What are the requirements for a fireplace?
Fireplace Design Details Checklist 1 Sides of firebox must pinch in towards back 2 Back wall of fireplace must be straight up for first 12 inches 3 Back wall must slope towards front for remainder of height 4 Width and height of opening MUST come from table below 5 Smoke shelf up above fireplace must be sized correctly - see below
How wide should a fireplace opening be?
A 36" or 42" fireplace opening width is more common, but you need to assume about 18" on each side for a typical non-combustible surround and wood mantel, 24" on each side for something more grand. The same thing goes for stone on each side.
What is the standard size of a fireplace hearth?
An opening that’s between 24-36 inches wide, 24-29 inches high, and 16 inches deep. On average, the distance between the hearth and the damper is about 37 inches. The fireplace’s rear firebox is generally between 11-19 inches wide, with a height of 14 inches.
How far should the back wall of a fireplace extend?
The back wall of the fireplace should extend straight up for at least the first 12 inches. The sides of the fireplace need to slope in toward the rear. The back wall needs to slope towards the front. The width and height of the fireplace opening must be correctly proportioned.
How much space do you need around a fireplace?
All combustible materials must be 6"+ from the opening of the firebox. The National Fire Code requires all combustible material to be at least 6 inches from the opening of the firebox. For every 1/8 inch of protruding combustible material, you must account for an additional inch of clearance.
How much floor space does a fireplace take up?
An average fireplace is about 36”x30”. When it comes to the actual dimensions of a fireplace, these can be found in just about any size larger than 24”x24”, all the way up to 48”x32” and higher. The physical size of a fireplace insert is often listed by the width in inches, and they tend to range from about 20” to 60”.
Can a room be too small for a fireplace?
Fireplaces are a great addition to any room, big or small. Since they can be architecturally overwhelming in small rooms, there are ways to incorporate them into a floor plan with minimal square feet. No room should be denied a fireplace and we have tips on how to choose and decorate around fireplaces in small spaces.
How big does a fireplace opening need to be?
The height of the opening should be 29 inches. The depth of the firebox, less the outside facing material of the fireplace, should be 16 inches. The width of the rear of the firebox should be 19 inches. The smoke chamber height should be 24 inches and the nominal flue size should be 12 inches by 12 inches.
How far off the wall should a fireplace be?
Each model is assessed differently and you need to refer to the manufacturers instruction. However, the standard wood heater distance from the rear wall is around 300mm and the side walls 500mm.
How far out from the wall should a fireplace be?
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), a fireplace must be 36 inches away from bare walls. If the walls around the fireplace are protected by a heat-resistant material or some form of insulation, the fireplace can be less than 36 inches from the wall.
What is the standard width of a fireplace?
Most fireplaces are 42 inches wide, while some smaller fireplaces can have as little as a width of 36 inches. Some somewhat bigger fireplaces can even be 48 inches wide. With the height, generally, a mantle should at least be 12 inches above the opening.
How much space do you need for a gas fireplace?
The standard building code is 6 inches of minimum clearance around the opening of the fireplace and it must be surrounded by a noncombustible material. However, if the mantel projects more than 1 1/2 inches from the face of the fireplace, the top noncombustible clearance must be at least 12 inches.
How do you calculate the opening of a fireplace?
Step 1: Find the cross-sectional area of the fireplace opening. Multiply the W=36" X H=30" and that equals 1080 square inches of fireplace opening. Step 2: If you are using a round liner and the chimney height is more than 8' above the fireplace opening you can divide the 1080 by 12. This amount equals 90".
How narrow can a fireplace be?
The good news is that you can also find small fireplaces and surrounds in compact designs that are as narrow as 40 inches in width – this could shave almost 2 foot in space required for your fireplace!
How far does a fireplace stick out?
The typical fireplace is 26-28 inches deep, and they generally stick out with at least 10-15 inches. But how much it sticks out fully depends on how deep you place it inside your wall. There are also fireplaces that don't stick out at all; these are built within your wall.
How far does a fireplace stick out?
The typical fireplace is 26-28 inches deep, and they generally stick out with at least 10-15 inches. But how much it sticks out fully depends on how deep you place it inside your wall. There are also fireplaces that don't stick out at all; these are built within your wall.
What is the standard width of a fireplace?
Most fireplaces are 42 inches wide, while some smaller fireplaces can have as little as a width of 36 inches. Some somewhat bigger fireplaces can even be 48 inches wide. With the height, generally, a mantle should at least be 12 inches above the opening.
How do you find the square footage of a fireplace?
Calculate Square FootageCreate a thumbnail drawing (or if you have an architectural rendering, that will also work). ... Measure the length and width of each area in inches.Multiply length x width to determine the total area.More items...
How do you calculate the opening of a fireplace?
Step 1: Find the cross-sectional area of the fireplace opening. Multiply the W=36" X H=30" and that equals 1080 square inches of fireplace opening. Step 2: If you are using a round liner and the chimney height is more than 8' above the fireplace opening you can divide the 1080 by 12. This amount equals 90".
