Fireplace help!

11 years ago

I am having major issues with our fireplace! Our poor mantel is only 5 1/2 inches deep, we'll need it at least 8. I also hate the hearth. I didn't want it sticking out too far, but this is way too tiny-looking. We opted to do all wood, no stone or tile, even for the hearth. the mantel will be stained a medium brown (walnut or chestnut) and everything else will be white. The top of the built-in will also be stained. Any suggestions of how to fix this? I was hoping for a floating mantel look, but this looks so wimpy and I don't think I'll be able to decorate adequately with it as is. Help! Also, the tv will hang above the built-in. The other pictures were our inspiration. the all wood of the first one, the white legs and stained mantel of the second, and the stained mantel matching the stained top of the built-in in the third.

Featured Answer

everdebz

11 years ago

Jenn, I am not an expert, but I'll ask if you think your inspiration photos' mantels are so much deeper? I can't tell, but they look about the same.

What does make me wonder is whether the camera angle or your own mantel is 'off'...?

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Comments (8)

Jenn Chapman
Original Author
11 years ago
I measured my MIL's and it's over 10 inches deep, standard depth (according to always - helpful Google searching) is 8-12 depending on the fireplace style. I don't necessarily want it to match the other pictures exactly, but I do want a deeper mantel. And a deeper hearth or possibly no hearth, with just wood trimmed under the fireplace. I can't find a picture of that so I think it'd probably.look strange.
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Jenn Chapman
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok, what about no hearth, similar to how this surround is on the bottom? Is it strange to have a raised fireplace and no hearth? We'd have carpet right up to it.
everdebz
11 years ago
Jenn, I also spend some time searching for info online. Free too.

My gas fireplace had no hearth. Is yours gas?
mrskain1
11 years ago
It looks fine without the hearth. We had a brick hearth and took it off as it stuck out too far and was annoying. Like it much better. Is your mantle attached as it looks crooked?
User
11 years ago
What you have planned is a fire hazard. Hearths and non combustible materials are required around the firebox. If you don't understand your local codes on this, call your local fire department. They will be happy to help you plan something code compliant that your insurance company will be happy with. They'd cancel your policy for the above pic!
User
11 years ago
You need to read the installation instructions that come with the specific appliance to know when or if a hearth is required, and how close combustible finish materials can be.
Susan Davis
11 years ago
I suspect this is a gas only fireplace but even then you need a non combustible surface around and below it. There should be code spec on the blueprints? Your top picture looks like black slate surround and white quartz hearth material.

Just copy the top picture and it will look just like the top picture and you should be fine with it? Build out the hearth and build out the mantle and it will look fine.

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