Therefore, a hearth has to uphold some standards:
- It must be made from non-combustible materials.
- It must be made of a material that does not crack under intense heat.
- It must be at least 12mm thick.
- It must extend 16 inches in front and 8 inches to the side of the fireplace.
What are the size requirements for a fireplace hearth?
- The VWA must be an obvious colour difference from the area around it.
- The VWA must be defined and obvious.
- The VWA must be of a non-combustible material (e.g. ...
- The VWA must be wider than the stove by at least 150mm each side (gap can be less if stove is against a suitably heat-resistant wall).
What is the standard depth of fireplace hearth?
The U.S. hearth depth dimensions are 16" or 20" as we explain in more detail here. Please note that the hearth extension to front of a fireplace, given as 16" or 20" is a minimum dimension not a maximum. More is safer.
How thick is a fireplace hearth?
The minimum thickness of a standard hearth’s flooring within the fireplace is 4 inches. The hearth pad requires a thickness of at least 2 inches. How thick is a concrete hearth? The hearth pad requires a thickness of at least 2 inches.
What is the standard height of fireplace hearth ledge?
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.
What size hearth do I need for a gas fire?
A safe hearth will extend at least 300mm from the front of the stove and at least 150mm on either side of your stove. If you are intending to purchase a free standing appliance then your hearth should be at least 840mm wide and 840mm long.Feb 22, 2021
Is a hearth required for a gas fireplace?
And there is a good reason for that clarity; embers and sparks flying from an open flame can easily burn flooring laid too close to the firebox. Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, are less of a fire hazard and aren't governed by such strict codes. "Zero-clearance" units will not need a hearth, but other types will.
What size should a fireplace hearth be?
If your fireplace opening is less than 6 sq ft, your hearth should extend 16 inches in front of your fireplace and 8 inches to the sides. For fireplaces openings that are larger than 6 sq ft, your hearth needs to extend 20 inches to the front and 12 inches to the sides.Dec 20, 2018
How deep should a hearth be for a gas fireplace?
The size, style and materials used for this space will vary depending on personal preferences but typically, a gas fireplace hearth will be at least 18 inches deep.Nov 8, 2021
How do you build a hearth for a gas fireplace?
1:1823:36How To Build A Fireplace Hearth - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd as you can see I cut quite a bit of two-by-six material down to that five inch height. Now I'veMoreAnd as you can see I cut quite a bit of two-by-six material down to that five inch height. Now I've got a pile of it and now I need to cut that to length to accommodate the perimeter of my fireplace.
What size hearth do I need?
At least 150mm (6”) of hearth either side of the stove. At least 300mm (12”) of hearth in front of the stove. If the floor is combustible then the hearth must be at least 250mm* (10”) deep OR this can be reduced to 125mm (5”) deep if you have an air space or air gap of 50mm underneath.Feb 18, 2015
What is the standard size of a hearth?
hearth extension shall extend at least 16 inches in front of, and 8 inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening. When the fireplace opening is 6 sq. ft. or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at least 20 inches in front of, and 12 inches beyond, each side.
How far does a hearth have to stick out?
The hearth should extend at least 150mm out from the stove at the sides and 300mm in front. This 300mm distance can be reduced a slightly if the stove is not designed to operate with the door open. A freestanding stove which is not in a recess should have a hearth at least 840 x 840mm.Jan 10, 2015
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.
How big should a fireplace hearth be?
Fireplaces with openings larger than 6 square feet demand larger hearths. The front of the hearth needs to extend to a minimum of 20 inches, and the side areas need to extend to 12 inches. The recommended thickness for larger fireplace hearths remains the same.
How far should a hearth be from the floor?
To keep fire, ashes and embers a safe distance from the floor in front of a fireplace that has an opening 6 square feet or smaller, the hearth should extend at least 16 inches in front of the fireplace opening. The hearth also needs to extend 8 inches to each side of the opening.
How is the size of a fireplace determined?
The size of a fireplace hearth is determined by the homeowner or builder. There's no typical size, but there are recommended guidelines for safe fireplace operation and to prevent damage to areas in front of the fireplace.
What materials are used for a fireplace hearth?
Stone, brick, concrete, concrete blocks or other noncombustible materials are recommended for hearths. If the hearth is so heavy that it requires underlying supports, they too should be fireproof. Advertisement. references. InspectAPedia: Fireplace Hearth Size Requirements.
How far should a fireplace hearth extend?
