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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 above fireplace should mantle 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.
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.
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.
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 high should fireplace be off floor?
If you will be seated when viewing the fireplace, then you would want it low enough to allow you to look down at the flames from a seated position, but not so low that it gets lost behind a footstool or coffee table. Generally, this will put the bottom of a linear fireplace 12 to 30 inches off the floor.
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.
What is code for a fireplace hearth?
Per California fireplace hearth dimensions code as published on UpCodes, if the firebox, or the opening of the fireplace, is less than 6 feet square, then the requirement is that the hearth must stick out at least 16 inches to the front and 8 inches on either side of the opening.
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.
How far should a fireplace stick out?
A mantel should stick out at least 6 inches (15.24cm) from the wall. It’s the perfect depth that allows you to have a mantle effectively deflect heat without compromising aesthetics. You can extend it to have more depth for your decorative pieces, but we don’t recommend having it less than 6 inches (15.24cm).
How far does fireplace have to be off the wall?
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), a fireplace must be 36 inches away from bare walls. If the walls around the fireplace are protected by a heat-resistant material or some form of insulation, the fireplace can be less than 36 inches from the wall.
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).
Can your TV be wider than the fireplace?
The fireplace can be wider than the TV, or shorter. There are great examples within our range as shown below. Obviously, the choice is yours, but as a rule of thumb we would recommend not getting a TV that is a lot bigger or smaller than your fireplace.
Should a TV go above a 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.
How hot can a wood mantel get?
The allowable is 117°F above room temperature for combustibles. Average room temperature is 70-75°F; therefore a 187-192°F surface temperature can be expected.
How far should a fireplace hearth extend?
Hearth dimensions: A fireplace hearth should extend at least 16″ (M.I.A.) past the front edge of the fireplace and at least 8″ beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
Do all fireplaces need a hearth?
Gas fireplaces are considered gas appliances, not true fireplaces. Some gas fireplaces are built with “zero-clearance” fireboxes, meaning you can put combustible materials right up to the sides, front and bottom. Not all gas fireplaces are zero-clearance, however, and some may require a hearth.
Can my hearth be flush with floor?
If you decide to put the tile flush with the floor, you’ll have to make perfect cuts of the tile to keep the grout line the same width. The grout itself could crack over time where it contacts the wood floor leaving a blemish. Putting the tile lower and covering this contact point with a molding solves the problem.
