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Mantel Height: We recommend installing the mantel 4.5′ from the floor. This allows room for stockings during the holidays. Most housing codes and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) state that the bottom of the mantel must be at least 12” away from the top of the fireplace box.
How high does a mantle have to 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 high should a mantel be above a gas fireplace?
As a general rule, the mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Then adding 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.
What is the average height of a fireplace hearth?
The most common hearth heights are from 12” to 18”. If you’re tall (over six-feet), choose a higher hearth size. The same thing goes for sitting on the hearth, if you’re shorter, choose a lower hearth height.
How far should a fireplace mantel 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.
How thick should a mantle 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.
Can hearth be higher than firebox?
DEAR MARIANNE: You can cover the concrete hearth with slate, tile, stone or just about any other non-flammable building product. Sometimes this is handled by creating a raised hearth where both the hearth and the firebox are higher than the finished floor in the room.
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.
What size should a mantel be?
Your mantel should be wider than your fireplace. Typically, a mantel should be a minimum of 3 inches past the firebox on each side. However, more can be better. The average mantel is approximately 6 inches wider than the fireplace on either side, and some can be even wider.
How do you level a fireplace hearth?
2 Answers. If there are high points above the desired end level, use a silicon carbide block (you’ll find them in the masonry section, with grooves in the face and a big plastic handle on the back – roughly 4x8x2 inches) to grind them down. They work surprisingly well.
Can you have a fireplace without a hearth?
Most modern gas only fireplaces with fixed glass do not require a hearth extension. The manufacturers usually require a 36″ clear space in front (no furniture, etc.). Now if this was a wood burning fireplace that had a gas insert, the hearth extension would still be required.
What is the base of a fireplace called?
Hearth—The floor of a fireplace. The part of a hearth which projects into a room may be called the front or outer hearth. Hearthstone—A large stone or other materials used as the hearth material.
How high above the mantle should a TV be mounted?
The rule of thumb is, if your mantel is less than four feet from the floor, you should mount your TV about 12 inches above it. This rule applies to a fireplace without a mantel as well.
How wide are most fireplace mantels?
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 much overhang should a fireplace mantel have?
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.
Can a hearth be flush with the floor?
Yes, it can be flush, but they like some sort of mark to create a sort of boundary. Could be different coloured tiles, a strip set into the floor, that sort of thing.
Can you use concrete for a hearth?
Making with concrete is fine, hearths are part of buildin regs i think they should be about 120mm thick and made of non combustable material as they say so conrete is best.
Can you put laminate flooring in front of a fireplace?
Laminate Flooring Laminate flooring looks like wood but is made from a synthetic material that makes it extremely durable. It makes an ideal choice in front of a fireplace because laminate flooring can withstand the heat given off by the fireplace.
What is the floor in front of a fireplace called?
Hearth. The hearth refers to the horizontal floor area of stone directly in front of the firebox opening. A hearth is usually as wide as the firebox and the legs combined.
Can you put a hearth on wooden floor?
There is no need to destroy your floors, the hearth can sit on top of the hard wood.
What is the lever on the bottom of my fireplace?
What is this? The second handle you may find in your fireplace (usually located on the left inside panel) is a control lever for the outside air kit. When burning your fireplace, the outside air kit lever should always be in the open (or up) position.
What are the knobs on my fireplace?
What Is the Damper? A fireplace damper is a metal plate or cap that sits inside or on top of your flue. It blocks off the airflow when it’s closed and lets air through when it’s open. Air can flow both ways, so outside air can come into your home and the heated air from your home can escape through an open damper.
Why is there a hole in the bottom of my fireplace?
An ash pit is a hole in your firebox in which old ashes can be placed. Its convenient location allows you to sweep in any ashes and embers, then seal them in by closing a small door. Ash pits are designed to withstand the heat from your fireplace while being easily accessible for the homeowner.