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. For fireplaces that have an opening of greater than 6 square feet, the heath should extended at least 20 inches (508mm) out from the fireplace, and at least 12 inches (305mm) to the sides.
How thick should a fireplace be?
InterNACHI recommends that for any size fireplace opening, the thickness of a hearth should be at least 4 inches (102mm). In the UK, Building Regulations state that hearths must be at least 12mm thick when temperatures on the surface of the hearth will not exceed 100 Degrees Celsius.
What is a fireplace hearth made of?
Fireplace hearths are made out of a non-combustible material such as granite, stone, marble, ceramic, cement or slate.
What is the floor of a fireplace called?
In some cases the hearth is the floor located outside of the firebox, while the inner floor of the fireplace can sometimes be known as the ‘firebox floor’. The extension of the hearth into the room from the fireplace opening is also referred to as the ‘hearth extension’.
Why do fireplaces extend out into the room?
A fireplace hearth extends out into the room in order to help prevent any soot, ash or burning embers from spilling or spitting out onto the floor of the room.
Why do you need a fire guard on a fireplace?
A hearth’s extension also provides a suitable and flat area for which a fire guard can be placed, in order to protect both users of the fireplace and furniture of the room from any hot embers that are released by the fire, and to help prevent young children and pets from getting near the fire.
Why do we need a hearth?
A hearth helps to create a ‘safe space’ around a fire, in a way that delineates where the fireplace starts where the floor of the room ends , meaning that it helps to prevent you from standing or sitting too near to the fire.
Fireplace Dimensions: A Summary
Obviously, not all fireplaces are the same. It’s important to note that the EPA recommends choosing the appropriate wood-burning appliance for your space and heating needs, rather than selecting based on aesthetics alone.
Standard Fireplace Dimensions
While there may not be a set of exact numbers for the typical dimensions of a fireplace, we can narrow it down to a range of averages for each of the main parts of a fireplace.
Determining the Right Fireplace Size
There are several variables that will determine the ideal dimensions for a fireplace, including:
Frequently Asked Questions
Still got questions about fireplace dimensions? We’ve got answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by people looking into this subject.
Things to Consider
There are a few universal rules to consider when planning a new fireplace. Follow these rules to avoid any potential complications:
So, What Are Fireplace Dimensions?
So there you have it — fireplace dimensions. Developing a plan for your home’s new fireplace takes a lot of time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end.
The Truth About the Hearth
Most people refer to the area in front of their fireplace as the hearth. In truth, the hearth is the floor of the firebox. The area in front of the firebox is called the hearth extension and serves several purposes.
The Types of Gas Burning Fireplaces
Many people are unaware or uneducated about the parts of their fireplace. Each part of a fireplace performs an important function in a fireplace. There are some misconceptions about the different parts of a fireplace. You should understand how these parts work together to create a safe environment in your home.
What is a Zero-Clearance Fireplace?
Zero-clearance fireplaces are prefab fireplace units intended to be installed in homes without the need for expensive and heavy masonry. This type of installation allows builders much more flexibility to place a fireplace while controlling costs.
How Safe are Zero Clearance Fireplace Inserts?
Zero clearance fireplaces have an excellent safety record in the United States. Most zero clearance fireplaces have a certifying label from a qualified testing laboratory. These certified fireplaces are extensively tested to ensure they perform as the manufacturer asserts.
Is a Zero Clearance Fireplace A Good Way to Hear Your Home?
Most zero clearance fireplace units won’t provide sufficient heat for your entire house. Many other factors affect how well a zero clearance fireplace can provide heat. Some of these factors include:
Which is Better – Wood or Gas?
Arguments can be made on both sides of this argument for the environmental questions. It is hard to tell which way the scales tilt. There are many other factors to consider when choosing between gas or wood as the fuel for your fireplace. In many instances, personal feelings and opinions are as big a factor as environmental issues.
Where and When Do You Need a Hearth Extension?
In general, if your fireplace burns wood, it should have a hearth extension. Some prefabricated fireplace units that are fully enclosed and burn only gas don’t need a hearth extension. However, in some jurisdictions, local building codes may require different installations.
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.
What is the depth of a hearth?
The U.S. hearth depth dimensions are 16" or 20" as we explain in more detail here. Please note that the hearth extension to front of a fireplace, given as 16" or 20" is a minimum dimension not a maximum. More is safer.
How far from the back of a fireplace should a wood beam be?
