There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a fireplace to transform a house into a home. Whether you’re curling up on a cool New Mexico evening or creating a stunning focal point to enjoy in your living space year round, a fireplace is one of the most rewarding investments you can make. But before you start imagining the perfect mantle, there’s one big decision to make: wood or gas?

Both options have dedicated fans – and for good reason. At Builders Materials, we’ve been helping homeowners across New Mexico design and select the right fireplace solutions since 1954. Over the decades, we’ve seen it all – and we know that what’s “best” fireplace ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, your home, and what you want out of the experience.

What Are the Benefits & Considerations of Wood Fireplaces?

The Benefits

• Authentic ambiance. A wood-burning fireplace delivers an experience that’s hard to replicate – the crackling sound, the natural scent of burning wood, the dancing flames that shift and glow in ways no gas flame quite matches. If atmosphere is your top priority, wood wins.
• No utility dependency. Wood fires don’t rely on a gas line or electricity. During a power outage or utility disruption, your wood-burning fireplace keeps right on going. For homeowners in rural areas of New Mexico where reliability matters, this is a meaningful advantage.
• Lower installation cost (in some cases). If your home already has a masonry chimney in place, a wood-burning fireplace can be the more cost-effective option to install or restore.
• A timeless, traditional aesthetic. The classic look of a real masonry fireplace (brick, stone, or a combination) complements traditional, rustic, and southwestern design styles that are deeply rooted in New Mexico architecture.

What To Consider

• Maintenance and upkeep. Wood-burning fireplaces require regular chimney cleaning and inspections to prevent creosote buildup, which is a fire hazard. You’ll need to schedule annual chimney sweeps and stay on top of maintenance.
• Storing and sourcing firewood. You’ll need a reliable source of dry, seasoned firewood and a place to store it. This adds ongoing cost and effort that some homeowners simply don’t want to deal with.
• Less convenient. Building a fire takes time and know-how. You’ll need to clean out ash regularly and deal with the occasional smoke or draft issue. It’s a more hands-on experience – which some people love, and others find to be a hassle.
• Air quality considerations. Wood smoke contributes to indoor and outdoor air quality concerns. In areas with air quality regulations or HOA restrictions, wood-burning fireplaces may be limited or require EPA-certified inserts.

What Are the Benefits & Considerations of Gas Fireplaces?

The Benefits

• Effortless operation. Flip a switch, press a button, or use a remote, and your fire is on in seconds. No hauling wood, no building a fire from scratch, no waiting. For busy families or those who simply want warmth on demand, gas is a game-changer.
• Low maintenance. Gas fireplaces require far less upkeep than their wood-burning counterparts. Without ash, soot, or creosote buildup, cleaning is minimal. A yearly inspection by a certified technician is generally all that’s needed.
• Consistent, controllable heat. Gas fireplaces offer consistent heat output that you can dial up or down as needed. Many models include thermostatic controls, letting you set a target temperature just like your home’s HVAC system.
• Cleaner burning. Gas burns much cleaner than wood, making it a better option for homeowners with air quality sensitivities, allergy concerns, or those living in areas with burn restrictions. There’s no smoke, no ash, and significantly fewer emissions.
• Design flexibility. Because gas fireplaces don’t require a traditional chimney, they can be installed in more locations throughout your home – including bedrooms, bathrooms, or as a sleek, modern feature wall. The variety of styles, from linear contemporary designs to traditional log sets, is impressive.

What To Consider

• Ongoing fuel costs. While gas fireplaces are efficient, they do add to your monthly utility bill. Natural gas and propane prices fluctuate, which can affect your operating costs over time.
• Installation can be more involved. If your home isn’t already equipped with a gas line, running one adds to the installation cost. Venting also needs to be properly planned, especially in retrofit situations.
• The experience isn’t quite the same. For the purists out there, gas just doesn’t replicate the full sensory experience of a wood fire. The flames are realistic but consistent – there’s no crackling, no woody scent, no same unpredictable beauty that comes with real wood.

What Fireplace Is Right for Me? Gas or Wood?

Choose a wood-burning fireplace if you:

• Love the authentic, traditional fireplace experience
• Live in a rural area or want independence from utilities
• Already have a masonry chimney in place
• Enjoy the ritual of building and tending a fire
• Want a rustic or heritage-inspired aesthetic

Choose a gas fireplace if you:

• Want maximum convenience and ease of use
• Have a modern home or prefer a contemporary design
• Have air quality concerns or live in an area with burn restrictions
• Want to use your fireplace frequently without a lot of prep or cleanup
• Are looking to install a fireplace in a non-traditional location

Let’s Find the Perfect Fit for Your Home

Whether you’re drawn to the romance of a crackling wood fire or the effortless elegance of a gas flame, Builders Materials has the expertise and the products to bring your vision to life. As a family-owned business serving New Mexico since 1954, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners make this exact decision, and we’re here to help you too.

Visit our showroom to explore our fireplace displays in person, talk through your options with our knowledgeable staff, and discover all the possibilities. Reach out today to turn your vision into reality – we’ll help you every step of the way.