Fireplace Design - Where Do I Start?

Picture how your fireplace will be used. You'vedecision. The greatest element of your design style
probably already got a location in mind, but thewill be the hearth, surround, trim and mantel
practicality of the location may be affected bychoices.The hearth is the extension into the room
venting needs, installation clearance requirements andthat provides protection to your flooring while the
fuel choices.Part 1: GREAT EXPECTATIONSFirst, whysurround provides protection for the walls surrounding
are you installing a fireplace? Is is for recreational useyour fireplace. Requirements will vary greatly for the
and entertaining? Is it serving as a backupsurround and hearth based on the type of fuel your
emergency heating system? Supplemental heat for afireplace burns and the individual requirements for the
chilly room? Is it simply a decorative element tomodel chosen. Woodburning fireplaces will most often
enhance your decor? Fireplaces are available in a widerequire a hearth 18" or more in front of the fireplace,
range of designs fireplaces being used asand extending to each side to offer maximum
supplemental or backup heat sources will get theprotection for sparks and tumbling embers. Gas
most use and a higher quality (more expensive)fireplaces and electric fireplaces may require little to
model will be a better choice that generally offersno hearth or surround, although incorporating these
greater efficiency.Who will be using the newelements into your design may offer a more
fireplace? What is your lifestyle? Elderly people andauthentic look and appeal for your room.Hearths and
those with health problems may not be able tosurrounds can incorporate a wide variety of materials
handle the vigors of toting firewood. But if you havejust be sure and choose the right material, in the
the time to enjoy the rituals of cutting, splitting andcorrect thickness for heat transfer protection, and
stacking wood and the idea of free heat from fallenmake sure it's installed correctly. Make sure there is
trees on your property, an investment in a woodadequate weight support beneath the fireplace and
burning fireplace may suit your needs perfectly.hearth area to support the fireplace, venting system
Otherwise, expand your possibilities to gas or electricand hearth/surround materials. A fireproof
fireplaces.Fireplace design experts and chimneyunderlayment may be needed in some installations.
sweeps agree that low-end, builder-grade fireplacesHere are some materials you may consider for
should only be used for occasional, recreational fireshearths and surrounds:Brick or brick veneersStone,
such as family gatherings at holidays. If you expectstone veneers or cultured stoneCeramic tileSlate,
to use your fireplace once a week or more duringmarble, granite & solid surface materialsMetallic
the winter, opt for a higher end model that will lastsurfaces such as stainless steel or copperCement
for many years because replacement is anslabsMantels and TrimYour mantel and trim choice
expensive, time-consuming project. Now let's beginmay have the greatest impact on the aesthetic
with the next stage of planning.Part 2: CHOOSINGdesign of your fireplace. A grand mantel can take a
THE FUELWoodDo you picture burning naturalstandard fireplace from ordinary to exquisite! Many
firewood? Wood burning fireplaces will put the mosthome owners choose to allot more of their budget
restraints on your design. The chimney system mustfor the fireplace installation into the mantel than any
run vertically in a relatively straight configuration andother part of the project, so consider how the
clear the roof line according to local codes, which aremantel will affect your overall look and costs. The
a minimum of 3' in most areas - but can bemantel is installed to from the surround and provide a
excessively more depending upon your roof pitch andfinished look. Detailed mantels are most often used in
home design. You'll want the fireplace installed in anhomes with a traditional design. The mantel includes
area that's accessible to a doorway to the outside todecorative vertical trim that sits on the fireplace
bring in your firewood and take out ashes. A woodhearth and most often includes a mantel shelf.Make
burning fireplace will also have the greatestsure the mantel is installed to allow sufficient
requirements for a fireproof hearth that protrudesclearances to amply meet the fireplace
into the room and for side and top clearances. Andmanufacturer's instructions. Deep shelves, for
unless you opt for a high-end, energy efficientexample, can present challenges with wood burning
fireplace fireplace design that offers tightly sealingfireplaces as the overhang can cause fire hazards due
doors for long burn times and upgraded designs toto the excessive rising heat.Mantels are available in a
