Sarah - Author and Ellen - Architect, Design Consultant
Welcome to our fireplace dimensions guide including measuring fireplace openings and surrounds and different kinds of fireplace sizes.
Fireplace in a home, especially when you’re living in colder weather, is a smart investment; they don’t just keep you warm but add to the value of your home.
Here, we present you with different dimensions for different kinds of fireplaces. Ready? Let’s get to it!
Standard Fireplace Dimensions
There are two situations when considering the dimensions of your fireplace.
The first is measuring your fireplace’s inner construction, which includes the smoke shelf area that extends inside and above the fireplace, the flue that opens up to the chimney, and the firebox itself where the fire burns.
The second is the exterior of the fireplace itself, which the occupants of the house see. This includes the shelf, the mantel, the facing, the firebox, and the hearth.
To make this article concise and not all over the place, we will only be considering the second situation involving the face of the fireplace.
Standard Fireplace Width
To determine the width of the fireplace, we will measure the width of the firebox. In general, a firebox width can be at least 11 to 19 inches and over. Also, a height of 14 inches for the firebox.
Fireplace Depth
A fireplace’s depth is measured from the back of the firebox to the opening—the average depth of a fireplace is about 16 inches deep.
Standard Fireplace Opening Dimensions
A fireplace’s height opening is the measure of the hearth from the top of the opening, while the measure of the opening’s width is the measure of one side of the opening to the other.
The standard height of a fireplace’s opening is between 24 to 29 inches and 24 to 36 inches wide.
Standard Fireplace Surround Dimensions
Surround is an unofficial name given to the collective parts of the mantle, the legs, and sometimes the hearth. The fireplace’s surround is the face surrounding the firebox of your fireplace. The measure of the fireplace’s outer cabinet is the coordinated measurements of these parts.
Most fireplaces are 42 inches wide, while some smaller fireplaces can have as little as a width of 36 inches. Some somewhat bigger fireplaces can even be 48 inches wide.
With the height, generally, a mantle should at least be 12 inches above the opening. For a standard fireplace with a 36 inches width, it should be 29 inches tall.
Masonry Fireplace Dimensions
Masonry fireplaces are constructed with brick, stone, or mortar. Building a masonry fireplace usually involves planning because they are traditionally made with the house. You can generally see these types of fireplaces in colder places and older ancestral homes and ski resorts.
Masonry fireplaces generally have a dimension of 24 to 48 inches for a home with short walls, but it could reach 84 inches for homes with much taller walls.
The height of a masonry fireplace will depend solely on the size of the room where the fireplace will be located.
For smaller living rooms, a measurement from the hearth to the mantle of 4.5 feet or 54 inches is appropriate, while for a bigger house or setting, you could go as low as 54 inches or as high as 73 inches.
Gas Fireplace Dimensions
Gas fireplaces are the more modern alternative to log fireplaces. They are not only easier to keep burning and are safer, but they are also proven to be more effective at heating the house by 75 to 99 percent.
Gas fireplaces are usually the type of fireplaces found in bedrooms or even bathrooms, as they can be in any shape or dimension we prefer. There are different types and designs available for gas fireplaces, but ultimately, these are the standard dimensions for a common height room.
A width of 24 to 48 inches (usually a size between divisible by four, e.g., 28, 32, 36, etc.), a fireplace height 36 inches and above (a firebox height of 14 inches and an opening height of 24 inches.) Checkout our gas fireplace design guide here.
Electric Fireplace Dimensions
Electric fireplaces take the space of conventional wood fireplaces that are not working or are no longer in use. Electric fireplace models are technically electric heaters made to look like traditional fireplaces, and the best thing about this type is there is no need to install a chimney, a flue, or even a vent. They dramatically scale down the cost of installation versus the wood-fire fireplaces.
The dimensions differ with this type and are usually dependent on where you want to put them. You could go larger for an electric fireplace in the living room, but a fireplace with a more sizable width and a smaller height is generally better for your bedroom.
There are electric fireplaces perfect to be situated in right smack in the middle of a living room and usually have a dimension of 31 inches in height, a width of 44 inches, and a depth of 13 inches.
Fireplace Insert Dimensions
A fireplace insert is usually a sealed box taking the place of an old masonry fireplace. A fireplace insert can be powered by wood, gas, or propane, and they produce more heat and consume less fuel than a traditional fireplace. There are two types of fireplace inserts, and they could either be powered by gas or wood.
A gas and wood fireplace insert is available in three standard sizes of small, medium, and large. Small gas-powered fireplace inserts have a width, height, and depth of 26, 17, and 14 inches.
