Fireplaces

How to Measure Your Fireplace for a Mantel
 

A fireplace mantel can help you update the look of your room to match your style. Ordering a fireplace mantel online is an excellent way to get a quality mantel at a competitive price in the style that best suits your room. When planning for a fireplace mantel it is important that you take accurate measurements as they will be the basis for crafting the mantel. Taking the correct measurements of your unique space can sometimes be a challenge. This article will help you understand the parts of your fireplace and know what to measure.
Before you begin measuring it is important to understand some terminology:
Facing – the material, usually tile, marble, granite or brick, that surrounds the fireplace opening
Fireplace Mantel – made up of a surround and a shelf, the mantel frames the facing on the top and sides
Fireplace Surround – the part of a mantel that frames the facing helping it meet with the wall to create a more polished look
Hearth – the floor of a fireplace or the brick, stone, or cement area in front of a fireplace
When measuring for your mantel it is important that your measurements include the facing as the mantel will be going around it. If you only measure the fireplace opening the mantel will cover the facing and may represent a fire hazard.
You will be taking 10 measurements in all.
#1 – The Total Width of the Facing Material – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a horizontal measurement of the facing above the fireplace opening, measuring across the facing from left edge to right edge.
#2 – The Width of the Facing Material, Along the Leg – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a horizontal measurement of the facing, from the fireplace opening out to the outer edge of the facing.
#3 – The Height of the Facing Material – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a vertical measurement of the facing, from the hearth to the top edge of the facing.
#4 – The Depth of the Facing Material – Looking at the fireplace from the side, take a horizontal measurement across the facing, from the wall to the outer edge of the facing.
#5 – The Total Width of the Hearth – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a horizontal measurement of the hearth along the floor, from left edge to right edge.
#6 – The Height of the Hearth – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a vertical measurement of the hearth, from the floor to the top edge of the hearth.
#7 – The Depth of the Hearth – Looking at the fireplace from the side, take a horizontal measurement across the hearth, from the wall to the outer edge of the hearth.
#8 – The Opening Width of Facing Material (might also be the same as the fireplace opening width) – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a horizontal measurement from within the fireplace opening, from the left to the right of the opening. You may do this on the ceiling of the fireplace opening.
#9 – The Opening Height of Facing Material (might also be the same as the fireplace opening height) – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a vertical measurement of the facing from within the fireplace opening, from the hearth floor to the top of the opening.
#10 – Shelf considerations – Looking at the fireplace from the front, look at the areas on either side of the facing. It is very important that you consider any windows or light switches located nearby as they that might prohibit the shelf (which is the widest point of the mantel) from being installed. Measure from the facing to the nearest obstruction on both sides so you know how wide the shelf can be.
Congratulations! The measurements you have taken will now determine what size fireplace mantel you need. When ordering your mantel online, many websites will ask for these measurements so they can determine if you can use one of their regular mantel sizes or if you require a custom built mantel. Either way, you are sure to be pleased with how your new mantel frames your fireplace and completes the look of your room.
About the Author
Carol Agee is the vice president of Agee Woodworks http://www.ageewoodworks.com which has been handcrafting wood fireplace mantels of impeccable style and quality for almost 10 years. When ordering a mantel from Agee Woodworks, you may submit the measurements above or email a photo of your fireplace to Agee Woodworks so they can determine what areas need to be measured. This ensures that the mantel will fit and takes into consideration unique situations. Permission is granted to reprint this article online as long as this resource box and the link to Agee Woodworks are attached at the end of the article.

 

Your Ultimate Guide To All Types Of Fireplace
by kensium

A fireplace is an architectural element consisting of a space designed to contain a fire, generally for heating. It is a  square, rectangular or arched space typically found in a wall at the bottom of a chimney. Most Fireplaces are built in building interiors and some times outdoor fireplaces are created for outdoor cooking or decorative purposes.
A fireplace is the hearth or home of fire of any room and fireplace surrounds have become very popular & It is one of the must-have facilities that homeowners want.
Fireplace mantel is a decorative framework around the fireplace commonly referred to as a fireplace mantel or mantelpiece. Fireplace mantels are well-designed elements that add character and depth to your room while displaying your unique taste and style.
Fire places are of different types like Gas Fireplaces, Electric Fireplaces, Stone Fireplaces, Vent-Free Fireplaces, Wood Burning Fireplaces etc..
Gas Fireplaces
In earlier days peoples used wood burning fireplaces but now many people prefer gas fireplaces this requires less effort to  maintain & clean messy wood chips and ashes and also saves cost of purchasing wood & the best thing is  gas fireplaces create an instant fire.
Electric Fireplaces
These are suitable for people living in a apartment or homes without a chimney or if your budget is low .most of the Electric Fireplaces needs to be just plugged in  . Electric Fireplaces are inexpensive and electric fireplaces are easy to install. All you do is choose the place you want it set up, plug it in, and enjoy the flames and heat.
Stone Fireplaces
A stone fireplace can be made of limestone, granite, rock, stone, and marble then color & price too depends on stone you choose. The best thing about stone fireplace is they never go out of style, This option is a little less expensive but looks truly amazing.
Vent-Free Fireplaces
Vent-Free Fireplaces or also called as Oxygen Depletion Sensor( ODS) does not require a chimney and the heat produced stays in the home. This produces more amount of heat then a vented one . Even the cost to run a vent-free fireplace is minimal. You will also find realistically designed logs designed specifically for vent-free fireplace to provide the maximum benefit as well.
Now If you don’t have a fireplace at your home, planning to build one or to do some remodeling or buy some fireplace accessories . just come to aucoindufeultd.com, Au Coin du Feu Ltd offers one of the world’s most extensive collections of antique European fireplace surrounds and accessories. From planning to selection to installation, With more than 3,000 surrounds to choose we have the perfect mantel to fit your needs. Please take a moment to learn what Au Coin du Feu can do for you.
We have everything you need , Antique Fireplace Surrounds, Fireplace installations, Fireplace Accessories like Andirons, Firebacks, Firescreens , Fireplace Tools, Fire Brush, Fire Irons, Limestone Fireplace, Hard stone Fireplace, Marble Fireplace etc…. We have an online gallery with photos of fireplace surrounds & other fireplace accessories.
About the Author

Au Coin du Feu is the expert in high quality antique fireplace surrounds and fireplace accessories. Our vision is to be the country 's best source for antique fireplace enhancements for the home. Visit aucoindufeultd.com for the largest selections of antique mantels and accessories available in the U.S With more than 3,000 surrounds to choose.

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