Fireplace opening too big. We often want to block it up when the fire is not ...

Fireplace opening too big. We often want to block it up when the fire is not lit - the chimney is very wide and we have tried chimballons but the biggest ones get a puncture. Oct 3, 2006 · The fireplace is rather large (I think) it is 32" high. Dec 2, 2011 · I have a very old fireplace with an opening that is 31" tall and 33" wide. Heatilator offers a wide selection of beautiful and efficient Fireplaces, Mantels, and Accessories for your home and patio. Modern fireplaces vary in heat efficiency, depending on the design. Mantel clearance is crucial because too-close mantels or We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The question then will be: How does the mantel fit on the wall you are planning to locate the fireplace on? Find the right masonry fireplace flue size chart for round & rectangular chimneys. Anyone had to do this and have any comments/advice? My question is can we make the opening to the chimney bigger, what Nov 28, 2022 · However, before you take a sledgehammer to what you believe to be a blocked up chimney or fire opening you should first ensure you familiarise yourself with the associated Building Regs, costs and how to do it safely to make sure you don’t end up with a whole lot of mess. Fireplace dampers can typically be found at the base of a chimney, at the top or a chimney What is Fireplace Mantel Clearance? Fireplace mantel clearance refers to the safe distance that must be maintained between the fireplace opening and any combustible materials like wood mantels, trim, or shelves. . Fixed with a smoke guard that lowers the top of the firebox. Key Takeaways The average fireplace opening is 36 inches wide, 24 inches tall, and 16 inches deep, but dimensions vary based on type and style. I'm wondering whether to fit a lintel and then brick up to the builders opening arch. Discover Sydney and NSW’s leading range of fireplaces and BBQs, including luxury electric, gas, wood and ethanol models designed for both indoor ambience and outdoor entertaining. You can uniquely craft a fireplace that works for the room's needs. These fireplaces produce flames without the need for venting, providing a sleek and minimalistic appearance. To answer the question, we will explore what size wood stove you need, how to measure your fireplace opening, and some things to consider when determining if a wood stove is too big for your home. Dec 6, 2008 · Big-all, I would need custom doors since it is a weird size. Here we examine some of the most common repairs on gas and wood burning fireplaces homeowners can tackle themselves. Jan 17, 2024 · Click here to learn about fireplace dimensions, what affects them, the parts of a fireplace, and a few things to consider before buying one yourself. These dimensions are chosen carefully with safety and Aug 16, 2016 · The size of your fireplace opening, the width of the flue and the height of your chimney all play into the ability of your chimney to carry smoke out of, rather than allowing it to flow back into, your home. Apr 5, 2023 · However, when it comes to choosing the perfect height for your fireplace mantel, many homeowners often struggle with finding the right balance between functionality and style. Turns out he was spot on Oct 30, 2021 · How Much Clearance Does a Mantel Need Above A Fireplace Opening? There are ordinances on how close to the top of the fireplace your mantel can be. Maintain proper clearance between the fireplace and combustible materials, typically 12-36 inches depending on the type. Apr 10, 2022 · Hi, We've got a cast iron fireplace that consists of a surround and an insert. Historically, they were used for heating a dwelling, cooking, and heating water for laundry and domestic We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. This can immediately solve smoking problems. Tonight, I Slammed the Door on Her in a Freezing Blizzard—Until a Tiny, Shivering Hand Slipped Out From Her Coat. The excess smoke has nowhere to go but back out into your house. This happened to me. Learn why Heatilator is the #1 Nov 15, 2016 · This blog post is about fireplace hearth extension rules, but first, a quick story to explain why I'm blogging about such a boring topic. Whether you’re moving into a new place or reimagining an old fireplace, keeping these dimensions in mind helps you navigate through choices effectively. Trouble is that neither the standard nor the oversize surround is tall enough to cover the opening. What is the minimum clearance above a fireplace? Fireplace Opening Clearance Requirements 6" is of clearance from combustibles is required on either side of the I have an odd space above the mantle that my wife hates, and we tried covering it up with our TV, but I'm not very confident that the mantle is strong enough to hold the TV. The wind was howling Good morning, I am trying to get my fireplace up and running. Oct 2, 2006 · If you are going to tile it, you must use a non-combustible backer board such as micore 300 or durock to help support it where it drops down below the existing opening. A couple of years ago I bought a wood mantel, painted it white and hung it above the fireplace. What would be the best way to block up the brick opening so that it is easy to remove and