Masonry Heaters
Masonry heaters are a time-tested, beautifully efficient way to heat a home—and we design and build them with an eye toward performance and aesthetics. Chimney Savers designs masonry heaters to match your home’s needs and style: from compact soapstone models that warm a cozy room to larger custom units that become a focal point and primary heat source for an open-plan house. Our team handles design, construction, and safe integration with your chimney system.
- Design and custom builds of masonry heaters
- Soapstone and masonry cladding and finishes
- Heater retrofits and additions to existing fireplaces or chimney systems
- Installation of benches, hearths, and integrated warm surfaces
- Repair, restoration, and repointing of existing masonry heater
If you can dream it we can build it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a masonry heater, and how does it work?
A masonry heater is a large, masonry-built wood-burning appliance that captures a very hot, short-duration fire and channels the combustion gases through internal passages. The masonry absorbs and stores that heat, then radiates it slowly and evenly for many hours—often a full day—after the fire is out. They’re commonly built from materials like soapstone, brick, or tile.
How efficient are masonry heaters compared to wood stoves?
Very efficient. Masonry heaters burn fuel at high temperatures with complete combustion, which reduces smoke and creosote while producing more usable heat per cord of wood than typical wood stoves. Properly sized and installed, they can significantly reduce fuel consumption and indoor air pollution.
Visit the Masonry Heater Association of North America website to learn more.
How often do you need to fire a masonry heater?
Usually once or twice a day for most homes. A well-designed heater matched to the house size will deliver consistent warmth with short burn cycles—often 1–3 hours per firing—followed by many hours of radiant heat.
Visit the Masonry Heater Association of North America website to learn more.
Are masonry heaters safe?
Yes, when designed and installed correctly. Masonry heaters are built with attention to proper flue design, draft, and clearances. Chimney Savers follows industry best practices and local codes and can provide regular inspections and maintenance to ensure safe operation.
Visit the Masonry Heater Association of North America website to learn more.
Do masonry heaters require special maintenance or cleaning?
They need periodic inspections and occasional cleaning of the flue and channels to remove any buildup. Because masonry heaters burn hot and clean, they typically require less frequent cleaning than conventional wood stoves, but scheduled inspections are still important for safety and long life.
Visit the Masonry Heater Association of North America website to learn more.
Will a masonry heater heat my whole house?
It depends on the heater size and your home’s layout. Masonry heaters are most effective in open-plan homes or when the heater is centrally located. We size heaters to the square footage and heat-load of your home—sometimes a single heater will suffice, and other times we’ll recommend supplemental heating or multiple installations.
Visit the Masonry Heater Association of North America website to learn more.
How much does a masonry heater cost?
Costs vary widely based on size, materials (e.g., soapstone vs. brick), custom finishes, and installation complexity. We provide tailored estimates after an on-site consultation to assess your home, heating needs, and design preferences.
Visit the Masonry Heater Association of North America website to learn more.