The standard fireplace opening averages between 24 – 36 inches wide, 24 – 29 inches high, and about 16 inches deep. The distance from the hearth to the fireplace damper should be about 37 inches.
Are fireplace inserts standard size?
Fireplace Insert Sizes Fireplace inserts are not one-size-fits-all. They must be the right dimensions for your particular space, so measure the height, width and depth of your fireplace from the back wall to the front opening. … The larger the room, the more heat you’ll want it the fireplace insert to produce.
Can a fireplace opening be made smaller?
Reduce the Opening Size – This can be achieved by laying an additional row of firebrick on the floor of the firebox. Before you start laying brick, you can test the solution by holding a piece of metal over part of the opening and watching to see if the draft improves.
How do I know what size fireplace insert I need?
The key factor in selecting the size is based on the opening of the existing fireplace. To determine the right size, measure the following: opening height; opening width; opening depth (top and bottom); rear width and the depth of the hearth (area in front of fireplace).What is the standard size of a fireplace opening?
Standard Fireplace Opening Dimensions The standard height of a fireplace’s opening is between 24 to 29 inches and 24 to 36 inches wide.
How wide is the average fireplace mantel?
For a quick reference, a 36-inch fireplace will probably have a mantel width of 48 inches. A 42-inch fireplace will probably have a mantel width of 54 inches. The mantel should not be so wide that it reaches anything else, like a wall, window or door.
Can you put a fireplace insert in an existing fireplace?
Yes, you can easily add a gas fireplace insert into your existing chimney. In fact, a fireplace insert is an appliance designed to fit into an existing fireplace. Inserts are usually cut in various sizes to suit your preferences and needs.
Is a fireplace insert worth the money?
Are Fireplace Inserts Worth the Money? … Savings: Fireplace inserts can help you to cut down on your heating bill. A fireplace insert is not recommended as a sole use of heating but when used in conjunction with turning down your thermostat, can save you money on your heating bill.Should my fireplace screen cover the whole opening?
Wood Fireplace Sizing Guidelines Flat Fireplace Screens- Should overlap the opening by 1” (or up to 4”) on top and sides. Folding Fireplace Screens should be 3-4” taller than the fireplace opening and 10-12” wider. This will ensure that your screen stands on it’s own.
What is the difference between a fireplace and a fireplace insert?Fireplaces will have large viewing areas and box dimensions because they are designed to be built into new construction and not limited by the existing fireplace opening size. … A fireplace insert is basically a stove, wood or gas, that is designed to be inserted into a fireplace that is already there.
Article first time published onAre all fireplaces the same size?
The Proper Way to Measure Dimensions of a Fireplace. In order to measure your fireplace, you will need to record the height, width, and depth. … Firebox, fireplace opening, or cavity, it’s all the same! These names all refer to the same thing.
Can you make a fireplace opening bigger?
Locate the lintel of the fireplace — a bar made of stone that supports the foundation. Proceed to knock down bricks with a hammer to make the opening of the fireplace bigger, leaving the lintel intact. … Contact a contractor if you would like to move the lintel up or make the opening wider.
Is my fireplace opening too big?
The fireplace opening should be sized based upon a relationship with the chimney flue. An ideal fireplace opening would be no more than ten times the cross sectional area of the chimney flue. … If a fireplace opening is too large it will allow more air into the fireplace than the flue can exhaust.
How do you narrow a fireplace opening?
To decrease the size of the fireplace opening, consider installing a metal deflector or hood, which attaches to the chimney breast (the masonry above the opening). To determine the size of the hood required, first build a fire in the fireplace.
How wide is a standard fireplace hearth?
The front of the hearth needs to extend to a minimum of 20 inches, and the side areas need to extend to 12 inches. The recommended thickness for larger fireplace hearths remains the same.
What height is a standard fireplace?
Again, “proper” height is relatively subjective to your fireplace, but average or standard fireplace mantel height construction is around 54” above the hearth’s floor.
Do I need a chimney liner for fireplace insert?
When installing a fireplace insert in your existing fireplace it is now required that you install a chimney liner system to vent the appliance. In addition to your installation being compliant with local code, there are many other benefits to installing a stainless steel chimney liner.
How much is a fireplace insert?
How much does a fireplace insert cost? Most fireplace inserts and a professional installation cost about $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the state of your existing chimney and the model you select. Some electric models cost significantly less, but they offer less heat output than wood and gas fireplace inserts.
What is the purpose of a fireplace insert?
A fireplace insert is a sealed box that is placed (inserted) into an existing masonry fireplace. As a result, the old inefficient wood fireplace is upgraded to a new high-efficiency wood, gas, or propane fireplace that will produce more heat and use less fuel.
How much space should be between fireplace and mantel?
As a general rule, a mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Add an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. So, a mantel 6 inches deep would be attached 18 inches above the firebox opening.
How is a fireplace screen supposed to fit?
Wood Fireplace Sizing Guidelines Flat Fireplace Screens- Should overlap the opening by 1” (or up to 4”) on top and sides. Folding Fireplace Screens should be 3-4” taller than the fireplace opening and 10-12” wider. This will ensure that your screen stands on it’s own.
Are fireplace screens attached?
Most fireplace screens do not need to be installed since they sit in front of the opening to the fireplace. They come in three- and four-panel screens, surrounded in brass, copper and steel trim. The panels are hinged together for a custom bend around the opening.
Do you need a screen in front of a gas fireplace?
New gas fireplace safety standards All gas fireplaces and stoves with glass fronts manufactured after January 1, 2015 are required to have a fireplace screen. … We believe the new safety standard will provide greater protection to young children and others with special needs.”
What is code for fireplace surround?
The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.
What is the surround of a fireplace?
A fireplace surround is the object that sticks out from the outer wall of a fireplace into the room and surrounds the fireplace opening. A fireplace surround is usually made up of the sides and mantel but may or may not include the base of the fireplace, known as the hearth.
How far should combustibles be from fireplace openings?
The National Fire Code requires all combustible material to be at least 6 inches from the opening of the firebox.
Do fireplace inserts need electricity?
As with freestanding wood stoves, wood fireplace inserts won’t typically require a source of electricity. If a wood insert has a blower then it will typically require an electrical supply in order to operate.
Are wood-burning inserts safe?
When properly installed, wood-burning inserts are very safe and are much safer than an open fire.
Do wood fireplace inserts work?
Wood burning fireplace inserts give much more heat and enjoyment than a conventional masonry fireplace. If you plan on continuing to burn wood fire fires, and you wish for more heat, this is a good choice. Wood fireplace inserts have been around for more than 100 years, and their appeal is obvious.
Can I remove my fireplace insert?
A wood-burning fireplace insert must be removed when your fireplace and chimney enclosure need cleaning. … Most wood-burning fireplace inserts are heavy and are secured to the enclosure with screws or bolts. If you don’t want to hire a professional to remove the fireplace insert, you can attempt to remove it yourself.
How do I make my fireplace look wider?
Add planked wood above the fireplace. A nice way to make your fireplace look bigger and your ceiling higher is to install planked wood above it. It’s a dramatic look and you can paint the planks in any color to compliment your room.