replace between fires. Orientation of the Firebox – Sometimes the grate of your fireplace can be placed too close to the face of the firebox. All the other measurements are good. It is better to have the flue try to pull more gas out of the firebox, (increased draught), than to have the gas backup becauise there is too much flow from an opening that is too large. Obviously, open flames can be a hazard when around combustible materials, so a fire must be placed upon a fire resistant surface that wont crack. Upgrading your fireplace is a worthwhile endeavor, but you need to make sure you know how to measure for a fireplace insert. Aug 27, 2024 · Learn how to choose the perfect electric fireplace size for your room. Here's how to increase the efficiency of your fireplace or wood stove with maintenance, wood choice and more. But thanks to advancements in today’s fireplace heat management systems, mounting a TV above a fireplace is a great way to add beauty and ambience, while creating a wonderful aesthetic in the home. I have an existing fireplace and we're hoping to fit a Multi Fuel Stove. Our guide covers standard dimensions, space considerations, and tips for selecting the ideal fit for any home. The ambiance of a warm fire can be lost if the fireplace is too small or weak. Install a Smoke-Guard, a strip of metal to decrease the size of the opening of your chimney. As part of the overall design mix, the dimensions and scale of your outdoor fireplace play a crucial role. Jillian Lare is a Des Moines Iowa Interior Designer specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, and new construction homes. This will give you the volume of the room and will help you calculate the amount of heat needed and the fireplace size required to generate it. 5" tall), and custom doors are more than I want to spend. You’ll want a fireplace that doesn’t overpower a small room or get swallowed up in a big room. Sometimes the problem is structural: a chimney that’s too short, a flue that’s undersized, or a firebox opening that’s too tall. Once they Can a fireplace opening be too big? For example if the inside dimensions of the flue are 10 x 10 equalling 100 square inches, then the fireplace opening should not exceed 10 times this or 1000 square inches. Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort I’m trying to get my tv to sit above the mantle but the stand is too big so it would fall forward. I recently demo’d the face of my fireplace in order to redesign the area and build a nice fireplace surround. A fireplace should have a minimum round flue diameter of 200 mm. Explore top LinkedIn content from members on a range of professional topics. Aug 7, 2023 · Whether you’re looking into wood-burning or gas options, figuring out the shape and size of your fireplace is the first step. From the size of the fireplace opening to the ideal surround and mantel dimensions, each aspect plays a vital role in ensuring both aesthetics and Dec 29, 2023 · In this section, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about fireplaces such as what constitutes a standard size fireplace opening, how wide a 42-inch fireplace truly is, whether a fireplace can be too big for a room and more. If your damper is not at least 8 inches above this spot, you will have smoking problems for sure! Apr 15, 2000 · Err on a smaller inside fireplace opening size rather that larger. May 19, 2025 · Question 1: What constitutes a “too big” fire in a fireplace? A fire is considered too big when the flames are excessively high, reaching or exceeding the top of the firebox opening. The bottom of the damper should be a minimum of 8 inches above the top of the fireplace opening. Height Height of the fireplace is the vertical Dec 10, 2012 · Fireplaces in older homes are usually smaller than modern ones, especially in Victorian homes. According to most fireplace codes, mantels need a clearance of 12 inches above the fireplace opening plus 1 inch for every 1 For this reason, fireplace and chimney guides offer a table of effective chimney vent area (measured as a cross-section of the flue opening) and flue sizes. I figured I needed a fireplace hood. Opening a fireplace is a simple task, but it is important to keep the foundation intact to prevent it from falling down. The hearth should extend at least 16 inches in front and 8 inches on either side of the fireplace opening for safety. The part of the hearth that extends outwards serves a purpose, too. Sep 11, 2025 · Your chimney or fireplace has structural issues. Aug 18, 2022 · During a renovation inspection I encountered a fireplace with a hearth that sits 14 inches above a vinyl plank floor. Apr 1, 2022 · When deciding how big to build your fireplace you need to measure the length, width, and height of the room involved. These suggestions range from simple to more involved solutions: 1 | Ensure a fast, hot start to the fire Initiate the fire with quick-burning wood types like poplar, pine, willow, and alder, along with a lighter block, to quickly Jul 20, 2025 · Proper maintenance is a critical component of owning any fireplace. Apr 29, 2024 · Hanging a TV above a fireplace could very well be a mistake—and for reasons that go beyond the heat. Thank you advance. For an opening that size would mean the kids get no Christmas. Ensure