A How-To Guide For In Wall Fireplace From Start To Finish
In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
An in-wall fireplace gives a sleek and polished look without the expense of a mantle. It is one of the easiest electric fireplaces to set up.
There are some things to consider before buying an in-wall fireplace. Follow these tips to make the most out of your purchase.
Height
It may seem like an easy question however, determining the height of your fireplace is among the most important decisions you'll make. The height of your fireplace can affect everything, from how well it fits into a room to its visibility. A fireplace that is to high could make it look unnatural and take away from the aesthetics of the piece. On the other hand having your fireplace too low could make it appear unattractive in the wall space.
Luckily electric fireplaces are able enough to be placed at various heights. Most people mount their fireplaces wooden in a seated position at eye level. 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 electric under their TVs. This is an attractive alternative.
However, the size of your fireplace will be determined by several factors, including the dimensions of the room as well as the length of the wall on which you'd like to place it. The bigger the room the more spacious it will be. This could mean that you are in a position to fit a bigger fireplace into it. This is also true for the length of the wall as a wall with a greater length can accommodate a fireplace that is larger.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is how you intend to make use of your fireplace. If you are planning to use it for decoration, then a lower height is best. If you plan to use it to heat your house it is necessary to ensure that the fireplace is strong and tall enough to meet the safety standards.
It is essential to choose the right height for your fireplace, so that it can fit into your decor and be simple to clean or fill. If you're not sure what size to choose it is always a good idea to seek out an experienced fireplace installer for help. They can suggest the best height for your fireplace in accordance with their expertise and your home.
Depth
It is essential to be aware of the depth of a fireplace, especially if you plan to install it in a recessed location. If you're planning to cut into the wall, make sure that you have enough space to accommodate your fireplace's inner design (the area for the smoke shelf above the firebox as well as the flue that extends upwards from the roof). Also, think about the space you have available for the surround and if you'd like a fireplace mantle.
Many of the more recent electric fireplaces have a depth which is almost hidden, giving them an "integrated" appearance. The Panorama BI-Deep series is an excellent illustration of this kind of electric fireplace that is wall-mounted. This model features a 5.8-inch depth that allows the viewer to see the flames and ember bed instead of the frame of the fireplace. It also comes with a variety of media options, including natural-looking driftwood logs that look like driftwood, white pebbles, or crystals made of clear glass that reflect the flames and enhance the ember bed.
Gas wall-mounted fire places are also available in deep and shallow versions. However, when deciding on the depth of your fireplace, it is important to keep in mind that these units operate as a heat source that can be used for supplemental purposes and must be properly vented by a knowledgeable professional. When determining the depth of gas fireplaces, you need to think about the length of the vent pipe and the size of the chimney.
It is essential to read and carefully follow the instructions of the manufacturer before installing your fireplace. In the majority of instances, hiring a professional to install your fireplace is advised. It is also an excellent idea to have a second person in the house for the installation of a fireplace.
Adding an in-wall fireplace to your home is an great way to boost its value and also add ambiance to your living spaces. It also can reduce the cost of heating. It is also a great alternative when you aren't able to fit an old-fashioned fireplace into your home due to space restrictions or the location of a chimney.
Surface Mount
If you're not able or prefer not to cut through your wall or create the space needed to install an electric fireplace A surface mount can give you a sleek and modern look. Certain models, such as the Allusion line of electric fireplaces, can be installed partially recessed into a wall without compromising the heat output.
To start the installation process, determine the area where you want your fireplace to be placed and mark the area with a pencil on the wall where the bracket will be installed. Utilize a stud finder to locate the studs in the area. Make sure each mounting bracket will be directly in the vicinity of one or more studs to ensure stability. If a stud is not within reach or won't work for your fireplace, you can use anchors for the drywall to help support the mounting bracket.
Once you've marked the location of the mounting brackets then use a drill to screw them into the wall making sure they are aligned with the studs. If you can, secure each bracket to a stud for strength and stability, however you can also use anchors made of plastic if necessary. After the mounting brackets have been installed then lift the fireplace up and hang it from the bracket. Once it's secure, check the position of your fireplace to make sure that it is straight and not crooked in the opening.
Before you proceed with the installation, connect your fireplace and ensure whether all features are operating correctly. Turn on the fire and ignite the flames, play around with heat, ember bed lights and more. When you're satisfied with your results then it's time to put up your floating mantel.
Depending on your fireplace's model You'll either have to connect the wire connection to the appliance connector located at the mantel's bottom, or if it has slots or hooks, connect them to slots on the brackets for mounting. After you've completed this you must follow the owner's manual for specific instructions on removing the front glass 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 has ember bed media, spread it over the top of the grate to give it a a more natural appearance and then secure it in place with the included screws.
Plug-In
Contrary to traditional wood-burning fireplaces these electric versions don't need vents or chimneys. Connected to a standard outlet, they provide additional heat to rooms up 400 square feet. You can also customize the ambiance with multiple flame and heat settings. Some models feature LED lighting effects that enhance the ember bed and fire. Some models feature a grille on top that conceals the manual controls, however they can easily be opened to reveal pushbuttons.
Plug-in electric fireplaces can be mounted directly on walls or installed into the wall for an elegant appearance. These units are typically more straightforward to set up than mantel fireplaces. Some come with pedestal bases that permit you to put the fireplace on a flat surface like buffets or dressers. A remote control as well as mounting hardware and a log set are all included. These electric fireplaces can include both heat and flame options that can be removed to create a year-round ambience.
Some models have adjustable privacy glass that you can quickly change from fully see-through to partially transparent. These kinds of models are popular for walls that divide zones of entertainment such as living and dining rooms. They can even be used in bedrooms where adding a new fireplace can be a cost-effective method to take the chill off an area without compromising privacy.
Plug-in electric fire places don't need to be hardwired, but they should be mounted on an area that can support their weight. Some models come with kits to make this process easier with a pre-wired power cord as well as an specialized mounting bracket. This kit is suitable for either drywall or concrete installation.
When deciding where to put your wall-mounted electric fireplace, ensure it is near an electrical outlet. Plug-in electric fire places can be connected to outlets that are on the same circuit as the electric fireplace, or into a designated outlet. It is best to use a separate circuit so that there are no other appliances in your home can be powered by the same voltage. This could trip your breakers.