A medium insert has dimensions of 29, 20, and 14 inches, while a larger gas-powered fireplace insert has 32, 24, and 16 inches.
Corner Fireplace Dimensions
Corner fireplaces are a smart solution for smaller rooms because they will save wall space that can be allocated for additional furniture.
Electric or gas corner fireplaces even can be erected without needing a vent or a chimney, and some corner fireplaces can act as a TV stand for your television.
More oversized corner fireplaces for bigger homes can have dimensions as big as 41 inches in length and have a width of 54 inches. While some corner gas fireplaces have dimensions of 45.5 inches in width and a height of 40.5 inches.
Double Sided Fireplace Dimensions
Double-sided fireplaces are a pretty good idea if you want the fireplace’s ambiance and warmth to reverberate in two separate rooms.
These types are usually gas or electric fireplaces as they don’t need as much upkeep and can be enclosed in gas, unlike traditional wood-burning ones.
Double-sided fireplaces can also be called see-through fireplaces. A double-sided fireplace can come with a height of 52 inches, a width of 44 inches, and a depth of 25 inches. This type of fireplace usually has a deeper depth, as they extend from one room to the other.
Fireplace Mantel Dimensions
Fireplace mantels are the frame of your fireplace. They are usually the outer part that is decorated, especially for masonry fireplaces.
For a bigger fireplace with a width of 48 inches, a mantel width of 82 inches is acceptable. For a fireplace with a 42 inches height, a mantle length of 58 inches is appropriate.
There are no right and wrong since the fireplace mantle sizes differ from one to the other. Checkout fireplace wood mantel designs here.
Outdoor Fireplace Dimensions
An outdoor fireplace can make your backyard be utilized in all seasons, including winter. This type of fireplace usually comes in bigger sizes because they are out in the open and are more vulnerable to air and weather.
Outdoor fireplaces can come in widths of 36 to 180 inches, a height of 48 to 180 inches, and a depth of 36 to 72 inches.
Fireplace Chimney FAQ
These are some of the popular questions regarding the fireplace and chimney for reference.
Fireplace and Chimney Heights
Opening of the Fireplace – 22″ for Solid Fuel and 20″ for Gas Fuel. The IRC assigns a minimum of 22 inches for a minimum opening height for a solid fuel fireplace and 20 inches for a minimum opening for a gas fuel fireplace.
Fireplace Facade – 4 to 6 Feet Range. There are no standard heights recommended by the International Residential Code, but the usual height for a fireplace façade is 4 to 6 feet (floor level to the top of the mantel). The measurement is based on a comfortable viewing of people seated in front of the fireplace.
A typical height range for a fireplace facade is between 4 and 6 feet, measured from the floor to the top of the mantel. This height range is commonly used because it allows for a comfortable viewing angle for people who are seated in the room.
Raised Hearth – 2″. Raised hearth usually has 2 inches of height from the floor level to the top of the hearth. Local codes also recommend different heights depending on the material and construction of the firebox opening. For instance, 3/8 inches height or thickness is permitted for a firebox opening that is raised 8 inches above the top of the hearth.
Chimney Height From Roof – The edge of the cap to the roof level – 5 Feet. The International Residential Code (IRC) lists a minimum chimney height of 3 feet above the roof level where the fireplace passes through and adds 2 feet for the clearance higher than any part of the building that’s within 10 feet from the chimney (e.g., Dormers, trees, roof, etc).
The codes also satisfy the 3-2-10 rule, which is not a standard guide but an industry-accepted rule.
Total Chimney Height – (Floor Level to Rain Cap). The total height of the chimney relies on the height of the floor, adding the recommended extension from the roof to the cap of 5 feet.
However, note that a 12 or 15 feet total height does not draft well. A higher height is recommended if the total height falls below 12 feet.
Fireplace and Chimney Widths
The assigned width of the fireplace façade or surround should be proportional to the size of the room.
Wood Burning Fireplace – 20 inches. IRC lists 20 inches as a standard for wood burning fireplace. However, most wood-burning fireplace manufacturers produce widths from 24 inches to 48 inches.
Fuel Burning Fireplace -24 to 72 inches. For a fuel-burning fireplace, a range of 24 up to 72 inches is the IRC recommended width.
Hearth Extension – 8 and 16 inches. The hearth extension on each side should have a minimum of 8 inches if the opening is less than 6 square feet and 12 inches for an opening that is greater than 6 square feet.
What is a Good Size for a Wood-burning Fireplace?
