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Well-seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory, and ash are the cleanest woods to burn in a fireplace. When properly dried, these woods have low moisture content, allowing them to burn hotter and produce less smoke, which minimizes creosote buildup. Ensure the wood is seasoned for at least six months for optimal burning.

While you have some flexibility in the types of wood you can use in your outdoor furnace, it's important to make wise choices for optimal performance and efficiency. Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and cherry, are generally recommended for their higher energy content and cleaner burn. These hardwoods produce more heat per volume and tend to produce fewer creosote deposits, which can accumulate and cause a chimney fire, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

There is no universal remote that will work for all gas fireplaces or electric models. That’s because different remotes are designed to work with specific fireplace wiring, so some remotes may only work for on/off functions, while others work with fireplaces that have extra settings, such as timers or programmable thermostats. If you need a new remote, ensure the replacement is compatible with your specific fireplace model.

The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.