Fireplace mantle too high?

11 years ago

Recently remodeled this fireplace, but it feels like the mantle is too high. I can't really do much about it now, but is it?

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User

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

The diagram above for clearance appears to be for a 'factory built fireplace'. From the photo, it appears you have a 'masonry fireplace'. The codes are a little different, so the best thing to do is check with your local building department. Here are the codes for a masonry fireplace. The NFPA is slightly different than the IRC.

NFPA 211
11.2.3.3 Woodwork, such as wood trim, mantels, and other combustible material, shall not be placed within 6in. (152mm) of a fireplace opening.
11.2.3.4 Combustible material above and projecting more than 11⁄2in. (38mm) from a fireplace opening shall not be placed less than 12in. (305mm) from the top of the fireplace opening.(SeeFigure11.2.3.4.)

International Residential Code
R1001.11 Fireplace clearance.
4. Exposed combustible mantels or trim may be placed directly on the masonry fireplace front surrounding the fireplace opening providing such combustible materials are not placed within 6 inches (152 mm) of a fireplace opening. Combustible material within 12 inches (306 mm) of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch (3 mm) for each 1-inch (25 mm) distance from such an opening.

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_10_sec001.htm

A clearance of 19", would only bring the mantle down about 8". Here is a side by side photoshop comparison of what 19" would look like.

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Comments (38)

Mona
11 years ago
the answer is YES
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks....I though so. Not much I can do now....ugh.
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PRO
NYC Home Services
11 years ago
Jolly green giant xmas stockings will be safe
User
11 years ago
Why can't you lower it?
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
I guess I can lower it. It's just a pain.
User
11 years ago
Well, take an Advil, and get to moving it!! ;))
PRO
Orchard Home Design
11 years ago
It is a bit high, not necessarily because of the elevation, but because there is more space on the surround to the mantle than too the endge left or right. It tears at the eyes a little because the fire box is oriented horizontally and the space below the mantle is more vertical.

It looks like your going for a clean, modern look. You might use some simple square corbles of the same dark wood to shift the mantle visually "down" and anchor it a little better to the fire box element.

Are you planning g to decorate above and/ or below it?
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
I'm planning to decorate above, not below. I can certainly move it down. How high should it be?
marilynellis
11 years ago
Sorry but yes
PRO
User
11 years ago
way too high
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
How high should it be?
PRO
Orchard Home Design
11 years ago
Make it the same distance from the sides to the sheet rock or slightly less.
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
According to code, it has to be at least 19 inches from the firebox.
MJ Silvas
11 years ago
Too high..
PRO
Maltby Design
11 years ago
Proper height is determined by the distance it projects from the face of the fire box. This is a life safety issue and will be identified in the building code for wherever you live. A quick phone call to your local building inspector will provide you with the answer.
craljh
11 years ago
For future anything never cut a space directly in half. Either two thirds from the top or one third from the top.
flopsycat1
11 years ago
Agree with Maltby. In trying to educate myself, I found this illustration based on National Fire Protection Association guidelines, which indeed calculate mantel distance above the firebox based on projection of the mantel. Of course, codes vary locally.
And, yes, the mantel would look better if lowered toward the opening.
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
I looked at that, diagram, too. Unfortunately, it was after the mantle was placed. Since the mantle is 10 inches deep, it Needs to be 19 inches from the box, correct?
cabingirl13
11 years ago
Too bad it doesn't span the entire width of the brick...mantles that are too short always look weird/unfinished/improper to me. I can't tell the measurements but it looks like if you take it down about 5 rows of bricks that will look much better.
flopsycat1
11 years ago
So, Lindsey, where does 19" from the opening end up? Cabingirl's estimate of five brick rows down seems about right.
What is involved in removing and reattaching the mantel?
Jennifer Abbott
11 years ago
You'll be much happier once you lower it. Otherwise it will bug you every time you look at it; will be worth the extra work.
aaliya2122
11 years ago
too high
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you, Fred, for the picture. Although, it wouldn't bring it down by much. I'd feel more comfortable with the 19 inch clearance.
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
I suppose, however, that with the code you provided, I only need it to be 13 1/4 inches away from the opening since I have a masonry fireplace.
flopsycat1
11 years ago
Looks a lot better in Fred's pic, and close to craljh's rule of thirds.
PRO
Jarret Yoshida Design
11 years ago
Maybe just add another below?
Maureen
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Just some thoughts...given the height of the hearth and the ceiling being fairly low, what about skipping the mantle and add some great art instead. Or you could place heavy wood brackets under the mantle, which may create a feeling of it filling the space below. Last idea would be to add some mosiac tile under the mantle.
Northwest Hills · More Info

Chastain Park · More Info
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Just to be clear, the only thing that the diagram flopsycat showed has to do with the National Fire Protection Association is this statement;
Chapter 11
11.1 Factory-Built Fireplaces.
11.1.1 Factory-built fireplaces shall be listed and shall be installed in accordance with the terms of the listing.

https://woodheatstoves.com/free/NFPA211_old.pdf

Flopsy's diagram ONLY shows up on this website;

http://www.fireplacesnow.com/mantel.asp

And they even include the REAL diagram from the NFPA that I have provided above at the bottom of the page. Although, it is from a different year and the United Building Code tried to redraw it to make it more clear.
lindseylulu00
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi Fred,
Thank you for the information. Am I correct, with the information you provided, that it needs to 13 1/4? The 19 inches was referring to a factory built fireplace?
User
11 years ago
"Combustible material above and projecting more than 1.5 in. (38mm) from a fireplace opening shall not be placed less than 12 in. (305mm) from the top of the fireplace opening."

"Combustible material within 12 inches (306 mm) of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch (3 mm) for each 1-inch (25 mm) distance from such an opening."

There is no restriction on mantle size above 12" in either the NFPA, or the IRC. .....I do not know how the company Fireplaces Now came up with their chart. Perhaps it was through the "UL" testing that is required for "factory-built fireplaces".
PRO
Masters of Design
11 years ago
I dont think its too "big". I think it is hung to high.
PRO
Interior Affairs -- Vickie Daeley
11 years ago
yes too high....it should not be higher than about 12" or so...
PRO
Lewis Design-Build-Remodel
11 years ago
It definitely needs to be lowered. Then add things on top and it will look warm and not so plain
MJ Silvas
10 years ago
What color stain is your mantle?!
Ali Hill
10 years ago
mine is high but looks great with the brackets holding it up.
boothds
8 years ago
My husband and I are in the middle of building a fireplace (for vent free gas logs). The firebox blueprint states that code for a mantel 10" deep (which is what we have) must be 22" above the top of firebox opening; any lower and it will not pass inspection for gas lines. I prefer it lower, but I guess codes are in place for a reason.
dboone330
4 years ago
Hi there! Can you share pics of the final fireplace? I am just coming across this post and is interested in what you did. :-) Thanks

Fireplace mantle too high?

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