pls answer some questions about a wood stove insert

[elijahboy]

i heard that it created too much of the sticky icky in the walls of the fireplace

creosote might be what it is called but i might not have a clue what the name might be
i have always been told by the elders never burn pine in the fireplace

Why not pine?

 

[The Vail Benton's]

Creosote! Thank you! - I said soot because creosote did not come to mind

 

[xpc]

.

 

[big brown horse]

Thanks. I try to get the fire hot-hot at least once per burn.

 

[elijahboy]

so would it be best to like put oak under the pine and burn it that way

Why not pine?

pine can have a lot of sticky pitch but if burned in a hot enough fire it is ok to use, that goes for all woods - smoke and creosote is caused by incomplete combustion so don't let a fire smolder, burn hot or put it out.

 

[dacjohns]

Whatever you burn needs to be dry (cured). It some places they burn a lot of pine because there isn't much of anything else. Pine can be burned safely as long as it isn't green.

It isn't the most desirable firewood because of its BTU content.

 

[xpc]

so would it be best to like put oak under the pine and burn it that way

That is the best way to burn it - make a nice bright hot fire with a good burning wood and add the pine a little at a time in a 50/50 mix.

That's what I do with my red maple, get the fire hot with hickory and holly then start adding the maple in a log at time.

 

[xpc]

I just looked up wood burning fireplace inserts and there are now many available that can be installed anywhere in a room with minimal clearances, even looks like yours could be a candidate for an easy install because of the low roof and minimal wall remodeling to run new vent stack, some even have external combustion air options.

If you really want to consider one I would only recommend going to a "real" fireplace store after you have already moved in the house and take as much info with you as possible, they will know all the codes and be able to suggest a qualified installer to use or just to check it out first.