Factoring in the Heat
People typically want to use the fireplace heater as supplemental heat to their main HVAC system. The size of your room will tell you how many BTUs your fireplace will need to provide. The British Thermal Unit is how heat is measured.
The Space Needed for a Freestanding Electric Fireplace
These types of fireplaces look like a traditional fireplace. They include a surround made of wood, stone, or brick along with a mantel that makes the piece beautiful and functional. Installation is simple for these plug-in units. Avoid using an extension cord. This is a safety hazard.
Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Size
A wall mount electric fireplace is a popular option with a contemporary appearance. It provides a sleek look without wasting any floor space. Selecting the right one for your home will require you to make a few important decisions.
In-Wall Fireplaces
Don’t assume that a wall mount fireplace can be inserted into the wall. These are two very different types of fireplaces. Most units are specifically designed for use on the wall or for use in the wall. They are not interchangeable.
Wall Unit Heaters
Recessed fireplaces typically force the warm air out a vent found on the face of the fireplace. Wall-mounted fireplace use venting that pushes the air out of vents at either the top of the unit or the bottom.
Size Considerations for Electric Fireplace Entertainment Centers
A media center with an electric fireplace built into the design is an extremely functional piece that provides multiple needs. In just one component you will have a place to set your TV, a place to store all of your electronics, and the look and feel of a real wood fireplace.
Measuring for an Electric Fireplace Insert
An electric fireplace insert is an item that is used to turn your existing fireplace into an electric one. It includes a fireplace heater and a flame effect to give the illusion of a real fire, but no gas lines or wood is needed.
How wide should a fireplace be?
A 36" or 42" fireplace opening width is more common, but you need to assume about 18" on each side for a typical non-combustible surround and wood mantel, 24" on each side for something more grand. The same thing goes for stone on each side. You need enough room to make it look like an actual masonry fireplace.
What is the ratio of a wood burning fireplace to a central air system?
Modern central air systems can create problems for open front fireplaces. Most codes require a wood burning fireplace to have a ratio of at least 1:10 for the flue cross-sectional area to the fireplace opening area. I like to see a ratio of 1:8. It sounds like your flue may be undersized.
How to get smoke out of a fireplace surround?
Open the surround door at all, smoke back flush into room. Installed an external air component into hearth, no help. Either close the door and let it burn up in a flash or keep the door slightly open and suffer from smoke infiltrating from the top of the mantel while huge draw remains at the middle.
How tall is a Rumford fireplace?
The Rumford is taller than the traditional fireplaces. So probably 36" and 42" Rumford are 43" tall. This room will have a wide 8" - 11" white oak plank floor much like the one in the photograph you posted pmorganii. PRO.
Why does my chimney smoke?
The first thing I would suggest is to be sure there is positive pressure in the room. If you open a window and it draws fine, then the air pressure in the closed room may be less that the pressure outside. Something as innocuous as a range hood fan could cause this. Another thing that may be causing it to smoke is a chimney that is too short.
Can you be too small for a centerpiece?
You can always be too small...but never too big for a centerpiece like this in my opinion...found this and thought it looked great...maybe a stone surrounding....
How high should a TV be above a fireplace?
Most fireplace designs require at least 15-30” of space above the top of the firebox opening to look legitimate. When there is a TV above the mantel shelf, the nominal shelf height is 50-65”. The vicinity of your seating and TV will determine the height for placing the television which will be explained shortly.
Where is the gas connection in a firebox?
The gas connection is in the wall near the firebox. Most people don’t think about the fact that the surround is usually 12” or more outside of the firebox, so if the gas key is in the area where the surround will go, it will either have to be moved, or the stone has to be cut out to leave the key exposed.
Can you run a vent box all the way to the wall?
If this is the case, most of the time you can run tile floor, wood floor or even carpet all the way to the wall. A direct vent box has a fire behind a closed in glass case, so it does not allow sparks to come out of the box that could cause a fire in the home.
Can a fireplace be wide?
Even a corner fireplace can be made wide if you bring the corner into the room. Skimping on space at the fireplace wall leads to puny, unimpressive surrounds that appear to be poor planning from the start.
How many square feet does a firebox heat?
But generally speaking, fireboxes of 1.6 cubic feet and smaller will heat up to 1000 square feet of space. Fireboxes up to 2.8 cubic feet will heat up to 2000 square feet and the largest fireboxes, over 2.9 cubic feet will heat up to 3000 square feet of well insulated space.
How big is a firebox?
The larger the firebox (in cubic feet), the more wood it will hold, the longer the wood will last and the more heat it will produce. [SEE LINKS: WOOD BURNING STOVE or WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES ] Remember, this is not an exact science. There are lots of variables. But generally speaking, fireboxes of 1.6 cubic feet and smaller will heat up to 1000 square feet of space. Fireboxes up to 2.8 cubic feet will heat up to 2000 square feet and the largest fireboxes, over 2.9 cubic feet will heat up to 3000 square feet of well insulated space. Your WE LOVE FIRE expert can assist you with this.
Is EPA certified wood burning equipment good?
The efficiency of today’s EPA certified wood burning equipment is extremely solid. There’s lots of great equipment on the market. The manufacturers that your nearby WE LOVE FIRE dealer represent are the best in the industry.
