Fireplaces & Stoves

Fireplaces and stoves in this category cover the gas components used to start and control a wood burning fire. The main product is the gas log lighter, a perforated burner pipe that sits under the grate and connects to a gas line through a key-operated valve. It ignites split logs without paper or kindling.

These fireplace products are built for new masonry fireplaces and for retrofits where a gas line is already stubbed into the hearth. A typical install combines a lighter pipe, a valve, flexible connectors, and a floor or wall plate, along with related fireplace accessories. Contractors and plumbers also use this category to source fireplace and stove supplies for service calls, such as worn valve stems, lost keys, and clogged burner pipes. Each group below is described by function, fit, and installation location.

Fireplace and Stove Products

These fireplace and stove accessories follow the order of a typical gas log lighter install, from the burner in the firebox to the valve, supply connection, and safety equipment.

Log Lighters

A log lighter is a steel burner pipe drilled with small ports along its length. It rests beneath the grate and channels a low, even flame under the logs. Unlike a decorative gas log set, a gas log lighter for wood burning fireplace is used to start real wood and is not meant to burn continuously. Browse sizes under Log Lighters.

Key Valves and Gas Valves

The fireplace gas valve regulates gas flow from the supply line to the lighter pipe. On most setups, it is a quarter-turn key valve mounted in the floor or wall beside the fireplace and operated with a removable square key. Straight and angle patterns match floor or wall supply, and a cover plate seals around the stem.

Gas Connections and Fittings

Flexible connectors, nipples, and fittings connect the valve outlet to the burner pipe and the valve inlet to the building supply. Connector length and thread size must match the valve and burner inlet. Supply-side pipe and shutoffs are listed under Gas Distribution System. Leak test every joint before first use.

Fireplace Replacement Parts

Service work often calls for individual fireplace replacement parts rather than a full kit. Common replacements include valve keys, key extensions for thick walls, floor plates, and burner pipes with rusted or blocked ports. Match the valve make and stem size when ordering a key, since keys are not universal.

Venting and Safety Components

A gas-assisted wood fireplace still depends on a working chimney and flue. Connector and flue parts are listed under Vent Pipe & Fittings. Carbon monoxide alarms near the fireplace room and sleeping areas warn occupants if combustion gases spill indoors; see Smoke Carbon Monoxide & Radon Detectors.

How It Works and Where to Use

How a Gas Log Lighter Operates

With the damper fully open, the user lights a long match or wand lighter, holds the flame at the burner ports, and then turns the key to open the valve. Gas flows through the pipe and ignites along its length, heating the logs from below. Once the wood catches, usually within a few minutes, the valve is closed.

Where Log Lighters Install

Log lighters install in masonry wood burning fireplaces and in factory-built wood fireplaces that the manufacturer lists for a gas starter. They are not used in wood stoves, fireplace inserts, or direct-vent gas appliances. Common jobs include new construction with a gas stub at the hearth and retrofits that run a new line through the floor or side wall.

Operating and Safety Notes

Keep the damper open whenever the lighter is in use, and never leave the valve open after the logs are burning. Store the key out of reach of children. Inspect the chimney and burner ports each season, since soot and ash can block the gas ports.

Key Specifications and Planning Steps

Gas Type and Supply

Confirm whether the site runs natural gas or propane and choose a lighter rated for that fuel. Propane models use smaller ports or an orifice. Because propane is heavier than air, some local codes restrict propane lighters in basements and other below-grade rooms.

Pipe Length and Firebox Size

Measure the grate width and firebox depth. The burner pipe should run slightly shorter than the grate so the flame stays under the logs, with enough space behind it for ash to collect.

Valve Placement, Clearances, and Code

Mount the fireplace key valve outside the firebox, within the distance from the opening that local code allows. Gas piping and clearances follow the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) and local amendments. Check permit requirements before running a new supply line, and have a licensed installer complete the connection where required.

