Can You Put Gas Logs in a Wood-Burning Fireplace?

Yes. In many cases, a gas log set can be installed in an existing wood-burning fireplace, as long as the fireplace is in good working condition and a gas supply is available. Vented gas logs are designed for wood-burning fireplaces and burn with the damper open, while vent-free sets can also be approved for wood-burning fireplaces where local codes allow. A qualified professional installer should confirm your fireplace, gas line, and local code requirements before you buy.

What Needs to Be Checked First?

Before choosing a log set, it is generally a good idea to have a qualified professional inspect the fireplace and chimney. Common checkpoints include the condition of the firebox and chimney, whether the damper works properly, the firebox dimensions, and whether a gas line is present or can be added. You should also check local building codes and city regulations, since some areas have restrictions or conditions on gas logs. Several of the product pages below include this same reminder.

Should You Choose Vented or Vent-Free Gas Logs?

Vented gas logs burn with the damper open, sending exhaust up the chimney. They are typically chosen for the most realistic-looking flames, though much of the heat also goes up the chimney. The Real Fyre vented sets below are designed for a wood-burning fireplace retrofitted with natural gas and burned with the damper open.

Vent-free gas logs burn very efficiently and send more heat into the room. Empire states that its Slope Glaze vent-free burner is approved for use in a certified vent-free firebox or an existing wood-burning fireplace, and that its vent-free sets use about half the energy of a vented gas log. Vent-free burners include an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that shuts the burner off if oxygen levels drop. Some states, cities, and room types restrict or prohibit vent-free appliances, so check local codes with your installer first.

Do You Need a Gas Line?

Yes. Gas logs require a natural gas or propane supply at the fireplace. If your wood-burning fireplace does not already have a gas line or key valve, a licensed gas professional will typically need to run one. Make sure the log set and burner you choose match your fuel type; for example, the Real Fyre vented sets in this guide burn natural gas, while the Empire vent-free sets are available in natural gas or propane.

Can You Still Burn Wood After Installing Gas Logs?

Generally, no. Once a gas log set is installed, you should not burn wood or other solid fuel on top of or alongside it. If you want to return to wood burning later, the gas logs and burner would need to be removed and the gas line properly capped by a professional. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific set.

What Size Gas Logs Do You Need?

Gas log sets are sold by approximate width, such as 16, 18, 24, or 30 inches. As a general rule, measure the front width, rear width, and depth of your firebox, and choose a set and burner that fit with clearance on all sides. Manufacturers publish minimum firebox dimensions for each set, so check those specifications, or ask your installer to confirm the fit. For vent-free sets, Real Fyre notes that if the burner is at floor level or less than 6 inches above the floor, there must be at least 12 inches of noncombustible material between the front of the fireplace and any combustible flooring.

Top Vented Gas Log Picks

1. Real Fyre Woodland Oak Gas Logs with Burner Kit Options

Price: $627.30 - $1,729.80 (18"); also available in 30" ($864.90 - $1,976.40)
Part of Real Fyre's hand-painted Designer Series, Woodland Oak is a vented natural gas set designed for a wood-burning fireplace retrofitted with natural gas and burned with the damper open. It offers G4, G45, or G46 burner systems. The refractory ceramic logs have high-definition bark, natural colors, and steel rods inserted in each log for reinforcement. Control options include a manual on/off valve and a safety pilot kit.

2. Real Fyre Rugged Split Oak Gas Logs with Burner Kit Options

Price: $814.50 - $1,937.70 (24")
Another Designer Series vented set, Rugged Split Oak offers G4, G45, or G46 burner systems. The G4 provides a glowing ember bed, the G45 Triple T emphasizes its front embers, and the G46 is ANSI certified with hidden controls and piezo ignition. Peterson vented ceramic refractory gas logs carry a lifetime warranty, and Peterson vented burners carry a ten-year warranty.

3. Real Fyre Charred Royal English Oak Gas Logs with Burner Kit Options

Price: $808.20 - $2,798.10 (18")
From the Real Fyre Charred Series, these logs recreate the bark detail and coloration of deeply charred wood, with burned-through centers that accentuate the flames. This vented natural gas set offers G4, G45, or G31 burner systems; the three-tiered G31 creates high, full-bodied flames while using fewer BTUs.

Top Vent-Free Gas Log Picks

4. Empire Charleston Log Set with Vent-Free Slope Glaze Burner

Price: $1,228.00 - $1,738.00 (24"); also available in 16" ($1,138.00 - $1,397.00), 18" ($1,163.00 - $1,693.00), and 30" ($1,358.00 - $1,808.00)
Charleston logs are traditional hand-painted refractory concrete logs from Empire's American Hearth collection. The Slope Glaze Burner is approved for a certified vent-free firebox or an existing wood-burning fireplace, uses internal ceramic beads to create realistic flame movement, and includes an ODS. Available in natural gas or propane, with millivolt (with on/off or thermostatic remote options) or intermittent pilot burner options.

5. Empire Ravenwood Log Set with Vent-Free Slope Glaze Burner

Price: $1,278.00 - $1,788.00 (24"); also available in 18" ($1,208.00 - $1,738.00) and 30" ($1,413.00 - $1,863.00)
Ravenwood is another hand-painted refractory concrete set from the American Hearth collection, paired with Empire's vent-free Slope Glaze Burner and ODS. Empire states the burner is 99.9% efficient and that its vent-free sets use about half the energy of a vented gas log. Available in natural gas or propane.

6. Real Fyre Charred Frontier Oak with Vent-Free G10 Burner Kit

Price: $1,411.20 - $2,268.90 (24")
The G10 Series features a burnt-through front log, lively flames, and a large ember bed with Bryte Coals. The series is offered in 16", 18", 24", and 30" sets for natural gas or propane, with variable BTU ratings from 17,000 to 37,000. G10 sets are ANSI certified and include a vent-free burner with pre-assembled control valve and ODS, custom grate, connector kit, glowing embers, Bryte Coals, and Lava-Fyre granules. Control options include manual on/off remote, variable flame height remote, and electronic remote.

FAQ

Q: Can I install gas logs myself?
A: Gas connections and fireplace installations are best left to a qualified, licensed professional who can confirm the gas line, venting, and local code requirements.

Q: Do I need to keep the damper open with gas logs?
A: With vented gas logs, yes; the Real Fyre vented sets above are designed to burn with the damper open. Vent-free sets work differently, so follow the manufacturer's instructions and your installer's guidance for your specific set.

Q: Are vent-free gas logs allowed everywhere?
A: No. Some states, cities, and room types restrict or prohibit vent-free appliances. Check local building codes before you purchase or install.

Q: Can I use propane instead of natural gas?
A: It depends on the set. The Empire vent-free sets and the Real Fyre G10 Series are available in natural gas or propane, while the Real Fyre vented sets above burn natural gas.

Q: Do gas logs give off heat?
A: Yes, though the amount varies. Vent-free sets direct more heat into the room, while vented sets send more of it up the chimney. Real Fyre's ceramic refractory logs provide radiant heat while in operation and after the set has been turned off.

Find the Right Gas Log Set

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