Is a wood burner a recreational appliance?
Maybe you’re more of a “recreational” wood burner? That is, one who wants to enjoy an occasional fire on weekends or while entertaining. It’s likely that a smaller appliance will nicely suit your needs.
What are the Best Fireplace Design Dimensions?
The best fireplace design dimensions are the ones that ensure your fireplace will not smoke. The Brick Industry Association is perhaps the most respected source of fireplace design criteria in the world.
What is the second consideration for a fireplace?
The second design consideration is what the fireplace looks like to those who look at it while in the room. If you need inspiration and want to see stunning photos of some fantastic fireplaces, then order Fire Places: A Practical Design Guide for Fireplaces and Stoves
Why Does a Fireplace Smoke?
A fireplace will puff smoke into a room if its design is flawed. The physics of smoke rising into a chimney is complex and several things must be done right so all the smoke from the fire exits your home.
Where is Free Fireplace Design Literature?
The Brick Industry Association has three excellent pamphlets about fireplace and chimney design and construction. I recommend you read these three things:
How High Up Should the Damper Be Above the Fireplace Opening?
The bottom of the damper should be a minimum of 8 inches above the top of the fireplace opening. This part of the fireplace is called the throat. If your damper is not at least 8 inches above this spot, you will have smoking problems for sure!
What is the Best Flue Size?
It's always better to use the smaller flue size when you have two choices. When using the smaller flue size, you will be required to raise the height of the chimney.
What is the Best Mortar for the Beige Fire Brick?
The best mortar for firebrick is fire clay. It's often called refractory cement and it rated for temperatures above 2,000 degrees F.
Where should an electric fireplace be placed?
An electric fireplaces should therefore be placed in an area that: Has plenty of space around the unit to allow for air circulation. Isn’t located in a confined space, such as in a cupboard. Has a level surface. Isn’t on long pile carpet. Isn’t a high moisture location, such as a bathroom.
What is an electric fireplace?
An electric fireplace uses electricity as the source of fuel. Using electricity to produce heat doesn’t release any waste products and so no form of chimney or flue is required to vent waste gases from your home.
What is the difference between an electric fireplace and a real fire?
An electric fireplace uses electricity as the source of fuel.
Why does my electric fireplace keep shutting off?
For the heater part of an electric fireplace to work efficiently, this process requires plenty of ventilation and room for air circulation, as many of the common problems for electric fireplaces can be a result of it shutting off due to overheating as a result of poor air supply.
Where is the electric socket for a fireplace?
There’s an electric wall socket near the chosen location for the fireplace, or a mains power cable that can be used to direct wire a fireplace insert into.
Where is the heater located on a fireplace?
The fireplace must therefore be placed in a suitable area where the heater isn’t going to be blocked either from the front or behind.
Do electric fireplaces run off electricity?
Unlike other types of fireplace, electric fireplaces run off electricity. So what is needed for an electric fireplace? And what don’t you need for an electric fireplace that other types of fireplace may require?
HOW MUCH HEAT DOES A GAS FIREPLACE PUT OUT?
He also points out that “a lot of high-efficiency gas fireplaces have a large turn-down ratio—meaning, they can go from 40,000 BTU down to 12,000 BTU, enough to heat the average bedroom or dining room.” He adds that if you had a 40,000 BTU fireplace and only needed to use 50 percent of its capacity, you’d pay less than $1 an hour to operate.
Can you install a gas fireplace in direct contact with a combustible wall?
What has made them so is the technology and installation flexibility of gas-fueled models. Since no actual combustion occurs in gas fireplaces, zero-clearance installation is possible, which, according to Monessen Hearth Systems, means that “these fireplaces can be installed in direct contact with combustible walls and floors.
Do you need a fireplace to buy a house?
Fireplaces have always been among the top amenities for homeowners looking to buy a new house. In fact, they rank just second behind outdoor patios, decks and porches, according to the National Association of Home Builders ( NAHB ). While the cost of adding a fireplace to an existing home used to be prohibitively expensive—requiring the creation of an exterior stone chimney, flue, firebox and, in many cases, floor supports to accommodate the weight of the hearth—today’s options are not only affordable, but a relatively easy home improvement.
Do vents need to be inspected annually?
In addition, the HPBA recommends that all vents for vented gas fireplaces be inspected on an annual basis by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and also recommends the installation of a carbon monoxide detector with all hearth products. Advertisement.
Does a wood burning fireplace have a damper?
With wood, a certain amount of time is required to light the fire, turn that energy into heat and then get that heat into a room.”. Ruppa points out that in contrast to a gas fireplace, whose warmth is thermostatically controlled, a wood-burning unit comes with only an air control—the damper. That, he says “allows you to control the amount ...
Is it expensive to add a fireplace to a house?
While the cost of adding a fireplace to an existing home used to be prohibitively expensive—requiring the creation of an exterior stone chimney, flue, firebox and, in many cases, floor supports to accommodate the weight of the hearth—today’s options are not only affordable, but a relatively easy home improvement.