In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
An in wall fireplace provides a sleek and polished look without the expense of mantles. It is among the easiest electric fireplaces to put in.
There are a few things to think about before purchasing an in-wall fireplace. Follow these tips to make the most out of your purchase.
Height
While it may appear to be an easy task to answer, determining the height of your new wood fireplace is among the most crucial decisions you can make. This is because the height of your Fireplace Stove will impact everything from how it fits into a space to how easily it can be seen. A marble fireplace that is to high could make it look unnatural and diminish the aesthetics of the piece. On the other hand, having your fireplace set too low could cause it to be lost in the wall space.
Luckily, electric fireplaces are versatile enough to be placed at various heights. For instance, the majority of people prefer to place their fireplaces at eye level from a sitting position. This requires a height between 40-42 inches. Some fireplaces are mounted under their TVs, which is visually appealing.
However, the size of your fireplace will depend on certain factors, such as the size of the room and the length of the wall on which you'd like to place it. The bigger the room, the larger it can be. This could mean you are capable of fitting a larger fireplace into it. The same is true for the length of the wall because a wall that is longer can support a wider fireplace.
How you intend to utilize your fireplace is an important aspect. If you only intend to use it for ornamental purposes, a lower height will work best. If you intend to heat your home with it, you'll have to ensure that the fireplace is tall enough to satisfy the local codes and safety standards.
The right height for your fireplace will help to make sure that it's in keeping with the decor of the room and is easy to work with when cleaning or filling it. If you're not sure what best height to choose, you can always contact an expert fireplace installer for assistance. They can suggest the best height for your fireplace, based on their knowledge and your home's layout.
Depth
The depth of a fireplace is essential to know if you want to put it in a recessed location. If you plan to cut into your wall, ensure that you have enough space to accommodate the inner design of your fireplace (the smoke shelf area above the fireplace box, the flue which rises through the roof, and the fireplace itself). Also consider the space you will have for the surround and whether you would like a mantle.
Many of the latest electric fireplace models have an incredibly deep depth that is concealed, giving them an "integrated" appearance. This kind of electric wall fireplace is best demonstrated by the Panorama BI Deep series. It has a 5.8-inch deep frame that lets the viewer view the flames and ember bed and not the frame. It also comes with a choice of media packages, such as natural looking driftwood logs, white pebbles, or crystals made of clear glass that reflect the flames and enhance the ember bed.
Wall-mounted gas fireplaces are also available in deep and shallow versions. When determining the depth of your fireplace it is important to keep in mind that these fireplaces are considered to be supplementary heat sources and should be vented properly by a skilled professional. When determining the depth for gas fireplaces it is important to think about the length of the vent pipe and the size of the chimney.
If you decide to go with a surface mount or a one-piece installation, it's crucial to read and adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer when mounting your fireplace. In most cases, a professional installer is recommended. It is also recommended to have a second person available to install a fireplace.
Addition of an in-wall fire place to your home is a great way to increase the value of it and create ambiance. It can also reduce your heating bills. It's an excellent alternative if you cannot fit a traditional fireplace in your home due to space constraints or due to the location of a chimney.
Surface Mount
Surface mounts are an excellent option if you don't wish to or can't cut into the wall to install an electric fireplace. They also give it a sleek built-in look. Certain models, like the Allusion line, can be installed partially recessing in the wall without compromising the heat output or aesthetics.
To begin the installation begin by marking the wall with pencil where the bracket is to be installed. Use a stud-finder for locating the studs, and place each bracket in front at least one stud to ensure stability. If a stud can't be reached or is not suitable for your fireplace, you could use drywall anchors as a support.
Once you've determined the location of the mounting brackets then use a drill to screw them into the wall making sure they are aligned with the studs. You can use studs or anchors made of plastic to connect each bracket. Once the mounting brackets are installed, lift the fireplace and hang it from the bracket. Once it's secure, check the position of your fireplace to make sure that it's straight and not crooked within the opening.
Before you proceed with the installation, connect your fireplace and ensure that all features are working properly - turn on the fire and light up the flames, play around with heat, ember bed lights, etc. When you are satisfied with the result, it's time to put in the floating mantel.
Depending on the type of your fireplace, you'll either have to connect the wire connection to the appliance wire connector in the bottom of the mantel or in the event that your fireplace has hooks or slots on the back connect them to the slots on the wall mounting brackets. Once you've done this then, refer to the owner's manual to find specific instructions for removing the glass front panel and inserting it into the opening.
Once you've removed your front panel of your fireplace and inserted it in its opening, follow your guideline to complete the installation by replacing the glass front and adjusting the height if necessary. If your fireplace is equipped with ember bed media, spread it across the top of the grate for a more natural appearance and then secure it in place using the screws included.
Plug-In
Contrary to traditional wood fireplace-burning fireplaces these electric versions don't need vents or chimneys. They plug into standard outlets they provide additional heating to rooms that are up to 400 square feet. You can also customize the ambiance with multiple settings for flame and heat. Certain models have LED lighting effects that enhance the fire and ember bed. Some models feature an overhanging grille which hides the manual controls, but can easily be opened to reveal buttons.
Plug-in electric bioethanol fire places can be mounted directly on the wall or recessed to give an appearance of a built-in. They are generally more straightforward to install than mantel fireplaces. Some come with a pedestal base to allow you to place the fireplace on a flat surface, such as buffets or dressers. A remote control along with mounting hardware and a log set are all included. Electric fireplaces are able to include flame and heat options, which can be turned off to create a year-round atmosphere.
Some models have adjustable privacy glass that can quickly change from fully see-through to partially transparent. These models are popular for walls that divide entertainment areas like living and dining rooms. These models are ideal in bedrooms, where adding fireplaces is a cost-effective way to warm up a room and maintain privacy.
Plug-in electric fire places do not require a hardwire however they must be plugged into a wall capable of supporting their weight. Some models include kits to make this process easier, including a pre-wired power cord and an specialized mounting bracket. This kit is available for concrete or drywall installation.
When deciding where to put your wall mount electric fireplace, ensure that it is near an electrical outlet. Electric fire places that plug in can be plugged in to outlets on the same circuit as the electric fireplace, or into a separate outlet. It is best to choose an exclusive circuit to ensure that no other appliances in the home will run on the same voltage and possibly trip your circuit breaker.