Table of Contents
How do you build a simple fireplace surround?
What is the frame around a fireplace called?
The fireplace mantel or mantelpiece, also known as a chimneypiece, originated in medieval times as a hood that projected over a fire grate to catch the smoke. The term has evolved to include the decorative framework around the fireplace, and can include elaborate designs extending to the ceiling.
Can you frame a fireplace?
The base is first by necessity, next I frame the lower half of the fireplace surround up to the height of the mantel. Build one side of the frame and then secure it to the base. Then assemble the other side of the frame and secure it to the base as well. Join both sides together with an adjoining stud secured over top.
How much does it cost to build a fireplace surround?
A stone fireplace surround usually costs between $3,000 and $7,500 but could run anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 or higher. The surround refers to any part of the fireplace built with stone, or the area surrounding the firebox.
What is the hole at the bottom of my fireplace?
The ash pit is built at the fireplace base so that old ashes are swept or scraped into the ash pit and a fresh fire can be built in a clean fireplace. Depending on its size, the ash pit may hold a season’s ashes so that it does not need emptying in inclement weather.
What is the lever on the side of my fireplace?
One lever opens and closes the damper, allowing the smoke to come up through the flue of the chimney, while a second lever opens and closes the air vents, allowing fresh combustion air to enter and fuel the fire.
Can you put wood around a fireplace?
Is Wood Safe for Fireplaces? International Residential Code, a model code adopted by many municipalities, does allow for combustible materials, such as wood sheathing, to be placed directly on fireplace surrounds. However, all combustibles must remain at least 6 inches from the opening.
What is the 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.
How do you put shiplap over a fireplace?
Install Shiplap Place the first shiplap board on top of the mantle. Make sure it is level and centered. Follow your pencil mark and use a nail gun to nail the shiplap plank to the wall directly into the stud. Use an extension ladder to work your way from the bottom all the way to the top until you reach the ceiling.
How much is a brick fireplace surround?
Cost to Build a Fireplace Surround by Material Material Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed) Tile $10 – $125 Stone $10 – $300 Marble $20 – $300 Brick $25 – $50.
How much does it cost to brick a fireplace surround?
Surround Material Average Cost Brick $100 to $2,000 Wood $100 to $4,000 Metal $950 to $5,700 Stone $1,000 to $10,000.
Does adding a fireplace increase home value?
A homeowner can often recover over 100 percent of the expenses associated with adding a fireplace upon selling their home. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace to home can increase the resale value of the home by as much as 6-12 percent.
What should I put on the floor of my fireplace?
The best material for a fireplace hearth when burning solid wood fuels such as wood is granite. Granite is highly resistant to heat, is non-combustible, hardwearing, and can look great in any fireplace.
What is the door under the fireplace for?
The ash dump door is located in the middle of the firebox and makes it easy to remove ash from the firebox. The dump door is opened to move the ash into the ash dump.
Does a fireplace need an ash dump?
Wood ashes only need to be removed when they begin to smell or get in the way of fire building. To remove, simply shovel up the ashes, place them in a bag, and dispose in the trash. If your fireplace has an ash dump, push the ashes through the metal plate in the floor of the firebox.
When should I close the damper on my fireplace?
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Close it when it’s not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. Instead, blocking the passage through the flue will result in smoke entering the home.
Is a damper and flue the same thing?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation.
Should fireplace damper be open all the way?
When should the damper be kept open or closed? The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. Close the damper when the fire is extinguished. This will prevent the heated air from escaping through the chimney and will keep water and other debris out of the flue.
Can I use cement board around a fireplace?
You can use Hardiebacker board around your fireplace. However, using fiber cement board like Hardieboard is acceptable in locations including the mantel and fireplace surround.
Are wooden fire surrounds safe?
Unless you are going to use twin wall flue to protect combustibles then I would suggest you refrain from considering wooden beams or wooden surrounds.
What is code for a fireplace mantel?
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.
How wide should fireplace surround 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.
