Replies

1. 
   fengelman | Aug 14, 2005 08:32pm | #1

   it's a function of the projection of the mantle shelf...at three inches up, you can go one inch out, four inches up, can go 2 inches, and like that...

1. 
   TRIGGER | Aug 14, 2005 08:56pm | #2

   This mantle sticks out 2", then has crown mold 45 deg., than top of mantle wich totals only 7" out.

1. 
   Piffin | Aug 14, 2005 09:10pm | #4

   By his formula, that would mean you need to be at least 14" above the openning, but I always keep it a good 18" above the openning to start. I believe code disallows wood within 8" of the openning. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   TRIGGER | Aug 14, 2005 09:56pm | #5

   On this zero-clearance fireplace, 48" x 40" OSM, (with 8" of steel above the opening), 8" tiles works out perfect with 16" under the mantle.

   I had a handout from a local building dept. once, but I can't find it now. Anybody have one?

   Jack

2. 
   Piffin | Aug 14, 2005 09:07pm | #3

   but you can't put any wood three inches up from the openning. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   Dave45 | Aug 15, 2005 12:33am | #6

   Around here (CA), you can't have any combustible material within 12" of the firebox.  Designing mantles can get interesting - lol.

3. 
   DougU | Aug 15, 2005 03:38am | #7

   Is this a wood burning FP or one of those gas log deals.

   Someone correct me but doesn't it make a difference?

   Doug

1. 
   TRIGGER | Aug 16, 2005 05:03am | #11

   It's a wood burning jobbie.

   I went with the 8" tiles above the 8"es of metal above the opening. Totals around 16". I'll let y'all know what the inspector says later.

   Respect, Jack

4. 
   RW | Aug 15, 2005 06:24am | #8

   And as I've discovered, there really isn't any great rule of thumb. It is dependent on the projection, but all the fireplaces that go in around here are premade units and they come with this neat little guidebook tucked into the bottom. Usually about page 3 is the manufacturer's minimums for clearance. I don't know that I've ever seen anything that lets wood within 6", even flat. Most of them start around 6 on the side and 10 on the top.

1. 
   TRIGGER | Aug 16, 2005 04:45am | #9

   My "guide book" is  only concerned about the hearth size, and being too close to any walls on the side.

   ZERO information on the mantle height.

2. 
   DIYdoc | Aug 16, 2005 05:02am | #10

   The zero clearance, sealed combustion chamber gas fireplace I'm putting in next month sez 4"  of noncombustible wall sheathing, then sez you can put <flat> wood molding over that right up to the edges, as long as it doesn't stick out past the steel lip around the unit. 

   And the mantle, 2" up, lets you go 2" out, 4"/4", etc.

   But why do they always put that little book at the BOTTOM of the box?  How about in a plastic envelope on the outside?, or at least on the top? I guess they really don't want us to "RtFM" before it's installed.......

   Steve

   Confused yet?  Lemme explain it again.......

   Edited 8/15/2005 10:03 pm ET by DIYdoc