QA

Quick Answer: How Far Above A Fireplace Should A Mantle Be

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 far above a fireplace should a wood mantel be?

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 mantle over fireplace?

Standard Mantel Height 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.

How much space should be between fireplace and mantle?

Most codes specify mantel distance from the firebox itself. 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 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.

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.

What is the average depth of a fireplace mantel?

Depth: A typical mantel depth is 6 to 7 inches. This allows you to place decorative items on the mantel top. A mantel with a smaller depth may lose its presence and be disproportional to the fireplace. The depth of the mantel shouldn’t be too deep, however, since heat can become trapped and damage the mantel.

How high should a 65 inch TV be mounted above a fireplace?

So, if you are looking at a 65” TV, you should be sitting approximately 97” away (65 x 1.5). Or, working backwards, if your seating is 9′, or 108”, from the fireplace then you should consider something in the neighborhood of 70” (108/1.5).

How big should my mantle 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 I protect my fireplace mantel from heat?

A heat deflector is installed to provide air space between it and the wood mantel, and it’s bent at a 45 degree angle to deflect heat away from the mantel. It turned out great! It does its important job and is barely noticeable.

How high is a mantle piece?

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. This is measured off from the floor of the hearth.

How far should a fireplace hearth stick out?

So how far should a fireplace hearth come out? InterNACHI recommends that for fireplaces that have an opening of 6 square feet (0.56 square meters) or smaller, a hearth should extend at least 16 inches (406mm) out into the room from the opening, and by at least 8 inches (203mm) away from the sides.

Do you need a hearth in front of gas fireplace?

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.

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 high should I mount my TV above the mantle?

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.

Is a TV above a fireplace too high?

It’s not advisable to mount a TV above a fireplace because excess heat and electronics don’t mix. The area above the fireplace is often warmer than other wall surfaces in your home. The farther the fireplace mantle extends into the room, the more it will deflect heat from the above wall (and TV mounted there).

Is it OK to mount a TV above a fireplace?

Mount Your TV Above an Open-Fireplace In most cases, you should not install electronics above wood-burning stoves or gas fireplaces and inserts because they produce massive amounts of heat. That heat could severely damage your tv or other electronic devices.

Are wooden mantels safe?

The primary goal is to help you avoid creating unsafe situations that can result in a fire burning your home and possibly causing the loss of life. 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.

How far should the tile come out in front of a fireplace?

You’ll also have to bring the hearth dimensions up to code: Most localities require hearths to be 16 inches deep and extend 8 inches beyond both sides of the firebox.