In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
A fireplace that is built-in offers an elegant, polished appearance without the expense of mantles. It is among the most simple electric fireplaces to install.
However, there are several aspects to take into consideration prior to purchasing your in-wall fireplace. Follow these guidelines to get the most out of your investment.
Height
While it may appear to be something that is easy to answer, determining the height of your new fireplace is among the most important decisions to make. The height of your fireplace can affect everything, from how it will fit into a space to its visibility. Your fireplace could look strange in the event that it is set too high. It will also take away from its beauty. A fireplace that is too low will look drab in the wall space.
Luckily electric fireplaces are adaptable enough to be positioned at a variety of heights. For instance, most people prefer to place their fireplaces at eye level from a sitting position. This usually 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 visually appealing.
The height of your fireplace will be determined by a few things, including the size of the room and the length of the wall you'd like to place it. The larger the space, the larger it can be. This could mean that you are in a position to fit a bigger fireplace in it. The same is 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 plan to use your fireplace. If you plan to use it for ornamental purposes, a smaller size will be the best. If you plan to use it to heat your home, you will need to ensure that the fireplace is strong and tall enough to meet the safety standards.
A proper height for your fireplace can help to ensure that it matches the rest of your decor and is easy to work on when cleaning or filling it. You can always consult a professional fireplace installation expert to help you if you are unsure about the size you should pick. They'll be able determine the best height for your fireplace in light of their experience and your unique home.
Depth
It is important 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, ensure that you have enough room to accommodate your fireplace's interior design (the area for the smoke shelf above the firebox and the flue that is atop the roof). Also, think about the space available for the surround and whether you would like a fireplace mantle.
A lot of the latest electric models of fireplaces have a depth that is nearly concealed, giving them the appearance of a "built-in" look. This type of electric wall fireplace is best illustrated by the Panorama BI Deep series. The model is 5.8-inch deep that allows viewers to see the flames, ember bed and not the frame. The media package includes driftwood logs with natural appearance, white pebbles or clear glass crystals to add a luster to the embers and reflect the flames.
Gas wall-mounted fire places are also available in shallow and deep models. When deciding the depth of your fireplace, it is important to keep in mind that these fireplaces are considered to be supplementary heating sources and must be properly vented by a trained professional. When determining the depth of a gas fireplace, you need to consider the length of the vent pipe and the size of the chimney.
If you decide to go with a surface mount or a recessed installation, it is important to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing your fireplace. A professional installer is recommended in the majority of cases. Also, it is always best to have an extra person available when installing gas fireplaces.
The addition of a fireplace in the wall space to your home is an excellent option to enhance it and add ambience. It can also lower the cost of heating. It's an excellent option for those who are unable to install a traditional fireplace in your home due to space restrictions or due to the location of a chimney.
Surface Mount
Surface mounts are an excellent option if you don't wish to or aren't able cut into the wall to mount an electric fireplace. They also give it a sleek, built-in appearance. Certain models, such as the Allusion line of electric fireplaces, can be installed partially recessed into walls without compromising the heat output.
To start the installation process, you must determine where you want your fireplace to be installed and make a mark using a pencil on the wall where the bracket will be installed. Use a stud-finder to locate the studs, and place each bracket in front at least one stud to ensure stability. If a stud isn't in reach or doesn't work for your fireplace, use drywall anchors to help support the mounting bracket.
Once you have determined the position of the mounting brackets on the wall and then use a power drill to screw them in and make sure they are aligned correctly with the studs. You can use plastic anchors or studs to connect each bracket. Once the mounting brackets are in place, lift your fireplace and hang it on the wall bracket. After it's secured, you can check the position of your fireplace to ensure that it is straight and not crooked in the opening.
Before you begin the installation make sure to plug in your fireplace and make sure that all functions function properly. Start the fire, play around with the heat, the lighting of the ember bed, and the list goes on. Once you're happy with the results, it's time to install your floating mantel.
Based on the model of your fireplace, you'll either require a wire connection to the appliance wire connector at 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. After you've completed this, follow your fireplace's owner's manual to find specific instructions for removing the glass front panel and putting it back inside the opening.
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 across the top of the grate to give it a a more natural appearance and then secure it using the screws included.
Plug-In
In contrast to traditional fireplaces that burn wood, electric fireplaces don't require chimneys or vents. They're plugged into an outlet that is standard, providing supplemental heating for rooms that are up 400 square feet. They also offer multiple heating and flame settings, to allow you to customize your ambiance. Certain models come with LED lighting effects to highlight the flame and embers. Some models feature an upper grille that conceals the manual controls, however they can easily be opened to reveal the pushbuttons.
Plug-in electric fire places can be mounted directly on the wall or recessed to give a built-in appearance. These units are usually more straightforward to install than mantel fireplaces. Some come with pedestal bases to permit you to put the fireplace on a flat surface such as a dresser or buffet. There is a remote control, mounting hardware, and a log set. Depending on the model, these electric fireplaces could include heat and flame options that can be switched off to provide ambiance throughout the year.
Some models have privacy glass which can be changed in a flash from fully transparent to partially transparent. These types are ideal for walls that divide spaces for entertainment like dining and living rooms. These models can be used in bedrooms, where an fireplace is a cost-effective option to warm a room and maintain privacy.
Plug-in electric fire places do not require hardwiring however they should be mounted on a wall capable of supporting their weight. Some models include an accessory kit to make this process more simple with a pre-wired power cord and an specialized mounting bracket. This kit can be used for construction of drywall or concrete.
When deciding on a place for your wall mount electric fireplace, make sure it is near an electrical outlet. Depending on the model, plug-in electric fireplaces can be plugged into outlets that are on the same circuit, or a separate one for your electric Fireplace stove. It is best to choose an exclusive circuit to ensure that nothing else in your home will run at the same voltage, and could cause a trip to your breakers.