provide high heat output, burning wood may actuallyhuge variety of materials, styles and
remove more heat from your room than itdesigns:MarbleWoodCast IronLimestoneCultured
adds.Opening front, decorative wood burningStonePlasterResinLooking for a very contemporary
fireplaces are banned as new appliance choices indesign? Contemporary designs use simple lines to
some areas that are prone to air quality problems.create a harmonious feel, or exciting textures and
Decorative fireplaces consume a lot of fuel, canpatterns that might not be enhanced by use of a
produce excessive amounts of smoke into yourmantel or shelf. In a contemporary design, consider
neighborhood, and offer little to no heat output. Sousing a simple trim the merely finishes off the edges
carefully consider the quality and features of theof your surround.I have the perfect design in mind! I
models available during your planning stages. Higherknow just how it should look and I'm ready to
end models may give you many more years ofgo!Part 5: THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF FIREPLACE
service plus convenience features that give youINSTALLATION & PLANNINGThe complexity of your
longer burn times, more heat from every piece offireplace design and installation will determine how
wood and cleaner burning that results in less smokemuch help the average do-it-yourselfer may
and a cleaner chimney.Make sure you have a goodparticipate in the project.Plan, Plan and Check Your
source of firewood available and space to stack yourPlans Again!Does the fireplace offer the features you
wood pile. The type of wood you burn - and howmost want?Can your home accomodate any required
you store and care for your firewood - will greatlyventing needs?Do you have adequate space for the
affect your wood burning experience.For all but thefireplace plus the needed framing and hearth required
most talented do-it-yourselfers, a woodburningfor this model?What hearth and surround will you
fireplace is a job that is best done by a licensed anduse?Have you chosen a mantel that meets clearance
experienced professional.GasGas fireplaces offer arequirements?We recommend that you draw your
convenient, realistic flame at the touch of a button.fireplace project on paper and plan all dimensions
Remote controls are available for most models. Manyvery carefully. A great next step is to use
can also use thermostat controls that adjust thenewspaper and create a template on your floor and
flame or turn the fire on and off based on the roomwall so that you can visually see the amount of
temperature. Venting options may allow installation inspace that will be allotted to your new fireplace
nearly any room, on any floor of your home.Gasinstallation, how close furniture will be to the new
fireplaces come in a variety of styles, sizes andfireplace, etc.Buy your fireplace and find your
designs and offer multiple venting options. DecorativecontractorsNow that you've chosen your fireplace,
models won't give you much heat, while higher endyour surround, hearth and mantel, what's
models can heat an open floor plan nearly asnext?Purchase from a retailer or supplier that meets
effectively as a furnace. Direct vent models mayyour individual needs. You may even find that a single
vent horizontally or give you enough options withstore can help with everything you need: the
offsets for the vent to terminate remotely from thefireplace, venting, mantel and surround plus the
fireplace. Every model from every manufacturer isinstallers to get the whole job done for you. Or you
different, so check installation requirements carefullymay need to buy from several sources to get all the
to make sure your design can be implemented formaterials needed for the project. Buy from the
safe and efficient use.Gas fireplaces are designed tostore(s) that offer the technical support and product
burn either Natural Gas (piped into your home by theselection that you most desire.Framing and sheetrock
city gas company) or LP (Liquid Propane) which iswill probably be needed. Is this a job you can do
stored in a tank in your yard.Installation of a gasyourself, or is a carpenter or handyman required?
fireplace will require a plumber or HVAC technicianMake sure framing allows not only the proper opening
(check local codes) to run gas lines to the fireplacefor the fireplace but the hearth and mantel as well.If
and to install the fireplace and venting system, so thisyou're installing a gas fireplace, make sure you have a
is a project that will require professionallicensed tradesman to run gas lines. Arrange for
installation.Electric FireplacesOnce not even adelivery of the LP gas tank or connection of gas lines
consideration for fireplaces, electric fires are now allto your home if you're adding a gas fireplace to a
the rage. They operate at 100% efficiency andhome that doesn't already have gas appliances in use.