As a rule of thumb, a fireplace opening should be at least 1/10th or 10% of the room size. For instance, a room with a square footage of 450 square feet should have an average of 45 square feet.
This guide mainly satisfies the need to have a proportional fireplace size relative to the room. Other factors to be considered will help establish the best efficient size for the fireplace.
A crucial dimension of fireplace design is firebox depth. Aside from the standards, it is essential to note that the deeper the firebox, the larger logs can be used, which means it will burn longer, making fewer times to reload the firewood.
In designing a wood-burning fireplace, no size fits all, as there is a range of factors to consider before arriving at the most efficient dimensions for a fireplace. Considerations such as the room size, location, material, and even the wood type is a factor.
What Is the Minimum Depth of a Fireplace?
The following measurements are for the depth of the fireplace measured from the firebox. That is from the back to the facing; thus, excluding material thickness—deeper depth is needed for safety and performance requirements.
Check local codes and regulations.
Standard IRC – 20 inches minimum
Standard IRC Factory-built – 12 inches minimum
Single-Faced
Size – LXW: Depth
Very Small – 2′ x 2′: 1′ – 5″
Small – 2′ – 8″ x 2′: 8″ -1′ -8″
Medium (Most Common Size) – 3′ x 2′-5″: 1′-8″
Large -4′ x 2’8″: 1′ -8″
Very Large – 5′ x 3′: 1″ – 2′
How Deep Should the Fireplace Surround Be?
The depth of a fireplace surround can also vary depending on the type of fireplace and the design of the surround. In general, the depth of a fireplace surround should be at least 6 inches to provide adequate protection and insulation around the fireplace.
However, the depth of a fireplace surround can also be influenced by factors such as the type of material used, the size and shape of the fireplace opening, and the overall design of the surround. For example, a larger fireplace may require a deeper surround to ensure proper coverage and insulation.
Should a Mantle Be as Wide as the Fireplace?
Wider fireplaces are now common for their modern aesthetic, creating a dramatic and sleek appearance. Narrow fireplaces, on the other hand, provide a less dominating look and allows the other elements to be emphasized.
There are no standard rules set for the width of a fireplace, and it will depend on the preference, style, and available area to set the right width of the fireplace mantle. However, clearances should be observed.
The National Fire Code states that combustible materials from the firebox opening should have at least 6 inches of clearance. An additional 1 inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch of protruding combustible material.
Parts of a Fireplace & Chimney
There are several types of fireplaces categorized according to their style, opening, fuel, and location. This article will focus on the general parts and dimensions of a fireplace for wood and gas-burning fireplaces made out of masonry.
These wood and gas-burning fireplaces are single-faced fireplaces with an open-hearth style located in an interior setting and built for a contemporary home.
Rain Cap, Chimney Cap, or Cap – Located on the topmost of the chimney system, that functions as a protective element to prevent rain, snow, leaves, and other foreign debris from entering the flue.
The chimney cap usually can extend a few inches away from the flue opening and have vent louvers or metal screens to allow smoke to pass through.
These metal screens can also come as a smoke arrestor which prevents the sparks from the inside chimney from passing through. The cap’s mini roofing profile keeps water, snow, and other debris from sliding through the inside of the flue.
Firebox – A firebox is essentially the chamber where the fire is built, burned, and contained. The design of the firebox is also crucial in the distribution of heat to the room or area. Firebox openings can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with rectangular or square as the most common.
Smoke Shelf – Found at the back of the firebox, which functions as a protective horizontal surface from downdrafts. It also helps in keeping debris and moisture from falling into the fire.
Hearth – An extension from the front opening of the firebox, the hearth is usually made from incombustible material, which functions as a protective barrier between the fire and the surrounding floor.
Mantel – Mainly as a decorative shelf above the firebox that is often made of wood, stone, or marble.
Chimney – The vertical structure that runs from the firebox up through the roof of the house. It carries out the smoke and hot gases away from the firebox.
Flue – Incased by the chimney structure, the flue is the passageway inside the chimney that allows the smoke and gases to exit the house. It is often lined with metal or ceramic tiles to protect the chimney from damage.
Damper – A metal plate used mainly to regulate the air and smoke from the fireplace.
Ash Pit – This is a compartment located below the firebox where ashes and other debris can be collected and removed. It is often accessed through a small door located on the outside of the house.
Now you have your ideal standard dimensions for each type of fireplace, but it is still essential to research or consult a fireplace expert if you plan to install one for your home. Good luck!
See more related content in our article about outdoor fireplace ideas here.