proper draft & safety with correct flue dimensions. Chimney guy said it probably wouldn’t draft right and smoke would come back into the room. Any ideas to cover or fill a huge hole above the fireplace made for an old style TV? My TV is too big to fit on the mantle in front of it and the hole is too deep for a standard mount Jan 21, 2024 · Standard Fireplace Mantel Height Selecting the appropriate height for a fireplace mantel is crucial for safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Many people face issues with the draft in their open fireplaces, even in new constructions. The face/area around the fireplace used to be made up large stones, and the opening was roughly 31 x 35. Oct 3, 2019 · A hearth is typically found with traditional open fireplaces but isn’t found with some other types of fireplaces, so do you need a hearth for your fireplace? A fireplace hearth is a necessity for all solid fuel burning fireplaces, including wood burning fireplaces and stoves. The firebox was slightly too big to the ratio of the flue. A new, broader mantel can also help the fireplace look and feel larger after a few bricks are removed. Planning ahead will prevent disappointment and unexpected delays or costly modifications to achieve your ability to choose the surround you want to purchase. I can't find any stock fireplace doors that fit (all require an opening < 32. A typical 36" or 42" unvented gas fireplace will be fine in a room that big. Mar 31, 2025 · If the fireplace opening is particularly high, you may need to consider a larger TV size to ensure the screen is at a comfortable viewing height. Warming flue helps too Reply reply more replies more replies More replies UnderstandingFalse58 • How big can a fireplace opening be? Generally, the height of a typical opening ranges from 24 to 29 inches, while its width can be anywhere between 24 to 36 inches. Judging by the decorative brick in pretty sure I can’t safely drill in anchors and it’s an active wood burning fireplace… Anyone have any ideas on how to live my dreams?? : r/howto r/howto r/howto Understanding Fireplace Dimensions Width Width refers to the horizontal measurement across the front opening of the fireplace. Jan 30, 2021 · Fireplace surrounds can be an essential part of any fireplace, whether it’s traditional open fireplaces, gas fireplaces or wood burning stoves. I am in the market for a small wood burning insert and have my eye on the PE Vista. This dimension significantly impacts the visual balance within the room and determines the spread of heat across the space. Additionally, the TV installation method can affect the overall size of the TV. If that condition is met then the flue size should be 15% (or more) of the fireplace opening size. 25" w x 33. May 5, 2023 · Conversely, if you open your windows too much, it will lead the smoke to escape through these windows instead of the chimney vent. The dimensions for both the outdoor Valor gas fireplaces and the gas inserts remain the same. National Building Codes National building codes specify minimum distances between the top of the fireplace opening and the bottom of the mantel to prevent fire hazards. Ultimately, selecting the right fireplace opening size encapsulates a myriad of considerations—functionality, aesthetics, local regulations, and personal preferences all play vital roles. Jul 7, 2024 · You can convert a Valor gas fireplace or a gas insert to an outdoor gas fireplace using the GV60 conversion kit. Feb 12, 2023 · I wanted to get a fireplace surround that is 36”x36” because it is affordable and design I like. How chimney draft works The force that keeps smoke flowing up your chimney is called draft. 25" h), and the bottom of the opening is 4" off the floor. Feb 6, 2021 · A flue is an opening in the chimney that helps to exhaust gases or heat from the fireplace. However it is an open fireplace and very drafty. Find out more about enlarging your fireplace in this new blog. I had an inspection yesterday and the clay liner is in perfect condition and the fireplace and chimney have no issues. These fireplaces are perfect for patios, decks, and outdoor living spaces, providing warmth and ambiance even on cooler evenings. Apr 15, 2000 · Err on a smaller inside fireplace opening size rather that larger. It ensures that heat emanating from the fire does not ignite nearby materials, which can pose a significant fire hazard. Check out Bob Vila’s collection of outdoor fireplace ideas for your backyard. Our existing opening is slightly too small for me to get the insert into it and to get the surround flush with the chimney breast wall. There is a good chance that he size of your fireplace opening is too big for area of your chimney. Hi, my fireplace opening is too big and smoke comes back into the room. I will be having this installed and I told them about the size diiference and they said no problem as they can install a sheet metal trim piece. In addition to the overall room size, you should also consider the layout of the room and the size of the wall where you plan to mount your fireplace. Opening and Closing a Fireplace In this project you will learn all about opening and closing a fireplace and how to avoid damp issues, when closing a fireplace why you need to install frame cramps and also how to lay your bricks and then render over the surface and then add a skim plaster coat to ensure a nice smooth finish. Has anyone any ideas of how to shorten this to stop that happening? May 9, 2012 · We have a similar problem in that the builders opening is a bit too high in comparison to the height of our fire surround opening. We are thinking about cutting the previous iron lintel to fit the opening and reinstalling it at the right height and then laying durarock (concrete backer board) that will span the whole area that the granite will cover. 