Fireplace Wonk is where you can learn what you need to know about fireplaces to get up to speed quickly and not look stupid to contractors and salesmen.

The site is still in preparation, but we'll be covering what you need to know about gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces, wood fireplaces, and fireplace inserts.

We'll help you with outdoor fireplaces, fireplace logs, stone fireplaces, fireplace accessories, fireplace tools, and a lot more.

Our expert authors -- the wonks -- have decades of experience, and will introduce you to the jargon and concepts you need to know. We will be adding articles over time to provide you with what you need to know about fireplaces so you won't look stupid when working with salesmen or contractors.

So far, we have covered the following concepts:

  • Antique Fireplace
    There's a great middle ground between cheap home-improvement-store inserts and expensive custom fireplaces.

  • Corner Fireplace
    Just because you don't have an available expanse of wall doesn't mean you can't have a fireplace.

  • Direct Vent Fireplace
    No way to put in a chimney? You still have real-fire fireplace options.

  • Direct-Vent Fireplaces
    Direct-vent fireplaces are a much better idea than ventless varieties. Here's what to look for.

  • Electric Fireplace
    If your home doesn't have a fireplace, you can still have one -- even in the city -- with an electric fireplace which can produce heat, as well as the look of a nice fire.

  • Fireplace Blowers
    Get the heat from a fire into the house, not just within a few feet of the fireplace.

  • Fireplace Designs
    How much does it cost to get the fireplace design of your dreams? As much as you want to spend....

  • Fireplace Hearth
    The design of the floor in front of the fireplace is an important consideration many miss during planning.

  • Fireplace Insert
    Update the look, efficiency, or functionality of an old fireplace with a variety of insert types.

  • Fireplace Logs
    Even gas fireplaces need "logs" to make them look good, and there are a variety of options available.

  • Fireplace Mantel
    A mantle puts a finishing touch on the face of your fireplace.

  • Fireplace Store
    Home improvement warehouses can have nice prices, but you'll get more selection -- and more expert help -- from a specialty shop.

  • Fireplace Stoves
    Fireplaces can do more than add ambiance and heat a room.

  • Fireplace Surrounds
    Surrounds aren't just for looks: they perform an important safety task as well. And of course, prices vary widely.

  • Fireplace Tools
    Unless you plan to try to adjust burning materials with your bare hands, you'll want some tools to help make various fireplace jobs easier.

  • Fireplaces
    There are a lot of alternatives to standard brick wood fireplaces, from electric fireplaces to gas-burning inserts to patio or "kiva" firepits. This is just the start to exploring the choices you have.

  • Gas Fireplace
    A gas fireplace is a great alternative to a wood-burning or electric unit, since it not only produces heat, but gives a real fire, too.

  • Gas Fireplace Accessories
    You can skip most -- but not all -- fireplace accessories when you have a gas fireplace.

  • Gas Fireplace Insert
    Gas inserts are a more popular than ever option, especially during remodels.

  • Gas Fireplace Logs
    Gas fireplaces are pretty ugly without logs to make them seem more "real".

  • Gel Fireplaces
    Sometimes the only legal way to get a fireplace into a modern urban home is a gel fireplace, which isn't as horrible as you may think.

  • Indoor Fireplaces
    There are countless options available for indoor fireplaces. You need to know them before you specify what you want in your home.

  • Modern Fireplaces
    Fireplaces are hundreds of years old, but there have been some modern innovations that make them more efficient and less polluting.

  • Natural Gas Fireplace
    Due to local pollution laws, sometimes a gas fireplace is the only option for your home. Here's how to make it better.

  • Outdoor Fireplace
    There are many great choices -- and some special safety considerations -- when considering an outdoor fireplace.

  • Patio Fireplace
    Plan carefully your requirements for a patio fireplace before you start, or you may end up with trouble or expense you didn't anticipate.

  • Propane Fireplaces
    Propane-fueled fireplaces allow you to have a fireplace even if local regulations prohibit most fireplaces, you don't like the mess or trouble of wood, or you need something portable.

  • Stone Fireplace
    Stone fireplaces are gorgeous but expensive. Here are some alternatives to retain the look at a lower price.

  • Unvented Gas Fireplaces
    Ventless or vent free gas fireplaces are increasingly popular in many urban areas, but caution needs to be used to keep your family safe.

  • Vent Fireplaces
    Gas fireplaces should be vented: here are some tips and reasons.

  • Vent-Free Gas Fireplaces
    When shopping for ventless gas fireplaces there are several things you should consider.

  • Ventless Fireplace
    A ventless fireplace allows you to put in a fireplace even if you can't get air from outside. But care must be taken to keep it safe.

  • Ventless Gas Fireplace
    Are ventless fireplaces even safe? Here's what to look out for.

  • Wood Fireplace
    The classic fireplace: one that burns real wood. But technology has increased efficiency and safety of this ancient home improvement.

We're still new, so Stay Tuned for more!