If you are on the lookout for a new fireplace, there are so many options to go for it can be a bit overwhelming. Before even you decide on which fireplace to get, the process of getting the right measurements for your final decision is also tricky.
If you were to get the wrong dimensions of a fireplace it could cause you many problems further down the line of getting a fireplace in the first place.
Therefore, before going ahead and making that decision of getting a fireplace, first, let’s learn about the dimensions of different fireplaces.
What are the typical fireplace dimensions?
Fireplaces can be of different shapes and sizes. In general, the standard dimensions of a fireplace should be 16 inches deep, 24-29 inches high and have a 24-36 inches wide opening. Normally the distance between the damper and the hearth is between 37 inches and the rear firebox is 11-19 inches.
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The fireplace is sometimes considered an art piece of a home. They can change the whole appearance of a home and make them feel more lived in.
These days we can sometimes we digital fireplaces which are nice to look at but nothing beats the original.
Therefore, when we are making it is important to understand the best shape of a fireplace. Keep reading below to know more about the standard sizes of different aspects of a fireplace.
Standard fireplace width:
In homes typically, the fireplace is not too wide. They tend to be in the middle side of the homestead and thus they are just about 42 inches.
Fireplace depth:
Sometimes an opening of the fireplace can vary the depth of a fireplace as well. Generally, it is almost always 16 inches deep.
Standard fireplace opening dimensions:
This is where we see can see the embers and the firepit itself. The accepted standard measurements for this are no more than 24-36 inches.
Standard fireplace surround dimensions:
Surround is used as the unofficial name for all of the collective parts like the mantle and the legs, although sometimes the hearth is also considered in it.
The standard dimension for a surround of a fireplace is 42 inches.
What are the dimensions of these fireplaces?
There are a different variety of fireplaces out there. When we look into them, they might be confusing to the eyes. Thus, here are the dimensions of a few of them below.
Masonry fireplace dimensions:
Masonry fireplaces typically have a dimension of 24 to 48 inches but they can reach 84 inches for homes with tall walls.
Gas fireplace dimensions:
The width of this fireplace can be 24 to 48 inches. The height of the fireplace is 36 inches or more. While the firebox height is 14 inches and the opening height is 24 inches.
Electric fireplace dimensions:
These fireplaces are very unique and they take the space of conventional wood fireplaces. These fireplaces can be 31 inches in height, a width of 44 inches, and a depth of 13 inches.
Fireplace insert dimensions:
Usually these fireplaces are sealed boxes that take the place of an old masonry fireplace.
The small gas-powered fireplace insert will traditionally have a width of 26 inches, a height of 17 inches, and a depth of 14 inches.
Corner fireplace dimensions:
Corner fireplaces are a unique solution for small rooms. Length is 41 inches and has a width of 54 inches. They are a bit bigger than the traditional fireplaces.
Double-sided fireplace dimensions:
Double-sided fireplaces are a very good idea for a fireplace if someone wants the ambiance and warmth to reverberate in between two different separate rooms.
The height of the fireplace is 52 inches, the width is 44 inches, and the depth is 25 inches.
Fireplace mantel dimensions:
Fireplace mantels are the frames of the fireplace. In need of a big fireplace, the width of these fireplaces can be up to 48 inches and a mantel with a width of 82 inches.
Outdoor fireplace dimensions: Utilized in the backyards of our homes the Outdoor fireplaces can come in widths of 36 to 180 inches, along with a height of 48 to 180 inches, and finally a depth of 36 to 72 inches.
What affects the size of a fireplace?
There are multiple factors that we need to take into count that will help us decide what the size of the fireplace would be. Below are some of those variables that we need to understand before getting a fireplace.
Furthermore, make sure to remember that the size of our television is measured on the diagonal but fireplaces are measured straight across.
Room Size:
When getting the right size for the fireplace, the size of the room it is going to be in also needs to be factored in. This is necessary to get the right type and size of the fireplace for your home.
Type of Fireplace:
The type of fireplace can play a major role in how big it can get while deciding to get one.
The fireplace’s design also comes into this category. There are essentially two types of fireplaces, one is solid fuel and the other is gas.
Heat Output:
It is not common for fireplaces to output unnecessarily high heat to make the room neutral or warm.
Sometimes they can just be a showpiece and sometimes they just output the minimum amount of heat. Thus, depending on the heat output the size of the fireplace changes.
The Climate:
In some regions, the climate can be very unpredictable. Then again in some other regions, the climate can be very cold. Therefore, depending on where we live, we need to adjust the size of a fireplace.
What are the measurable parts of a fireplace?
When it comes to measuring the parts of a fireplace there are several things we can measure. The mantelpiece, for example, can be measured, apart from just being there to make the fireplace look good they also serve the purpose of the hood that prevents smoke from entering the room.
Furthermore, there’s the Corbel, which supports weight. Corbel can be found used in many different kinds of architecture. However, other parts of a fireplace are as much as important as this if not more.
The firebox is the most critical component of a fireplace. Henceforth the other pieces that can be measured are Surround, Plinth, and Hearth. Each of these parts is as important as the mantelpiece and each of them serves a purpose.
How do you measure the size of a fireplace?
The procedure of measuring the right size of a fireplace can seem easy but it’s also easy to mess up and ruin the dimensions. When we get the dimensions wrong the result of the product will be in ruins.
Therefore, in order to get the best results, follow our step-by-step guide below for getting the right measurements of a fireplace.
Measure front:
At first, we have to measure the front width of the usable floor space for our fireplace.
Measure back:
Next, we need to measure the back width of the fireplace. When measuring the width of the fireplace we start by the front opening then go to the backside of it.
Measure center depth:
After that, we need to measure the depth of the center of our fireplace. When we are doing this, we need to make sure that the measurement is in the back center of our fireplace’s cavity.
Take front height:
Finally, we need to measure the front height. We will proceed to take three different measurements of the height from left, center to right. At the end of it, we will take the lowest height among the three.
Measure distance between top and other parts:
It’s crucial to also consider the immediate vicinity of the fireplace. That is why we need to measure the distance from the top and each side of the fireplace to make sure that there will be no combustible materials too close.
Final Thoughts
The typical fireplace dimensions are as follows; the opening of the fireplace should be 24-36 inches wide. The height of it should be 24-29 inches. The depth of the fireplace needs to be 16 inches deep. The firebox should be around 11-19 inches wide and the height of it should be at least 14 inches.