In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
An in wall fireplace provides an elegant and polished appearance without the cost of mantles. It is among the simplest electric fireplaces.
There are some things to consider before buying an in-wall fireplace. Follow these tips to make the most out of your investment.
Height
Although it might seem like an easy task, figuring out the height of your fireplace is one of the most important decisions you make. The height of your fireplace can influence everything from how it will fit into a space to its visibility. Your fireplace could look strange if it is raised too high. It will also take away from its aesthetics. On the other side, having your fireplace set too low could make it appear unattractive in the wall space.
Luckily, electric fireplaces are versatile enough to be positioned at a variety of heights. For instance, a majority of people choose to mount their fireplaces at eye level from a sitting position. This typically requires a height of between 40 and 42 inches from the floor to the bottom of the fireplace. Others mount their fireplaces underneath their TVs, which can be an attractive option.
The size of your fireplace will depend on a variety of factors such as the dimensions and length of the wall you want to put it on. The larger a room is larger, the more spacious it can be which could mean that you can fit more of a fireplace. This is also true for the length of the wall as a wall with a greater length can support a wider fireplace.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is how you intend to use your fireplace. If you are planning to use it solely for decoration, then the lower height is ideal. If you intend to use it to heat your house it is necessary to make sure that the fireplace is sturdy and tall enough to withstand the safety standards.
It is crucial to select the appropriate size for your fireplace to ensure that it is in line with 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 assistance. They can suggest the best height for your fireplace in accordance with their expertise and the design of your home's layout.
Depth
It is crucial to be aware of the depth of a fireplace if you intend to put it in a recessed position. If you are planning to cut into the wall, make sure that you have enough room to accommodate your fireplace's inner design (the space for the smoke shelf that is above the firebox and the flue that is atop the roof). You should also consider the space available for the surround and whether you'd like a fireplace mantle.
Many of the latest electric fireplaces have the depth of being almost hidden, giving them an "integrated" appearance. This kind of wall fireplace that is electric is best illustrated by the Panorama BI Deep series. It has a 5.8-inch depth that lets viewers to see the flames, the ember bed, but not the frame. It also comes with a variety of media packages, such as natural-looking driftwood logs that look like driftwood white pebbles, crystals made of clear glass that reflect the flames and enhance the ember bed.
Gas wall-mounted fireplaces also come in both shallow and deep models. When deciding on the depth of your fireplace it is crucial to remember that these units operate as a source of heat that is supplementary and must be properly vented by an experienced professional. The length of the vent pipe, the dimensions of the flue, as well as the distance from the stove to the vent are all elements that need to be considered when determining the depth of a fireplace made of gas.
Whether you choose a surface mount or recessed installation, it is important to read and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions when installing your fireplace. In most instances, hiring a professional to install your fireplace is recommended. It is also an excellent idea to have a second person in the house when installing an fireplace.
Installing a fireplace in the wall of your home is an excellent way to increase its value and add some ambiance to your living spaces. It can also lower your heating expenses. Furthermore, it's an ideal option if are unable to fit a traditional fireplace in your home due to 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 can't cut into the wall to install an electric fireplace. They also provide a sleek, built-in appearance. Certain models, such as the Allusion line of electric fireplaces, can be installed partially recessed into a wall without compromising the heat output.
To begin the installation process, you must determine the area where you want your fireplace to be placed and mark the area with a pencil along the wall where the bracket will be put. Use a stud-finder for locating the studs and place each bracket in front at least one stud to ensure stability. If a stud is not in reach or doesn't work for your fireplace, make use of drywall anchors to support the mounting bracket.
After you have marked the location of mounting brackets on the wall using a power drill, you can use it to screw them in, making sure they are aligned correctly with the studs. If you can, secure each bracket to a stud to ensure security and strength, but you could also use plastic anchors in the event of need. Once the mounting brackets have been put installed, lift your fireplace, then 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 begin the installation, plug your fireplace electric in and make sure that all the features are working properly. Then, light the bioethanol fire, play around with the heating, the lighting of the ember bed, and other features. When you're satisfied with the results you can now install your floating mantel.
Based on the model of your fireplace, you'll need to connect its wire connection to the appliance wire connector on the mantel's bottom or in the event that your fireplace has slots or hooks on the back, connect them to the slots on the wall mounting brackets. After you've completed this step you should consult your fireplace inserts's user manual for instructions on how to remove the glass front panel from the opening and replace it.
If you want to adjust the height and width, you should replace the glass front once you have removed the front panel. If your fireplace is equipped with ember bed media spread it over the top grate for a more natural look. Secure it using the screws that come with it.
Plug-In
Electric fireplaces don't require chimneys or vents as do traditional wood fireplaces-burning ones. They're plugged into standard outlets, providing supplemental heating for rooms that can be up to 400 square feet in size. You can also adjust the ambiance with multiple settings for flame and heat. Certain models have LED lighting effects that enhance the ember bed and the fire. Some models have an upper grille grate that hides manual controls but easily can be opened to reveal buttons to set the desired setting.
Electric fire places that plug in can be installed directly on the wall or recessed to give a built-in appearance. They are typically simpler to install than mantel fireplaces. Some have pedestal bases to permit you to put the fireplace on a flat surface such as a dresser or buffet. A remote control, mounting hardware and log set are included. These electric fireplaces can include both flame and heat options which can be removed to create a year-round ambience.
Some models feature privacy glass that can be easily adjusted from completely transparent to partially transparent. These models are popular for walls that divide entertainment areas like living and dining rooms. They can also be utilized in bedrooms where the addition of the fireplace is an affordable way to reduce the chill in the space without sacrificing privacy.
Plug-in electric fire places don't require hardwiring, but they must be plugged into an area that can support their weight. Some models include an accessory kit to make this process easier, including an electrical power cord that is pre-wired and an specialized mounting bracket. This kit is available for either drywall or concrete installation.
If you decide to install your electric fireplace on the wall ensure that it is located near an outlet. Electric bioethanol fire places that plug in can be connected to outlets that are on the same circuit as the electric fireplace, or into a separate outlet. It's best to use an exclusive circuit to ensure that no other appliances in the home will run at the same voltage, and potentially trip your circuit breaker.