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The recommended width for a mantel is 6 inches (15.24cm) wider on both sides. So, if your fireplace is 36 inches (91.44cm), your mantle should be at least 48 inches (121.92cm) wide. Whether you want to install pilasters or not, you’ll need to have the same width for your fireplace mantle.
How far should a mantle stick out?
The proportions of your mantel in relationship to your fireplace are important. Generally, your mantel should extend a minimum of three inches beyond the opening of your fireplace. For reference, if you have a 36-inch fireplace, you’l likely want a mantel width of 48 inches.
How deep should a mantel be?
A depth of 7 inches is ideal for most mantels, as it allows plenty of room to accommodate decorative objects. Keep in mind that the top and the sides of the mantel should be the same depth. First, use a measuring tape and pencil to measure and mark the mantel top to size.
What is the average size of a mantle?
As a general rule they range between 50 and 60 inches, but are a number of factors can influence the actual height, ranging from the type of stove or fireplace you are installing to the material your mantle is created from, plus national and local fire codes.
How do you size a fireplace mantel?
Measure the length, height, and width of the firebox and facing. A mantel should extend a minimum of 3 inches beyond the firebox opening. If the fireplace has facing around the opening, the mantel can also extend 3 or more inches beyond that.
How wide should a fireplace be?
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. The rear of the firebox should be 11 – 19 inches wide and right at 14 inches high.
How thick is a mantle?
The mantle is about 2,900 kilometers (1,802 miles) thick, and makes up a whopping 84% of Earth’s total volume.
How thick are fireplace mantels?
Narrower mantels can range from about 7 inches wide, or you can select a wider mantel of about 12 inches or more. Most live edge style mantels are around 3.5 to 4 inches thick.
How far should a mantel be above a fireplace?
As a general rule, it’s important to mount the mantle an average of 12 inches over the fireplace opening, which is a general rule from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to ensure it’s up to code. The mantle can also be 4 1/2 feet above the floor.
How do I choose a mantle?
Sizing Sizing. Mantel Length: This is the most contentious part of sizing a mantel. Mantel Face Height: Is your fireplace in a large or small room? Mantel Depth: Consider the amount of traffic that happens around the fireplace. Mantel Height: We recommend installing the mantel 4.5′ from the floor.
What is the standard width of a 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.
How much space do you need for a fireplace?
Measure the width and length of your room, then add those measurements together. The number of feet you calculate will be the best size of the opening—in inches—for your fireplace. So, if your room measures 12 feet by 15 feet—for a total of 27 feet—then choose a model with an opening of at least 27 inches.
How much space do you need around a fireplace?
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.
What is the consistency of the upper mantle?
As I noted last time, most of the mantle has the consistency of thick peanut butter: solid but still able to flow very slowly. However, the topmost section of the mantle is cool enough that it doesn’t flow. It’s hard, like peanut brittle.
How close can a wood mantle be to a fireplace?
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 code for a fireplace mantel?
Fire codes require that mantels made from combustible materials (such as wood) be mounted at least 6 inches above the fireplace opening. A non-combustible material must also be installed between the mantel and fireplace. If you wish to mount the mantel closer, using non-combustible materials is an absolute must.
Where should mantle be placed?
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 tall should a fireplace be?
Typically, an ideal fireplace mantel height is around 54 inches (4.5 feet) from the floor. Larger rooms should have a 6-foot mantel height, while the smaller rooms need to have a 4.5-feet mantel height.
How much space do you need for a wood fireplace?
The key to the correct proportion is to size your mantel (or wall finish) first, and then work backwards. 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.
Can a fireplace be too big for a room?
Regardless of heat output or TV size, the size of the fireplace should suit the size of the room. A small fireplace will be lost in a large space. Likewise, a large fireplace could overpower a tiny room. However, we see clients going too small far more often than going too big.