5 inches. Focus on how the fireplace will be used "The size should be determined by the number of people expected to be able Mar 29, 2020 · The complete list of open fireplace tips to help you improve the effciency and heat ouptput from every fire in your home. These laws are designed to prevent home fires and they’re not overly restrictive, but should be recognized and understood. The floor plan design, wall space allotted for the fireplace wall, type of fireplace, and the size of the fireplace all play a factor in what the final outcome of your surround will be. The distance from the damper to the hearth should be approximately 37 inches. While today’s homeowners gravitate toward open, airy rooms, with fewer walls, it puts constraints on the ideal locale to hang their TV. Hi! I’m getting a lot of cold air (from outside) coming into the house from the bottom of the gas fireplace… the house is about two years old and I’m wondering if there’s a correct approach to insulating the business/ bottom part of the fireplace properly as it didn’t come insulated when the builder installed it. The actual fireplace is relatively small and due to the requirements to have a gap around the Stove, we'd probably have to have the stove brought forward with a rear attachment to a flue. You can excavate to a builder’s opening without touching anything to do with the houses structural integrity. Mar 6, 2024 · Learning how to open a fireplace is a truly rewarding experience, full of curiosity and skill-building. Mar 26, 2023 · The standard dimensions for an average fireplace (specifically the firebox) consist of the following: The opening should be 24 to 29 inches high, 24 to 36 inches wide, and 16 inches deep. Fireplaces are used for the relaxing ambiance they create and for heating a room. This guide can help you understand what you need to know about designing the perfect fireplace. We list the best ways to keep a fire going in a fireplace, when building a fire, lighting and maintaining it. If heat output doesn’t concern you, you can size your fireplace even more quickly. Apr 3, 2020 · How to keep a fire going in an open fireplace. Oct 21, 2021 · Warm up your outdoor space with one of these fireplace inspirations. My new Hampton IS300 wood burning insert is only 30" high. I would like to do som Nov 12, 2023 · A warm and inviting fireplace can become the heart of any home, creating a cozy ambiance and providing much-needed comfort during chilly evenings. Modern open fireplace An outdoor fireplace A fireplace or hearth is a structure made of brick, stone or metal designed to contain a fire. I doubt it would burst into flames, but its too hot to touch and would probably peel the paint off if left on too long. In return, the firebox area becomes extremely torrid that mak es the mantel hot as well. I need to make it around 10cm higher and 10cm wider (5cm each side). Explore high‑quality heating solutions that combine performance, style and long‑lasting craftsmanship. The rear firebox should measure 14 inches high and 11 to 19 inches wide. Dec 20, 2018 · Why do you need a fireplace hearth? The main purpose of the fireplace hearth is for safety. Dec 10, 2025 · Discover how to open up your fireplace with our easy-to-follow guide. Sep 26, 2019 · What Is A Fireplace Damper? A fireplace damper is a device that can be manually opened or closed with the purpose of allowing gases and other byproducts from a fireplace to be safely vented from a building when open, but to also prevent air from escaping the building when a fireplace isn’t being used. Only problem is the size of the fireplace opening is 48” wide and 36” tall, flue is 8x12 (?). My plan is to install a wood burning stove after installing the surround but I am wondering how best do I reduce the fireplace opening? Oct 5, 2015 · Hi All. Height Height of the fireplace is the vertical Understanding Fireplace Dimensions Width Width refers to the horizontal measurement across the front opening of the fireplace. In this article, we will guide you through creating a functional and authentic open fireplace with instructions on jobs that include how to open up a fireplace for a stove, how to open up a closed fireplace and so much more. You can find effective area and flue size tables in the Uniform Mechanical Code and in the MIA's Masonry Fireplace & Chimney Handbook and also in NFPA 211 - Standards for Chimneys & Fireplaces. Below, you'll find several tips to minimize smoke from a smoky fireplace. Jan 21, 2024 · Standard Fireplace Mantel Height Selecting the appropriate height for a fireplace mantel is crucial for safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Height x width of the fireplace opening gives the area of your fireplace; length x width of the chimney