Gas fireplaces are typically built into a wall in the house and finished with tile, rock, or sheet rock for a very clean look. There is a bit of confusion when it comes to the terminology people use when they go looking to replace an existing gas fireplace or to create a new one. People will often come in looking for a gas insert when they are actually looking for a gas fireplace. Gas inserts are used when there is an existing masonry fireplace and chimney and people want to insert a gas burning appliance into it. 

Gas fireplaces can be lumped into two categories: Linear and Traditional. Linear fireplaces are wide and short typically have glass media for a modern look. Traditional fireplaces are usually square and have logs and bricks on the inside.