How to Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas — And What to Expect

If you love the idea of a fireplace but hate the mess, smoke, and hassle of burning wood, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are choosing to convert their wood-burning fireplace to gas — and for good reason. It’s cleaner, easier to use, and surprisingly simple to install when you work with the right team.

At Gas Masters, we help homeowners across the Triangle make this upgrade every week. Here’s what the process looks like, and what you can expect.

The first step is an inspection of your existing fireplace and chimney. We’ll check the firebox, flue, damper, and surrounding structure to make sure it’s safe and up to code. If your chimney is damaged or no longer functional, that may impact whether you go with a vented gas log set, a vent-free system, or a gas insert that’s completely sealed and direct-vented through the wall.

Next, we’ll help you choose the right type of gas system. Some homeowners prefer vented gas logs, which give you tall, natural-looking flames and mimic the look of a real fire. Others go with vent-free logs or sealed inserts, which maximize heat output and efficiency while keeping installation flexible. Each option has pros and cons, and we’ll walk you through the best fit for your space and usage.

Once your system is selected, we’ll install a gas line if one doesn’t already exist. Our team handles everything from line sizing and routing to permitting and inspections — whether you’re running off natural gas or propane. We’ll also install any accessories you choose, like fireplace doors, custom log sets, or remote controls for added convenience.

Finally, we test the system thoroughly, walk you through operation and maintenance, and leave your home exactly as we found it — but warmer, cleaner, and easier to enjoy.

Converting a wood-burning fireplace to gas usually takes just one day of on-site work, and instantly transforms how you experience your living room.