flue tile gives you the cross-sectional area of the flue. If the fireplace flue doesn’t function properly, the heat can’t exhaust from the fireplace. If your firebox is too big for your flue system, more smoke can accumulate in the firebox than can safely draft up the chimney. Room Size: How To Tell What You Need On the other hand, ventless fireplaces have a more contemporary look, often featuring clean lines, modern designs, and alternative fuel sources like gel or bioethanol. Many times, maintenance is something left for the pros, but there are a number of repairs homeowners can handle themselves. Is my fireplace large enough? Often we find customer fireplaces are too small for a typical sized woodburning stove. However, for gas fireplaces, widths typically vary from 24 to 48 inches with an opening height specifically set at around 24 inches. Nov 15, 2016 · This blog post is about fireplace hearth extension rules, but first, a quick story to explain why I'm blogging about such a boring topic. It sticks out 4. The glow of a flickering flame can be overwhelming if the fireplace is blazing like a bonfire. Off to ebay and went and bought a hood. Jun 6, 2024 · Fireplace dimensions guide including fireplace opening and surround dimensions and different dimensions for different kinds of fireplaces. Depth is 16". Apr 21, 2018 · This article will help you understand all of the factors involved in designing a great room fireplace wall with built-ins and television when planning your new construction home or remodel. I understand the need for a hearth extension, but do I need to take the height of the fireplace into consideration? Thanks for any info you can offer. Functionality is paramount when it comes to choosing the right height for your fireplace mantel. Jul 31, 2011 · Too large a fireplace opening for the area of the chimney (the size of the cross section of the chimney flue) and it won't draw properly. Architects and designers require fireplace dimensions plans to understand what shape, size, and style of fireplaces they can effectively put in their designs. Almost all small open fireplaces have a larger builder’s opening hidden away behind. Fireplace surrounds help to make a fireplace into more a feature and a focal point for a home, as well as providing a shelf space above the fireplace to allow you to decorate it with personal items. The “breakout” to open up the fireplace (stove fitters call this the builder’s opening) is usually, for the stove fitter, a simple process that typically takes 2-3 hours for a small recess, a couple of hours longer for a medium recess/inglenook and up to a full day for a large inglenook (assuming two people in all cases). You don't have to worry if the standard width of a fireplace or any other aspect is too big or small for the space. May 23, 2002 · What about wood burning inserts? Would that be an option? Thanks Answer: Generally a masonry chimney flue's cross-sectional area should be 1/10 the size of the fireplace opening. In some cases, opening up a fireplace could involve little more than prising off a sheet of old hardboard to reveal a Apr 5, 2020 · How to improve draw on a fireplace, listing the best ways you can use right now to help start and maintain the draft as soon as possible into a fire. Make sure you are burning well seasoned wood and start small to really get a hot fire going. The performance of an open fireplace relies entirely on a precise dimensional relationship between the firebox opening and the chimney flue. My Sister Stole From Me, Lied to Me, and Destroyed Our Family. A wider fireplace offers a broader flame display, making it ideal for large walls and open spaces. Dec 3, 2024 · Don't let your woodpile go up in smoke. This relationship, known as proportionality, is what enables the phenomenon of “drafting,” where hot combustion gases are pulled upward and out of the home. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Fireplace Mar 4, 2021 · Can you make a fireplace larger? The answer is usually yes. However, achieving the perfect fireplace setup requires careful consideration of its dimensions. Jan 25, 2015 · The opening is really tall, almost square (35. Learn the essential steps, safety advice, and necessary tools. Feb 14, 2020 · Can a wood stove be too big? Or can a wood stove be too small? We explain the importance of getting the size and heat output of your wood stove right. Both gas and wood burning models require their own upkeep to they remain functional. I am not happy with this as the insert is all Recommended: Fireplace Size vs. Read on today. The Jul 29, 2020 · We recently opened up our basement fireplace, so I thought it was about time I put together a guide on how we’ve personally opened up all our chimneys and fireplaces over the years – what we’ve learnt and how you can open yours, too! So if this is a job on your DIY list, then keep reading! Sep 28, 2021 · The question that many people ask is whether or not they can get too big. Mar 2, 2010 · What is the fireplace 3 2 10 rule? This rule means that your chimney's shortest side needs to be at least 3 feet above the roof penetration, and its top has to be 2 feet higher than any part of the building that's within 10 feet. Now the mantel gets hot. pboc jpdmxdh mcg ntj jmnw wlbjy nyxdc zahdsh pjn modgn