Could you check with a place that sells fireplaces?

Yes I will

I wouldn't think that the gas flue pipe would accommodate a switch over to wood burning and it sounds like it from your description - "originally built" and "smaller metal pipe". I'm guessing you'd need a larger diameter one that can handle higher flue temps.

If you're still interested, I don't have a lot of information for you, but we did convert a gas FP to wood burning. The chimney has to meet certain criteria (which I can't specify), but I do know it can be done.

I don't see why not. If a wood-burning fireplace has a gas insert installed, the process can be reversed. There are no structural changes, right? (We have one, and the direct vent was placed inside the brick chimney)

You might want to check with your town's code enforcement department also. There may be safety codes that have to be met before the switch over to wood burning. NancyLouise

You might want to check with your town's code enforcement department also. There may be safety codes that have to be met before the switch over to wood burning. NancyLouise

A local sweep/stove store should be able to come out, look things over, and tell you what is possible and what is not.
At least I got a free inspection/estimate before I had my insert installed.
Worth some phone calls.

Yup, if it was wood burning it's not a big deal to convert it back to wood. However if it was built with a flue for gas only that is where the problem lies. We opted not to buy the property in question but many we have looked at have gas. I'm trying to convince myself I'd be satisfied with gas. It is easy if you want to quickly warm up the area and see some "fake" flames. I just saw a new gas insert some friends put in their wood burning fireplace and it's the best one I've seen. Still nothing like the blazing wood fire we had this weekend in our Cozy Heat.

I have to agree with you gibby. I just don't care for the "fakeiness" of a gas flame. I much prefer real. We replaced our old ornate parlor stove with a glass front Hearthstone wood stove a few years ago. So glad we did. Besides it keeping the rooms toasty warm, I love the flames and the ambiance it creates. Call me crazy, we even like chopping and stacking the wood which is free from the downed trees on our property. NancyLouise

I have to agree with you gibby. I just don't care for the "fakeiness" of a gas flame. I much prefer real. We replaced our old ornate parlor stove with a glass front Hearthstone wood stove a few years ago. So glad we did. Besides it keeping the rooms toasty warm, I love the flames and the ambiance it creates. Call me crazy, we even like chopping and stacking the wood which is free from the downed trees on our property. NancyLouise

I wonder why my posts are doubling? Is it because I use Preview before I post...strange

I wonder why my posts are doubling? Is it because I use Preview before I post...strange

You can always edit the duplicates down to "duplicate".