Fireplace Measurements Needed For Installation Of A Fireplace Mantel or Surround

Melissa

on Fireplace, fireplace mantel, Fireplace Measurements, fireplace surround, measurements, replacing fireplace mantel

2 min read

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Depending on if you are replacing an old wood fireplace mantel or installing a new fireplace surround, the dimensions that you will need to have handy to choose the correctly sized fireplace surround will vary. I am Melissa from NorthlineExpress and today I will discuss which measurements you will need to have on hand when purchasing a new wood fireplace mantel or and also which measurements you will need to have when replacing an old fireplace surround.

If you are replacing an existing mantle or surround follow these steps to get the fireplace measurements you will need:

Shelf Width: Measure the total width of the top of the wood fireplace mantel at the widest part.

Shelf Depth: Measure the depth of the wood fireplace mantel from the front edge to the wall.

Total Height: Measure the height of the wood fireplace mantel from the top of the hearth or the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf.

Total Width: Measure the entire width of the fireplace surround from end to end. If you do not have a fireplace surround, measure the total width of the facing.

Projection Depth: Measure the depth of the side of the fireplace surround from the outer edge to the wall.

Opening Height: Measure the height of the fireplace opening from the floor or the top of the hearth to the top of the opening.

Side Distances: Measure from the edge of the hearth or surround to the nearest light fixture, window, corner, or door on each side.

If you are installing a new mantel follow these steps to get the fireplace measurements you will need: (these guidelines are assuming you have a fireplace facing and a hearth. If you do not have a fireplace facing skip those measurements. If you do not have a hearth, skip those measurements as well. )

Total Facing Width: Measure the total width of the fireplace facing from end to end

Facing Width: Measure the width of the facing on one side of the fireplace opening

Facing Depth: If the facing projects out from the wall, measure the distance from the outer edge to the wall.

Opening Width: Measure the width of the fireplace opening.

Opening Height: Measure the height of the opening from the floor of the fireplace, which is at the same level as the hearth, or the floor of the room if you have no hearth.

Hearth Height: Measure the height of the hearth from the floor to the top of the surface.

Hearth Depth: Measure the depth of the hearth from the front edge to the wall.

Hearth Width: Measure the width of the hearth from end to end.

Side Distances: Measure from the edge of the facing to the nearest light fixture, door, corner, or window on each side.

And remember, if you are not replacing a wood fireplace mantel but rather installing a new fireplace surround, you will need to check your local building codes or fire safety department to obtain the minimum distance allowed from the fireplace opening to the fireplace surround.

I hope that you have found this information helpful. I you have questions about choosing a mantle or taking fireplace measurements, you can call us at 866-667-8454. At NorthlineExpress, home of the “Buy and Try” satisfaction guarantee, we are always happy to help.