Fireplace Insert Front vs. Surround: A Complete Guide to Gas Insert Customizations
If you have an old, drafty masonry fireplace or a traditional wood-burning hearth, upgrading to a modern gas fireplace insert is one of the best ways to bring efficient, accessible zone heating into your main living space.
But when you start shopping, the terminology can get confusing fast. What is the difference between a fireplace front and a surround? How do you know which components you actually need?
Gas fireplace inserts fit inside of an existing fireplace.
- A surround goes around the insert box between the existing brick or metal covering any gaps. Surrounds are largely decorative, but do reduce some draft.
- A front attaches to the face (very front) of your fireplace. Fronts change the fireplace insert’s design plus protect kids & animals with a fine mesh screen.
When should you buy a new gas fireplace insert?
If you have an old masonry fireplace or a pre-existing wood burning fireplace upgrading to a gas insert makes heat accessible if your main living space. Learn more about gas fireplace inserts.
We will assume you know that average FULL cost for a gas fireplace insert these days is $8000. Once you are comfortable with the investment, a gas fireplace insert has some exciting customization options.
Customization options for a new gas fireplace insert installation:
The following are common terms that will help you when choosing a gas fireplace insert for your home:
- Fireplace Insert Surround
- The surround (sometimes called a faceplate or backing plate) is the large metal panel that bridges the gap between the new insert and your existing masonry fireplace opening.
- Why it matters: It seals off the old opening, prevents drafts, and provides a clean, seamless transition from the fireplace to your wall. Surrounds come in various sizes and finishes to match your room’s scale.
- Fireplace Insert Front & Screen
- If the surround is the frame, the front and screen make up the face of your fireplace. The “front” refers to the decorative outer door or frame, while the “screen” is the safety mesh that protects loved ones from the hot ceramic glass.
- Why it matters: This is the most visible design element. You can choose from modern, minimalist clean-faces, rustic arched irons, or traditional farmhouse styles to instantly set the tone of the room.
- Refractory or Interior Panels
- The refractory panels line the interior walls of the fireplace firebox behind the flames. Refractories are often brick, RCF or other insulation material.
- Why it matters: These refractory panels aren’t just for insulation; they dramatically alter the look of the fire. You can opt for traditional red brick, rustic stacked stone, or reflective black glass panels that mirror the flames to create an illusion of incredible depth. If one breaks, you need to fix it! Get an authorized service professional to help.
- Logs, Stones & Other Media
- The logs are the media sitting inside the firebox. Crafted from high-grade ceramic or fiber, modern gas logs are meticulously hand-painted to mimic specific wood types like split oak, driftwood, or birch.
- Why it matters: This dictates the “fire vibe.” If traditional logs aren’t your style, many contemporary inserts allow you to swap them out for modern fire glass, geometric shapes, or river stones.
- Interior Lights
- Many premium gas fireplace inserts feature built-in ambient accent lights (often adjustable LEDs) positioned at the top or bottom of the firebox.
- Why it matters: These lights illuminate the logs and interior panels. The best part? You can turn them on even when you don’t want any heat, giving your room a warm, cozy glow on a mid-summer evening.
- Termination Cap
- The termination cap is the exterior hardware installed at the very end of your fireplace’s venting pipe, typically located on your roof or an outside wall.
- Why it matters: While this component lives outside, it plays a massive role in how your indoor insert performs. It protects your entire venting system from rain, snow, and nesting pests, while preventing heavy winds from blowing out your pilot light. From a design standpoint, you can customize these with low-profile, high-wind, or color-matched options so the vent blends seamlessly into your home’s exterior siding or roofline rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.
- Remote
- A good controller makes all the difference. Make sure you use the gas fireplace insert you are purchasing in a store to make sure you understand and enjoy the remote control.
- Why it matters: Options range from basic handheld remotes to multi-functional thermostatic remotes and smartphone apps. A smart remote lets you adjust the flame height, control the fan speed, tweak the accent lighting, and set a target room temperature without leaving the comfort of your couch.
- P.S. The remote is what you physically hold! It is how you interact with your gas fireplace insert.
What are the steps when buying a new gas fireplace insert?
Showroom, estimate, in-home confirmed quote, deposit, schedule, order, install, enjoy, service, smile.
Once you have a level 2 chimney inspection with your gas line and electric run to the fireplace. Next step is installation. At this point, your surround, front and other customizations are often already chosen. Learn more about The Stove Shop’s process of doing a new fireplace installation in Phoenixville, PA.
Fuel choice gives peace of mind all winter long
Gas fireplace inserts are a wonderful investment for your home. Gas inserts increase home value and improve heating efficiency during the winter. Having fuel choice during the coldest months of the year creates peace of mind for many homeowners throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
At The Stove Shop, we believe in having at least one alternative home heating option aside from electricity or oil. If you are reliant on just electricity for heat and the power goes out a gas fireplace insert will still function! For example with the Heat & Glo Escape, all you need to do is put some batteries in the remote’s receiver and you are warm without electricity.
Knowledge is power when buying a new gas fireplace installation
Vocabulary is overwhelming. Do not get bogged down! We have an ever growing hearth education blog with wonderful resources. If you need any help, please contact us at The Stove Shop Fireplace Experts in Phoenixville, PA. We are honored to be useful in your home heating quest.
