zero clearance fireplace framing dilemma

2 years ago

I had a zero clearance wood burning fire place framed into my great room. The problem is the contractor framed it too far off the wall. The plan is to cover it in stone veneer but I have a feeling it’s going to look crazy because it’s gonna be a monstrosity stone covered structure. At this point do I have any other options on what to do with the sides? It’s like 4 feet wide just seems like such a large area to cover, but I’m afraid at this point I don’t think I have any other options.

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Comments (9)

M Riz
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Stone will make it look like a hulking structure, i would change the material to something simpler, maybe porcelain slab? They come in a ton of looks from marble and stone to cement. Its something to consider.
PRO
PPF.
2 years ago
The problem is the contractor framed it too far off the wall.

Fix the problem, don't try to disguise it.
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seattlepioneer: I'm well aware of the clearances to combustible materials as specified in the installation manual. That's not what I'm asking. I want to build a framed wall if you will, that surrounds the outline of the fireplace opening (but lower in height). This framed "wall" would extend to the double wall studs on each side of the brick. The whole wall would be faced with cement board and then portions of it covered in tile, granite or marble, then a mantel installed over that. Basically, I just want to extend the firebox out into the room about the width of the brick that was removed when we demo'd the fireplace hearth and face.
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I recently installed the heat-n-glo northstar. I have it in my great room, which has a 16' ceileing that steps up to 18' in a loft, where there are three bedrooms. The great room also extends into my kitchen, which is very long and wide. I am amazed!!! The wood stove heats the whole house and is fully adjustable; you can stoke it down for a low burn, have it burn at a medium rate, or run it on high. The stove is very nice looking and it can be used as a traditional fire place and burned with the doors open. My brother in law and my sister's boyfriend have the exact same unit and use them to heat their houses. I would recommend purchasing this unit without hesitation.
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Don't entertain that thought anymore. That is a bad idea a customer came into the showroom one day In search of an insert. I was going to sell him one until I found out he was doing exactly what you are doing. Taking a manufactured fireplace out and installing the insert. I told him no that's a bad idea don't do it, I won't sell you a unit. He went 15 miles down the road and bought one anyways. First fire he caused 42,000$ in damage to his house. If your going to do this check into a Kozy heat. They are specifically designed for a 0 clearance installation. http://www.kozyheat.com As far as the flue goes be sure to use a class A chimney. I recommend superpro21 they have a ceramic packed insulation between the inner and outer pipe allowing the pipe to expand and contract between the walls in case of a flue fire. Some company's have a packed insulation made of a cinder or clinker type material in the event of a flue fire the pipe will expand against the clinkers and damage the inside of the pipe. If your going to install a kozy heat or any zero clearance fireplace insert be sure to get the chimney cleaned annually. Wood inserts are a completely different ballgame compared to a fireplace. You will load it up and knock the air control back so it will burn a long time. In the mornings when you add more wood get the flue gases up to around 900 degreese for 20 minutes or so while your drinking your coffee. Then close it down. What your doing is taking the creosote from the night before and evaporating the moisture out of it. the creosote will dry up, flake off and land on the baffle. I have customers that take my advice and some that do not. The ones that don't I clean the chimney every year the ones that do I only see every few years. hope this helps
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Take a look at the surround & hearth of any wood burning fireplace. You will see a little or a lot of black soot. Our outside FP is white painted brick, like our house. It is IMPOSSIBLE to keep it looking pristine, wood is generally dirty, and again, the smoke & soot. Now, it doesn't really bother me OUT THERE (and we clean the firebox & hearth pretty frequently) but I can assure you I wanted no part of that dirty wood & soot anywhere near my marble! :) Marble doesn't take kindly to the type of cleansers/scrubbing I do on the outside FP. Now, maybe someone with a wood burning white marble FP will chime in and say I am nuts and their FP has no problems at all with dirt & soot...and I will stand corrected. :) But I wasn't willing to take a chance on messing up my marble. One of my friends has a slate surround...that might be a better choice for wood burning?
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PRO
RL Relocation LLC
2 years ago
stucco or slab.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
I'd have to see the manufacturer's installation instructions to agree or not as to whether it's too far off the wall.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
2 years ago
I agree with Joseph on this. What are the requirements for that stove? What was the design before this started? Was there an agreed upon size and structure?

Can the upper part be changed so it protrudes less ?

Also agree that I would look into something plain. You already have pattern on your walls , not sure about more pattern on this piece.

Ugh!

I hope this can be figured out - talk with your contractor.

Good luck
Sarah McCoy
Original Author
2 years ago
The stove is a zero clearance which means it only needs 2 inches of clearance from non combustibles. The contractor knew that. If I move it back now I will have to rip out all of the work he did not to mention I’ll have a hole in my roof in the wrong spot so that will have to be patched. Doesn’t seem feasible but I’m seriously thinking of it because I really am not sure about the monstrosity that it’s gonna be when it’s done. I don’t know What to do
Sarah McCoy
Original Author
2 years ago
**** correction. 2 inches of clearance from combustibles
Amy Lynn
2 years ago
I would rip it out and go through the pain of that now. Otherwise, the monstrosity will be that way forever, or until someone decides to correct it down the road. It is very ungainly and obtrusive like this.
ksc36
2 years ago
It's a 1 day job, if that, to reframe that. The hole in the roof can stay as the chimney pipe can be installed to use the existing roof penetration. What make and model is the stove? There will be a minimum depth required in the installation instructions.

zero clearance fireplace framing dilemma

Comments (9)

M Riz

PPF.

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zero clearance fireplace framing dilemma

Comments (9)

M Riz

PPF.

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