Builders Materials in Taos, NM: Where Artistic Brickwork Meets Cozy, Modern Fireplace Designs

Serving Taos, NM: We’re the Area’s Trusted Fireplace Store

In the 20th century, Taos became a magnet for artists and writers (the Taos Society of Artists, for example), all of whom were seeking inspiration in the region’s light, landscape, and cultural depth. In fact, this is what makes the town’s altitude significant – its elevation contributes to its clear skies, crisp air, dramatic mountain weather, and that “light” that artists love.

Since Taos has been an artist colony for over a century, galleries, studios, and museums abound. Check out spots like Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, Harwood Museum of Art, and the Millicent Rogers Museum.

More of an outdoor enthusiast? Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, high desert mesas, and the gorge of the Rio Grande, Taos offers dramatic landscapes and outdoor access, as well. Hikers can explore miles of scenic trails, from the Devisadero Peak Loop and West Rim Trail along the Rio Grande Gorge to alpine routes like the Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak Trail (the highest summit in New Mexico).

Nearby spots like Carson National Forest and Rio Grande del Norte National Monument also offer endless opportunities for hiking, biking, rafting, and wildlife viewing, while spots like El Salto Falls, Black Rock Hot Springs, and the Wild Rivers Recreation Area showcase the area’s raw natural beauty.

Or, do some shopping at Taos Plaza & Downtown Historic District, the heart of Taos, with shops, galleries, historic buildings, and restaurants.

It’s easy to see why locals love this area, and we’re happy to serve it, as well as surrounding spots like Taos Ski Valley, San Cristobal, Pilar, Tres Piedras, Angel Fire, Black Lake, Penasco, Talpa, and more. Need fireplace services near you? Reach out today.

Your Guide to Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are one of the most popular hearth choices nowadays thanks to their ease of operation and high efficiency performance – plus, no mess! But many homeowners still wonder about their requirements and performance compared to wood-burning models. Some common questions we get:

Do gas fireplaces need chimneys or vents?

Yes, most of the time. The most common gas fireplace options are direct-vent systems, which use a sealed system that vents combustion gases outside through a pipe. They don’t require a full chimney, but they do need a nearby exterior wall or roof to run a vent pipe through.

Some older models use a chimney or flue to vent gases, much like traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They are less efficient than direct-vent systems.

And, yes, there are some vent-free options that don’t need a chimney or vent at all. They burn so efficiently that they release minimal exhaust directly into the room. Vent-free models are highly regulated, though, so in some areas, they’re restricted or prohibited.

How efficient are gas fireplaces?

Gas fireplaces are very effective heaters. Many models produce between 20,000 – 40,000 BTUs, which is plenty to heat medium or large rooms. And because they burn clean and often use sealed combustion, direct-vent gas fireplaces are much more efficient than open wood fireplaces.

Do gas fireplaces offer a good ambiance?

When most people picture a “classic” fireplace, they imagine the crackle of burning logs and the flicker of natural flames dancing over real wood. Gas fireplaces deliver steady, controlled heat and a clean burn, but because they don’t produce the same sounds, scent, or shifting glow as wood, the ambiance can feel a bit…different to some homeowners.

That said, today’s gas fireplaces have come a long way in terms of realism and atmosphere. Many models feature lifelike ceramic logs or glass media that mimic natural flames and glowing embers very accurately. And because the flame height and colors are customizable, you can really create any vibes you’d like.

For those who want the look and warmth of a traditional fire without the hassle of wood, gas fireplaces offer a beautiful, low-maintenance solution. They may not pop or crackle, but they can still transform a room with cozy light and inviting comfort.

Your Guide to Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their versatility, ease of installation, and low maintenance requirements. They’re perfect for those who want a fireplace ambiance without the mess of wood or the venting needs of gas.

Do electric fireplaces give off real heat?

Yes, though the amount is more limited compared to gas or wood. Most models produce 4,000 – 5,000 BTUs, about the same as a space heater. In addition, many units let you run the flame effect without heat, so you can enjoy the look year round.

Can electric fireplaces be installed without venting?

Absolutely – in fact, this is one of their biggest benefits. Because there’s no real combustion, electric fireplaces don’t produce smoke or emissions, making them a great fit for spare rooms, small homes, or apartments where having a chimney put in simply isn’t possible. You still get a nice fireplace ambiance, just without the need to vent anything.

This also makes installation a breeze. Many plug directly into a standard outlet (although, larger models may require a dedicated 240-volt line). They can also be placed just about anywhere – mounted on a wall, recessed into drywall, or built into entertainment centers. As long as there’s an outlet nearby, you should be good to go.

Are electric fireplaces considered a safer option?

Electric fireplaces are among the safest hearth choices out there. Most models use LED technology, so the “flames” are just light projections, meaning the glass is safe to touch and won’t burn little fingers or curious pets. In addition, many systems have built-in sensors shut off the unit if it overheats.

All in all, with no real flame, no smoke, and minimal hot surfaces, they’re far less risky than traditional fireplaces.

Your Guide to Wood Fireplaces

For many, nothing compares to the crackle, scent, and radiant heat of a wood fire. Traditional and timeless, wood-burning fireplaces remain popular, though they come with specific requirements.

What kind of wood burns the best?

Not all firewood is equal.

• Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory, ash) burn hotter and longer, with less creosote buildup.
• Softwoods (pine, spruce, fir) ignite quickly, but burn cooler and smokier, leading to more residue.

The most important factor for firewood, though, is that it needs to be seasoned – in other words, split and dried for at least 6-12 months. Properly seasoned wood has less than 20% moisture content, ensuring a cleaner, hotter burn, with less buildup happening in your flue.

Are wood fireplaces higher maintenance?

Yes, wood fireplaces require more upkeep than gas or electric models. There’s ash removal involved, wood storage (and seasoning) required, and you’ll need to know how to build and maintain your own fires. In addition, you’ll see more flue buildup in the form of soot and creosote, and they usually require more professional upkeep, as well.

That said, many find this all part of the classic charm and traditional ambiance of these units.

Do wood fireplaces need a chimney sweeping every year?

Yes, even if you don’t burn wood often, yearly inspections are still recommended. Even a small amount of burning can produce creosote, which would increase your risk of a chimney fires, and animals, weather, or freeze-thaw cycles can damage chimneys over time, lowering your home value and increasing the risk of hazards.

The sooner any issues are resolved, the better, so the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends at least one chimney inspection and sweeping per year for any wood-burning system.

Work With Builders Materials in Taos

When you’re ready to add a touch of artistry, warmth, and value to your home, Builders Materials is here to help. Our fireplaces, stone, and brick finishes are selected for their quality and crafted to complement the distinctive character of Taos living. Stop by our Albuquerque showroom to explore the possibilities, or connect with our knowledgeable team for expert advice on everything from design choices to installation.

At Builders Materials, we combine craftsmanship with modern convenience – reach out today.