require no venting so they can be installed anyGas service may include a wait from a few days to
where. They may also be the only option for rentersseveral weeks, so plan early!After the framing is
or for high-rise condos and office buildings. Designsdone, the fireplace is installed. Check building code
range from small to large, traditional to contemporary.requirements and make sure you or the contractor
Most include a heater than can provide plenty ofapply for the permit and have the required
warmth for smaller areas. There are no specialinspections done to help assure the fireplace is
installation requirements - just plug into an existinginstalled safely and correctly. Installation of a wood or
3-prong outlet - so this is a relatively simple installationgas burning fireplace, the venting system and the gas
that most homeowners can accomplish on theirlines are jobs best left to a professional. A safety
own.Now that we know what type of fuel is right,inspection is performed after the fireplace is installed,
let's plan where it will be installed.Part 3: CHOOSINGchecking for proper clearances to framing, proper
YOUR FIREPLACE LOCATIONAs we learned in partinstallation of the venting system and proper
two, the fuel you'll be burning in your fireplace mayinstallation of gas lines.After the framing inspection is
dictate where the fireplace can be installed based ondone, you may install sheetrock, surround and hearth
the venting requirements of the model chosen. Amaterials, and the mantel. This part of the project
woodburning fireplace in an upstairs bedroom is notmay be done by talented homeowners, or may be
practical because you'll be toting wood up andleft in the hands of tradesmen specializing in the
carrying ashes down.Sometimes a compromise will bematerials you've chosen such as tile installers,
required to meet venting and clearance requirementscarpenters, general contractors or talented
of the fireplace style you choose. Your ideal locationhandy-man companies.After your fireplace installation
between two windows may not work, but the moreis complete, a final inspection by the building inspector
spacious area on the opposite wall would be perfect.is required for gas or wood burning fireplaces. This
Or perhaps the woodburning fireplace you preferhelps assure that another tradesman has not
between the windows can't fit, but a gas burningcovered combustible areas of the fireplace with
model will. So determine how important the locationsurround materials (such as covering vents on the
of the fireplace is to the design you have in mind andfireplace with tile) and that the hearth and mantel are
remain flexible during this stage ofinstalled with proper clearances. Final gas inspections
planning.PlacementDepending upon the era, fireplacesare also done at this time, perhaps by a different
have been designed through the ages with a varietyinspector.After final inspections are done, follow your
of styles. A corner fireplace may provide the perfectmanufacturer's instructions for break-in use. This
balance for other elements in the room. Flat orusually involves small, low fires that help cure paint
low-profile hearths are more practical in smaller roomsand refractory materials used on gas and wood
where you'll be less like to stub your toe walking by.burning fireplaces. Review use and safety instructions
Flat hearths were popular from the early 1800's towith everyone in the home who will be operating the
the 1940's. Raised hearths may bring the fireplace upnew fireplace.Now uncork the wine, call your friends
to offer a better view from a bed or sofa. A hearthand family, light a fire and enjoy! Your new fireplace
raised 16" to 18" offers additional seating in the room.will add a special warmth to a chilly evening. You've
Think of the design elements in your room, how themade a great investment in your home's value and to
furniture will be arranged, and the type of fireplaceyour quality of life.This article copyrighted by THE
you're installing. Raised hearths allow less bendingFIREPLACE CHANNELKaren Duke is a fireplace,
when loading or tending to a wood fire. If you'rechimney and hearth industry expert of over 25 years
trying to replicate the look of a particular era thenin both the retail and service sectors. She is a CSIA
research the style of fireplaces, surround and hearthCertified Chimney Sweep and has numerous hearth
materials plus mantel styles that were popular at thatindustry certifications. She is the founder and
time.I've chosen my fuel and the room it's going towebmaster of and she is the co-founder and
be installed into, now how should it look?Part 4:webmaster of , which is one of the largest online
CUSTOMIZING YOUR FIREPLACE DESIGNA fireplacefireplace retailers in the world. She makes her home
is usually a generic box that holds a fire. Decorativein Mechanicsville, Virginia. Karen's contact information
accents provided by the manufacturer (such as trimcan be found on either of the above sites.
styles and door or window finishes) will be your next