Gas logs are maintenance free, come on a variety of styles and are easy to install. They pose less fire risk and put out twice the heat of wood. You will need a gas outlet installed in the firebox. Hire a licensed contractor to do this for you.

Install the Burner Pan:

1. Turn the gas off at the fireplace valve.

2. Cap off the burner pan on the end farthest from the gas outlet.

3. Apply pipe joint compound to the threads and screw the cap on.

4. Connect the safety valve to the other side of the burner pan, using pipe joint compound as before.

5. Hold the gas supply outlet steady with pliers or a wrench, and use another wrench to remove the cap.

6. Attach the supply line elbow to the gas outlet, using pipe joint compound on the pipe threads.

7. Attach a flexible supply line from the gas outlet to the safety valve. Be sure the supply line is rated for use inside your fireplace. If you want to make the supply line less noticeable, you can paint it with heat resistant paint.

8. Turn the gas on. Spread a liberal amount of soapy water over all the gas line connections. If you see active bubbling, turn off the gas, fix the leak, and check for leaks again.

Install the Pilot Assembly and Gas Logs:

1. Attach the pilot assembly and diverted bracket to the burner pan.

2. Cover the safety valve with a heat shield.

3. Pour sand evenly over the burner pan. This will make the flames more consistent and will reduce the hiss from the gas.

4. Place rock wool and vermiculite over the sand. These look like burning embers when hearted.

5. Place the grate over the burner pan.

6. Install stabilizer clips to hold everything in place.

7. Stack the ceramic logs on the grate.