Choosing the Right Fireplace and Stove Products

For fireplaces and stoves projects, selection starts with three details: the fuel, the firebox, and the supply location. Match the lighter to natural gas or propane, then size the pipe to the grate. Choose a straight or angle valve based on whether the supply enters through the floor or the wall, and add a key extension for thick walls. A log lighter starts a fire but does not provide steady room heat. For fireplace heating solutions and other home heating products, see Heating Equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find fireplaces and stoves parts and log lighters for a residential install?

This fireplaces and stoves category lists gas log lighters, key valves, connectors, and replacement parts for residential wood burning fireplaces. Supply-side pipe, fittings, and shutoffs are in the gas distribution category.

What fireplace accessories do I need for a gas log lighter install in a masonry fireplace?

A standard install needs a burner pipe sized to the grate, a key valve with a floor or wall cover plate, a valve key, and a connector or fittings from the valve to the burner. These fireplace accessories tie into a gas line with an accessible shutoff.

Is a gas log lighter a better choice than kindling for starting a wood fireplace?

A gas log lighter starts logs faster and more consistently, without paper or kindling. It does require a gas supply, a key valve, and a code-compliant install. Kindling needs no gas line but takes more time and effort to get a fire going.

What is the difference between a fireplace key valve and a fireplace gas valve?

A fireplace gas valve is any valve that controls gas to a fireplace appliance. A fireplace key valve is a specific type: a quarter-turn valve operated with a removable key, used on most log lighter installs.

Should I use a natural gas or propane log lighter for a wood burning fireplace?

Use the lighter rated for the fuel on site. Natural gas and propane lighters use different port or orifice sizes and are not interchangeable without the manufacturer's conversion parts. Check local code, since some areas restrict propane lighters below grade.

Why won't my fireplace log lighter light, or why is the flame weak?

Check that the supply shutoff is open, the valve opens fully, and the burner ports are clear of ash, soot, or rust. Low supply pressure or a kinked connector also reduces the flame. Clean the ports and leak test after any repair.

The fireplace key valve is stuck or leaking gas. Which replacement part do I need?

Shut off the gas supply first. A stuck valve may need a new stem or key, while a leaking valve body usually needs full replacement. Order fireplace replacement parts that match the valve make and stem size, and leak test after installation.

How do I size a log lighter pipe for the width of a firebox?

Measure the grate width. The burner pipe should be slightly shorter than the grate so the flame stays under the logs, with space behind it for ash.

What clearances and code requirements apply when installing a gas log lighter?

Gas piping follows the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) and local amendments. The key valve mounts outside the firebox within the distance local code allows. Many jurisdictions require a permit and a licensed installer.

Do I need to keep the damper open when using a gas log lighter?

Yes. Open the damper fully before lighting and keep it open while the lighter and fire are burning, so combustion gases vent up the chimney.

What does a gas log lighter for a wood burning fireplace do, and how does it work?

A gas log lighter for wood burning fireplace use is a perforated pipe that sits under the grate. When the key valve opens, gas flows through the pipe and burns along its length, igniting the logs above. The valve is closed once the wood catches.

Can I install a log lighter in a fireplace that already has a gas line stubbed in?

Yes, if the fireplace is a masonry unit or a factory-built unit listed for a gas starter. Connect the stub to a key valve, then run a connector to the burner pipe. Confirm the line size and supply pressure before installing.

Where should the fireplace gas valve be mounted relative to the firebox opening?

Mount it in the floor or wall outside the firebox, near the opening, within the distance set by local code. Keep it accessible so the key can be turned without reaching over the fire.

What home heating products and fireplace and stove supplies do I need to finish a fireplace gas hookup?

Plan for gas pipe and fittings, a supply shutoff, a key valve, a connector, the lighter pipe, leak detection solution, and carbon monoxide alarms. These fireplace and stove supplies and home heating products cover the hookup from the supply line to the firebox.

What fireplace products convert a wood fireplace to start with gas instead of paper and kindling?

A log lighter kit with a burner pipe, key valve, key, and cover plate handles the conversion, along with the gas line and fittings to reach the hearth. These fireplace products start wood fires only and do not replace a gas log set or insert.