In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall gives a sleek and polished look without the expense of mantles. It is among the simplest electric fireplaces to install.
However, there are several aspects to take into consideration prior to purchasing your in-wall fireplace. To maximize the value of your investment, follow these helpful tips:.
Height
It may appear to be a simple question however, determining the height of your fireplace is among the most important decisions you'll make. The height of your fireplace can influence everything, from how it fits into a room to its visibility. If your fireplace is too high could look odd and detract from the beauty of the piece. A fireplace that is too low could be lost within the wall space.
Luckily electric fireplaces are adaptable enough to be installed at various heights. For instance, the majority of people choose to mount their fireplaces on the eye level from a seated position. This typically requires a height of between 40 and 42 inches from the floor to the bottom of the fireplace. Some people mount their fireplaces beneath their TVs. This can be an attractive alternative.
However, the exact size of your fireplace will depend on a few things, including the dimensions of the room as well as the length of the wall on which you want to mount it. The bigger the room, the larger it can be. This could mean that you are in a position to fit a bigger fireplace into it. The same is true for the length of the wall as a wall with a greater length can support a wider fireplace.
How you intend to make use of your fireplace is an important factor. If you only intend to use it for ornamental purposes, a lower level will work better. If you're planning to heat your home with it, you'll need to ensure that the fireplace is tall enough to satisfy the safety and codes of your area.
It is essential to choose the appropriate height for your fireplace, so that it can fit into your decor and is easy to clean or fill. If you're unsure of the height to go with it is always a good idea to seek out an experienced fireplace installer for help. They'll be able determine the best height for your fireplace based on their experience and the specifics of your home.
Depth
The depth of a fireplace is crucial to know if you want to put it in a recessed position. If you're planning to cut through your wall, ensure that you have enough space to accommodate the interior design of your fireplace (the smoke shelf that is above the fireplace box, the flue which rises through the roof, and the fireplace itself). You should also think about the space you have available for the surround and if you'd like a fireplace mantle.
Many of the latest electric fireplaces have the depth of being almost concealed, creating a "built-in" look. The Panorama BI-Deep series is an excellent example of this kind of electric fireplace that is wall-mounted. This model has a 5.8-inch deep that allows viewers to view the flames and ember bed, and not the frame. It also comes with a choice of media options, including natural-looking driftwood logs white pebbles, clear glass crystals that reflect the flames and enhance the ember bed.
Gas Wall Fires-mounted fire places are also available in shallow and deep versions. When deciding on the depth of your fireplace, it is important to remember that these fireplaces are supplementary heat sources and should be properly vented by a skilled professional. The length of the vent pipe, the dimensions of the flue and the distance from the stove to the vent are all factors that need to be taken into consideration when determining the depth of a gas fireplace.
If you decide to go with a surface mount or a recess-mounted installation, it is important to read and follow all of the instructions of the manufacturer when mounting your fireplace. A professional installer is recommended in most cases. Also, it is always good to have an extra person available when installing a gas fireplace.
Addition of an in-wall fire place to your home is a fantastic way to increase the value of it and create ambiance. It can also reduce your heating costs. Furthermore, it's an excellent option if you aren't able to install traditional fireplaces in your home because of space limitations or due to the location of your existing chimney.
Surface Mount
Surface mounts are a great option if you don't want to or aren't able cut into the wall to mount an electric fireplace. They also give it a sleek, integrated look. Certain models, such as the Allusion line, can even be installed partially recessing in a wall without compromising heat output or aesthetics.
To begin the installation start by marking the wall using pencil where the bracket will be placed. Use a stud finder to find the studs in the area. Make sure every mounting bracket is directly in front of one or more studs for stability. If a stud is not reached or is not suitable for your fireplace, you could use drywall anchors to provide support.
Once you've determined the location of the brackets to be mounted and drilled them, screw them into the wall ensuring they are properly aligned with the studs. If possible, connect each bracket to a stud for security and strength, but you could also use plastic anchors if necessary. Once the mounting brackets have been put in place, raise your fireplace and hang it from the wall bracket. Once it's secure, verify the position of your fireplace to make sure that it is straight and not crooked within the opening.
Before you proceed with the installation, connect your fireplace and check whether all features are operating correctly - turn on the fire, and then light up the flames, play around with the heat, ember bed lights, etc. Once you are satisfied with the results, it's time to put in the floating mantel.
Depending on the type of your fireplace, you'll either require a wire connection to the appliance wire connector at the lower part of the mantel. Or if the fireplace has hooks or slots on the back connecting them to slots on the wall mounting brackets. Once you've done that you must follow the owner's manual for specific instructions for removing the glass front panel and putting it back inside the opening.
If you need to adjust the height you can replace the glass front after you have removed the front panel. If your fireplace is equipped with ember bed media, spread it across the top of the grate to give it a a more natural appearance and then secure it by using the screws that come with it.
Plug-In
These electric fireplaces do not require vents or chimneys like traditional wood-burning ones. They plug into a standard outlet that can provide supplemental heating for rooms that are that are up 400 square feet. You can also alter the ambience with a variety of heat and flame settings. Some models have LED lighting effects that highlight the flame and embers. Some models feature an upper grille that hides the manual controls, however they can be easily opened to reveal buttons.
Plug-in electric fire places can be mounted directly on the wall or recessed to create an appearance of a built-in. They are typically more straightforward to install than mantel fireplaces. Some have a pedestal base to allow you to place the fireplace on a flat surface, such as a dresser or buffet. There is a remote control, mounting hardware and log set. Electric fireplaces are able to include both flame and heat options which can be shut off to create a year-round atmosphere.
Some models have privacy glass that can be easily adjusted, from being fully transparent to partially transparent. These types are ideal for walls that separate zones of entertainment such as dining and living rooms. These models can be used in bedrooms, where a fireplace is a cost-effective method to warm up a room and ensure privacy.
Although plug-in electric fireplaces don't require hardwiring like traditional fireplaces, they must be installed on an area that is at the very least not stud-free and is able to support the weight of the fireplace. Certain models come with a kit to make this process more simple, including an electrical power cord that is pre-wired and an specialized mounting bracket. This kit can be used for construction of drywall or concrete.
When choosing a location for your wall-mounted electric fireplace, ensure that it is near an electrical outlet. Based on the model the plug-in electric fireplaces can be plugged into outlets that are on the same circuit, or a dedicated one for your electric fireplace. It is suggested to have a separate circuit to ensure that all other appliances in your home can be powered by the same voltage. This could trigger your circuit breaker.