Why In Wall Fireplace Is Harder Than You Imagine
In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
A fireplace built into the wall provides a sleek, polished look without the need to purchase mantles. It is one of the easiest electric fireplaces to install.
There are many factors to consider before purchasing your in-wall fireplace. Follow these tips to make the most of your purchase.
Height
While it may seem like something that is easy, figuring out the height of your new fireplace is among the most important decisions to make. This is because the height of your fireplace can affect everything from how it will fit in a room to how well it is visible. The fireplace might appear strange in the event that it is set too high. It can also detract from its attractiveness. On the other side, having your fireplace too low will cause it to disappear in the wall space.
Luckily electric fireplaces are able enough to be installed at various heights. For instance, the majority of people choose to mount their fireplaces on the eye level from a sitting position. This usually requires a height of 40-42 inches from the floor to the bottom of the fireplace. Some fireplaces are mounted under their TVs, which can be an attractive option.
However, the exact size of your fireplace will depend on certain factors, such as the dimensions of the room as well as the length of the wall where you'd like to put it. The bigger the room is, the bigger it will be. This could mean that you're able to fit a larger fireplace into it. The same goes for the length of the wall as a wall with a greater length can accommodate a fireplace that is larger.
How you intend to make use of your fireplace is an important factor. If you plan to use it solely to decorate your home, the lower height is ideal. If wall-mounted fireplace intend to use it to heat your home using it, you'll have to make sure that the fireplace is tall enough to satisfy local codes and safety standards.
The right height for your fireplace will allow you to ensure that it's in keeping with the rest of your decor and is simple to work on when cleaning or filling it. If you're not sure what height to go with it is always a good idea to seek out an experienced fireplace installer for help. They'll be able to determine the best height for your fireplace in light of their experience and the specifics of your home.
Depth
The depth of a fireplace is essential to know if you plan to install it in a recessed place. If you plan to cut into the wall, make sure that you have enough room to accommodate your fireplace's interior design (the space for the smoke shelf above the firebox as well as the flue that is atop the roof). You should also think about the space available for the surround, and whether you would like a fireplace mantle.
Many of the newer electric fireplaces have an interior depth that is almost concealed, creating a "built-in" look. This type of electric wall fireplace is best exemplified by the Panorama BI Deep series. This model features an 5.8-inch depth that lets the viewer see the flames and the ember bed instead of the frame of the fireplace. It is also equipped with a range of media packages including natural looking driftwood logs white pebbles, crystals made of clear glass that reflect the flames and improve the ember bed.
Wall-mounted gas fireplaces are available in both deep and shallow models. When determining the depth of your fireplace, it is crucial to keep in mind that these fireplaces are supplementary heat sources and should be properly vented by a trained professional. When determining the depth of a gas fireplace, you need to take into consideration the length of the vent pipe as well as the size of the chimney.
It is essential to read and adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer when mounting your fireplace. A professional installer is recommended in most instances. It is good to have an extra person available when installing a gas fireplace.
The addition of a fireplace in the wall place to your home is a great way to increase the value of it and create ambiance. It can also reduce your heating costs. It's an excellent option for those who are unable to install a traditional fire place in your home due to space limitations or due to the location of a chimney.
Surface Mount
If you're not able or prefer not to cut through your wall or construct an area to accommodate an electric fireplace, a surface mount provides a sleek and built-in look. Certain models, like the Allusion line, can be installed partially recessed into a wall without compromising heat output or aesthetics.
To begin the installation begin by marking the wall with a pencil where the bracket is to be installed. Utilize a stud locater to locate the studs in that area and make sure the mounting bracket is in front of one or more studs to ensure stability. If a stud is not in reach or doesn't work for your fireplace, make use of anchors for drywall to support the mounting bracket.
Once you've marked the location of mounting brackets on the wall, use a power drill to install them and ensure that they are properly aligned with the studs. If possible, attach each bracket to a stud to ensure security and strength, but you can also use anchors made of plastic when needed. Once the mounting brackets have been put in place, lift your fireplace and place it from the wall bracket. Once it's secure, verify the position of your fireplace to make sure that it's straight and not crooked within the opening.
Before you proceed with the installation, connect your fireplace and ensure whether all features are operating correctly - turn on the fire and light up the flames, play around with heat, ember bed lights and so on. When you are satisfied with the result, it's time to put in the floating mantel.
Depending on the model of your fireplace, you'll have to connect the wire connection to the appliance wire connector at the mantel's bottom or, if your fireplace has slots or hooks on the back connect them to the slots on the wall mounting brackets. Once you've done that you must follow the owner's manual to find specific instructions for removing the glass front panel and installing it inside the opening.
After you've removed the front panel of your fireplace and inserted it into its opening, follow your instructions in the manual to complete the install by replacing the glass front and adjusting the height as necessary. If your fireplace has ember bed media, spread it across the top of the grate to create an organic appearance, then secure it in place using the screws included.
Plug-In
Unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces don't require chimneys or vents. They're plugged into an outlet that is standard that can provide supplemental heating for rooms that can be that are up to 400 square feet in size. You can also alter the ambience with a variety of heat and flame settings. Certain models have LED lighting effects that highlight the fire and ember bed. Other models include a top grille grate that conceals manual controls but pops open to reveal pushbuttons for your preferred setting.
Electric fireplaces with plug-ins can be mounted directly on walls or built into the wall to create a built-in look. These units are usually simpler to install than mantel fireplaces. Some units come with a pedestal to allow you to put the fireplace on flat surfaces like a dresser or buffet. A remote control along with mounting hardware and a log set are included. Based on the model, electric fireplaces could include heat and flame options that can be switched off for all-year-round comfort.
Some models have adjustable privacy glass that you can quickly change from fully see-through to partially transparent. This option makes these models popular for walls that divide common entertainment spaces like dining and living areas. They can be even used in bedrooms where adding a new fireplace is an affordable way to take the chill off a room without sacrificing privacy.
Although plug-in electric fireplaces don't need to be hardwired as built-in models, they must be positioned on a wall that is at least stud-free and capable of supporting the weight of the fireplace. Certain models come with a kit that comes with an already wired cord and special bracket to make the installation process easier. This kit can be used for either drywall or concrete installation.
If you opt to install your electric fireplace in a wall make sure it is close to an outlet. Depending on the model that you choose, plug-in electric fireplaces may be plugged into outlets that are on the same circuit or a dedicated one for your electric fireplace. It is recommended to use a separate circuit to ensure that no other appliances in the home will operate at the same voltage, and potentially trip your circuit breaker.