All wood beams, joists, studs and other combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces and not less than 4 inches (102 mm) from the back faces of masonry fireplaces.
What is a Masonry fireplace?
Masonry fireplaces listed and labeled for use in contact with combustibles in accordance with UL127 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions are permitted to have combustible material in contact with their exterior surfaces. 2.
How thick is a hearth slab?
The hearth slab needs to be at least 4" in thickness, it has to be supported by noncombustible materials or able to carry its own weight. The "cribbing" or wood forms used to support a poured concrete hearth should be removed after construction is completed.
Do you need a non-combustible hearth for an elevated fireplace?
Roger I don't have the full picture of your installation, but a general answer is yes you need a non-combustible hearth even for an elevated fireplace. Depending on the type of fireplace and fuel, at some height the worry about radiated heat damaging the floor would of course diminish, or fall to nil.
How big is a gas fireplace?
As a basic benchmark, a small gas fireplace will heat less than 500 sq. ft., a medium gas fireplace will heat between 500 – 1,000 sq. ft, a large gas fireplace will heat between 1,000 – 2,200 sq.
What factors affect the heating capacity of a gas fireplace?
There is a wide variety of factors that can influence the heating capacity of your gas fireplace, insert or stove, some of these include: Ceiling Height. The total volume of the room can drastically change the heating capacity of a gas fireplace. Insulation.
Does poorly insulated house increase fireplace capacity?
Insulation. Older poorly insulated homes will decrease the heating capacity of a fireplace, whereas new highly insulated homes may increase the capacity of the fireplace. Number of Windows.
Standard Fireplace Dimensions
There are two situations when considering the dimensions of your fireplace.
Masonry Fireplace Dimensions
Masonry fireplaces are constructed with brick, stone, or mortar. Building a masonry fireplace usually involves planning because they are traditionally made with the house. You can generally see these types of fireplaces in colder places and older ancestral homes and ski resorts.
Gas Fireplace Dimensions
Gas fireplaces are the more modern alternative to log fireplaces. They are not only easier to keep burning and are safer, but they are also proven to be more effective at heating the house by 75 to 99 percent.
Electric Fireplace Dimensions
Electric fireplaces take the space of conventional wood fireplaces that are not working or are no longer in use.
Fireplace Insert Dimensions
A fireplace insert is usually a sealed box taking the place of an old masonry fireplace. A fireplace insert can be powered by wood, gas, or propane, and they produce more heat and consume less fuel than a traditional fireplace. There are two types of fireplace inserts, and they could either be powered by gas or wood.
Corner Fireplace Dimensions
Corner fireplaces are a smart solution for smaller rooms because they will save wall space that can be allocated for additional furniture.
Double Sided Fireplace Dimensions
Double-sided fireplaces are a pretty good idea if you want the fireplace’s ambiance and warmth to reverberate in two separate rooms.
Can you install a gas fireplace in direct contact with a combustible wall?
What has made them so is the technology and installation flexibility of gas-fueled models. Since no actual combustion occurs in gas fireplaces, zero-clearance installation is possible, which, according to Monessen Hearth Systems, means that “these fireplaces can be installed in direct contact with combustible walls and floors.
Does a wood burning fireplace have a damper?
With wood, a certain amount of time is required to light the fire, turn that energy into heat and then get that heat into a room.”. Ruppa points out that in contrast to a gas fireplace, whose warmth is thermostatically controlled, a wood-burning unit comes with only an air control—the damper. That, he says “allows you to control the amount ...
Do you need a fireplace to buy a house?
Fireplaces have always been among the top amenities for homeowners looking to buy a new house. In fact, they rank just second behind outdoor patios, decks and porches, according to the National Association of Home Builders ( NAHB ). While the cost of adding a fireplace to an existing home used to be prohibitively expensive—requiring the creation of an exterior stone chimney, flue, firebox and, in many cases, floor supports to accommodate the weight of the hearth—today’s options are not only affordable, but a relatively easy home improvement.
Do vents need to be inspected annually?
In addition, the HPBA recommends that all vents for vented gas fireplaces be inspected on an annual basis by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and also recommends the installation of a carbon monoxide detector with all hearth products. Advertisement.
Is it expensive to add a fireplace to a house?
While the cost of adding a fireplace to an existing home used to be prohibitively expensive—requiring the creation of an exterior stone chimney, flue, firebox and, in many cases, floor supports to accommodate the weight of the hearth—today’s options are not only affordable, but a relatively easy home improvement.
