all types of looks. One of the log sets I suggest is the Split Oak Designer Plus. This log set is hand painted with intricate detail to make it look just like freshly cut logs every time you fire it up. My customers agree, Charred Oak and American Oak are beautifully crafted gas logs and make great options, too.
You also have the option of making a glass fire or other modern alternative in your see-through fireplace. Using a variant of the G45 gas burner, you can have Fyre Glass, Diamond Nuggets, River Rock or Geometric Shapes in your double-sided Fireplace. So you have plenty of options.
Give me a call with your dimensions and the type of control you're thinking about. I can talk you through your options. Then, I'll help you choose the best burner and gas logs for your double-sided fireplace. My number here is 1-800-201-1193 x 137. I'll get you the best deal, too.
Thanks for coming by. I hope this helps!
- Andrew
800-201-1193 x137
Fireplace & Gas Log Expert, Hansen Wholesale
First of all, I'm reading your questions like this - tell me if I'm reading you correctly:
“I have a single fireplace in the living room that is bricked on the outer side to a three season porch. I would like to open the back side to use a double-sided fireplace insert. Any comments on this installation? Is it possible?”
We don’t have a double-sided fireplace insert, but we do have double-sided gas log sets and burners. A <a href="http://www.hansenwholesale.com/blog/gas-log/do-you-need-gas-logs-or-a-fireplace-insert/">fireplace insert</a> is a self-contained, closed unit with a glass front. If that’s what you want, we might be able to see about getting one for you. Here's the fireplace insert we prefer: <a href="http://www.hansenwholesale.com/blog/gas-log/review-of-the-d1-30-direct-vent-fireplace-insert/">D1-30 Direct Vent Fireplace Insert</a>.
If, on the other hand you want a double-sided gas logs set to make your fireplace a see-through fireplace that would serve both inside and outside, we can definitely help you with that. My only concern is that you don’t disturb the structural integrity of your home by removing necessary brick. So you want to make sure that your brick fireplace can have a hole knocked in it without causing long-term problems for your home. Make sure you check it with a building inspector so that the entire process keeps your chimney and home up to regulation. You might need to check the building code, and depending on the age of your installation, you may have steel reinforcement to consider.
Although opening the back side of your fireplace may be possible, it is rarely an option that we would recommend for the following reasons:
Aside from potentially weakening the structural integrity of your fireplace, it is likely that your fireplace will no longer draft properly and cause smoke to billow into your home. A properly designed fireplace will have a chimney diameter and height that is designed proportional to the fireplace opening. This is necessary to ensure that the fireplace does not create too little or too much draft. A poorly drafting fireplace will smoke and a fireplace that drafts too much will pull too much air and heat out of your home. So the proper opening size to chimney ratio is a critical part of fireplace design. Opening the back of the fireplace effectively doubles the functional opening size of the fireplace, which means the chimney may need to be taller or larger in diameter. Although it may be possible to make the chimney taller to create more draft, it may not be practical. The correct chimney design may require a complete demolition and reconstruction of the chimney…such being the case, you might as well just destroy and rebuild the entire fireplace.
With that said, we recommend that you have a structural engineer and a building inspector come to your home and determine if it is feasible and, if so, what would be required. Once you have determined that it can be done safely and up to code, we can supply you with a see-thru set of gas logs to fit the fireplace so that you will have them ready to install once the work has been completed.
Once you've done all that, if you can open your fireplace all the way through without structural damage, I suggest the <a href="http://www.hansenwholesale.com/peterson-g45-2-24-n-ss-24-radco-approved-stainless-steel-outdoor-burner-for-vented-natural-gas-logs">G45-2-24-N-SS</a> if you're running natural gas. Check to make sure that size is correct for your fireplace. You can call me if you need help measuring. If you've got propane in that fireplace, the burner you'll want is the <a href="http://www.hansenwholesale.com/peterson-g45-2-24-p-ss-24-radco-approved-stainless-steel-outdoor-burner-for-vented-liquid-propane-gas-logs">G45-2-24-P-SS</a>. These are the stainless steel outdoor double-sided gas log burners. As for a double-sided gas log set, I really like R. H. Peterson's <a href="http://www.hansenwholesale.com/r-h-peterson-chd-2-24-seethru-24-charred-oak-logs-only-does-not-include-burner-for-use-in-wood-burning-fireplaces-with-a-compatible-vented-gas-log-burner-only">CHD-2-24</a>, the Charred Oak log set. Again make sure you get the correct size.
If you have any more questions or concerns, please call me at 800 201 1193 and ask for Andrew – extension 137. I’m happy to help you when you’re ready.
Thanks for asking!
-Andrew