Indoor & Outdoor Fireplaces, Plus Accessories

Question about fireplaces: pre-made wood burning firebox and flue, or traditional wood burning masonry unit…?

I’m considering building a new home and am looking to cut some of the major expenses, if possible. I’m a real fan of wood burning fireplaces, and plan to have 4 in my new home. I will not have gas logs in my home for now. Masonry fireplaces are my first choice, but quite costly. I know the pre-made metal and fire brick fireboxes are much, much more cost effective, but how safe are they really? I guess I just feel a little safer with the thought of a standard masonry fireplace and chimney, but if the metal pre-made units are just as safe and durable, why not use those? The pre-made units are about 75% less expensive than standard masonry fireplaces.
Any helpful info or knowledge, or personal experience out there?
Thanks,
John.

Pre-made metal units work OK, during about the first 5 years of life. Then, you have to keep on the inspections and maintenance, with a little more diligence than masonry. Never burn anything but hardwood,,, and no creosote producing wood or slow burn wood stoves.

The biggest difference, since most premade units are lined with fire brick, is the chimney construction. It is usually frame,,,, with a metal double walled pipe that goes up and out. This metal cannot stand up to any kind of chimney fire. So,,, maintenance, cleaning, and proper burning are a must.

If I could pick,,,, go with masonry. If you have to cut some cost,,, then don’t build one or two of the fireplaces. Have the house framed for them, and the footers poured.

Then you can learn to lay the brick by building a patio,,, and spending some DYI time building your own fireplace after the house is built.