Rumford Fireplaces

We Build Beautiful Rumford Fireplaces

Are you in the design stages of building a home or addition? Do you want a fireplace that is not only beautiful but makes the room very warm and cozy? There is nothing better than spending a winter night next to a roaring fire. If you are interested in adding one of these or you are in the building process already you should consider a Rumford fireplace and all the benefits that it offers.

A lot of people have heard of a Rumford fireplace, but not many really are sure what it is.

As you begin to compare a Rumford fireplace to more traditional options you will soon find that there are multiple advantages. From the start it is easy to see that these fireplaces are tall and shallow. This allows the fireplace to radiate more heat. Rumford fireplaces have a streamlined throat that helps carry smoke away without losing heat from the house.

Part of the genius of the throat system is how it eliminates any turbulence for the smoke. The design is smooth and reduces to a narrow opening. This creates an increase in velocity and shoots the smoke out while reducing the pulling of unnecessary heated room air into the chimney. This allows for a taller fireplace opening, sometimes up to a foot or more!

The facade of the fireplace can be customized by using brick or stone, marble or tile. None of the finishing design elements affects the performance of the Rumford.

We offer our Rumford fireplace construction services throughout Worcester County, Middlesex County, and Norfolk County.  If you’d like to schedule an estimate for your rumford fireplace project please give us a call (978) 365-6800 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

Who Is A Rumford Fireplace for?

Is a Rumford fireplace right for me? Well, this all depends on what you are looking for. Typically this type of fireplace is perfect for those who enjoy the crackling of wood burning, very warm heat and the smell of a good fire. This is a wood burning enthusiast’s fireplace for sure. It is also appealing to the person who wishes to be able to provide heat for their home especially during a winter storm event such as a blizzard or ice storm that we often encounter in New England’s winters. It is also emission friendly. It is the only fireplace that is as clean burning as high performance woodstoves. There are very little smoke emissions from a properly built Rumford.

When you compare the financial benefits of a Rumford fireplace to those that require gas or oil it is easy to see why these are making a comeback. Believe it or not Rumford fireplaces have been around for several hundred years. In fact they were most common between 1796 and 1850 when people relied on wood to heat their homes. While they died off in popularity for a few years, now more than ever people are once again looking into adding one of these to their home.

Benefits of a Rumford Fireplace

The Rumford geometry: a tall, shallow firebox and a streamlined throat — smoke goes up, heat comes out.

There is no denying the many options that you have when it comes to installing a fireplace in your home. In today’s day and age, you don’t even need a chimney. While there is nothing wrong with a portable electric fireplace for example, these do not have nearly as much character or benefits as a Rumford.

Here are some of the many benefits:

• Real masonry, built to last
• Very good radiant heaters
• Classic look and feel
• Real wood burning unit
• Tall, shallow and elegant appearance
• Safety net for power outages and various winter emergencies
• Can help offset the rising price of heating oil and gas
• Burns cleaner with less smoke emissions

Does a Rumford Fireplace cost more than a regular fireplace?

At JB Mohler Masonry we consider a true Rumford to be built following the specifications found at Rumford.com — the Buckley Rumford Company, the recognized authority on Rumford fireplaces. We’re a listed builder in their directory and an active contributor in the Rumford builders’ community. The Rumford fireplace is more than the dimensions of the firebox. It is the curved and tapered throat that has a precise measurement from the top of the firebox. On top of that is a smoke chamber built to exact specifications.

To go through the effort to craft such an iconic and functional fireplace, as the Rumford, it only makes sense to follow the instructions.

That said it is more costly to construct a proper Rumford as compared to our standard fireplace installations, although most don’t consider it a deal breaker. This is by most standards the best radiant heating fireplace that can be built. For comparison it is probably less than upgrading to a granite countertop.

Want to see exactly what that craftsmanship looks like? Follow our granite Rumford fireplace build in Wayland, MA from stone selection to the herringbone firebox.

Are you interested in a Rumford Fireplace?

If you have fallen in love with the benefits of a Rumford fireplace and its beautiful appearance it is important to find a qualified masonry contractor with installation experience. At JB Mohler Masonry we have built many Rumford fireplaces and it is our passion to build authentic New England masonry fireplaces. It doesn’t get any more authentic than building a fireplace named after its inventor who was born Benjamin Thompson in Woburn, Massachusetts in 1753.

It is hard for many people to believe that Rumford fireplaces have been popular for more than 200 years. When you add one of these to your home you are getting more than the benefits of the fireplace itself. You are also giving your home a unique and classic look and feel that has been a historical icon for centuries.

We offer our Rumford fireplace construction services throughout Worcester County, Middlesex County, and Norfolk County.  If you’d like to schedule an estimate for your rumford fireplace project please give us a call (978) 365-6800 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

Why Choose JB Mohler Masonry To Build Your Rumford Fireplace?

We know you have dozens of choices when it comes to hiring a masonry contractor to build a Rumford fireplace in central Massachusetts.  Here’s what makes us different.

#1.  We’re a family owned and operated local company.  We care about our community, and we care about our reputation for quality craftsmanship, honest advice, and we provide an unbeatable customer experience.

#2.  We have a 4.5 star rating on Google.  It shows that we consistently exceed our clients expectations and we have an excellent track record of customer satisfaction.

#3.  We are your local Rumford fireplace experts.  We have been building Rumford fireplaces for more than 30 years.

#4.  Our pricing is competitive and we always go the extra mile.  We provide competitive quotes and we always offer the best value for our clients.

We offer our Rumford fireplace construction services throughout Worcester County, Middlesex County, and Norfolk County.  If you’d like to schedule an estimate for your rumford fireplace project please give us a call (978) 365-6800 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

Do You Have Questions About Rumford Fireplaces?

What is a Rumford fireplace?

A Rumford fireplace is a type of fireplace designed by Count Rumford (Benjamin Thompson) in the late 18th century. It is known for its tall, shallow firebox that reflects more heat into the room and its streamlined throat design, which improves the efficiency of smoke removal.

What are the benefits of a Rumford fireplace?

Rumford fireplaces offer several benefits, including:

Increased Heat Efficiency: The tall, shallow design reflects more heat into the room.

Improved Smoke Venting: The streamlined throat reduces turbulence and helps smoke rise smoothly up the chimney.

Elegant Design: The classic, elegant design of Rumford fireplaces complements various architectural styles.

Can an existing fireplace be converted into a Rumford fireplace?

Yes, many existing fireplaces can be converted into Rumford fireplaces. This typically involves modifying the firebox to be taller and shallower, as well as adjusting the throat to the streamlined design characteristic of Rumford fireplaces. Consulting with a professional mason experienced in Rumford designs is recommended.

Are Rumford fireplaces suitable for all types of homes?

Rumford fireplaces are versatile and can be adapted to a variety of home styles, from historic to modern. Their efficient heating and elegant design make them a popular choice for both new constructions and renovations of older homes.

Do Rumford fireplaces require special materials for construction?

While Rumford fireplaces can be built using standard masonry materials, it is important to follow specific design principles to achieve the desired efficiency and functionality. Using quality firebricks and ensuring proper proportions and angles in the construction are key to creating an effective Rumford fireplace.

How do I maintain a Rumford fireplace?

Maintaining a Rumford fireplace involves regular cleaning of the firebox and chimney to prevent soot and creosote buildup. Annual inspections by a professional chimney sweep can help ensure that the fireplace and chimney are in good condition and functioning efficiently.

What types of wood are best for burning in a Rumford fireplace?

Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and hickory are ideal for burning in a Rumford fire