I think there is a required minimum measurement of non-combustible material which must surround the firebox area. You need to check with your local Building and Safety Department for the specific requirements for a fireplace in your town. If you do not adhere to the rules and regulations, and a house fire occurs because of a construction error, your fire insurance may be void. I know it’s a chore to do the research, but it is necessary to comply with the rules. You may have needed a permit and inspections when refacing the fireplace.

Please refer to my comments to Meg P about her fireplace in today’s discussions. You will be subject to local requirements as well. Do not use your fireplace until it has been brought up to local code, including permits and inspections.

@felizlady We had a licensed contractor do the work. It is a gas fireplace and it is within code. We did not need a permit.

@felizlady why did you assume its not up to code? Now I am curious...

Patricia Colwell Consulting It is crooked. The mantle itself is also warped. We took it from the tumbled rock fireplace as we have not had time to order a new one (35lb rock fell, I have toddlers, we were out of there asap and had someone tear it down that day - zero planning). The contractor is coming back to fix it. Only place we can have the TV is about the fireplace. Windows and sliding doors on each side and they are overlooking the mountains in Aspen. The seating is over on the other side for the view of the mountains.

We have a full chimney. There is def some sort of venting system. The actual fireplace box was not touched and that is permitted and up to code and checked yearly. The contractor who did the work was the previous city inspector so hopefully, he has not forgotten the codes :)

Replace the mantel with a thicker beam or box beam that runs the full width of the wall. Then paint the whole wall black.

groveraxle That think beam looks amazing! I love how its the whole width. Def going to do that.

Wall needs to stay white. Our house is so tiny.

Don't fear dark colors just because the house is small.

groveraxle You put a Yankees game on this Boston girls faux TV :) Will consider a dark wall. We did hire a designer so leaving it white until we get with her in the fall. Thanks for the tips!!!!

If your wall is made of combustible material, it may be too close to the firebox. The trim around the firebox appears to be about 3” wide. I am no expert, but the fireplaces in the five homes we have owned have all had non- combustible tile or brick surrounds and hearths at least 8” in width. If you use only the gas, it may be acceptable, but some people use wood in their fireplaces, using the gas to start the wood. Wood fires are more active than gas fires, and a narrow combustible surround may not be sufficient. Even with a licensed contractors, we have always had permits and inspections.

Meg, my husband and I spend the winters in Aspen....in East Aspen...so we may have similar views! Don’t worry about the comments on here, if your contractor knows the local codes, and believe me, they are stringent....we found our mantel at a reclaimed lumber place down valley...