Fireplace Surround Specs.

A fireplace surround has several basic components.

• The firebox opening has a width and height and a side distance to each edge of the brick. Hopefully it is centered.
• The firebox opening must be surrounded with non-flammable material, usually tile or marble.
• The local building codes for each city specify the width of those surfaces on each side and above the firebox opening. A safe dimension is 12” on all 3 sides. Each city varies. It is the responsibility of the client to verify with their city.
• The City of Lenexa, Kansas has clarified their rule. The minimum is 6” and the maximum is 12” of material. For each 1/8” of wood protruding forward around the edge of the non-flammable material, the material must be 1” wide. Therefore, for example, if the wood next to the material (the surround columns and breastplate) comes forward ¾” or 6/8” then that requires 6” of tile width. Since the wood normally protrudes at least 1” the requirement is for 8” of material. In addition, the mantle shelf protrusion must be at least 18” above the firebox opening to include the material and the breast plate area.
• We have no information on the depth of the hearth and if it varies based on whether it is a raised hearth.
• The breastplate is above the firebox opening and fire protective tile or marble.  It normally protrudes at least 1”, runs between the surround columns, extends up to the mantle shelf, and has some decorative aspect applied to its face.
• The mantle shelf protrudes forward, usually with a routed edge and a molding below. The width or depth can vary based on intended use and the depths of the components below. The height off the floor or raised hearth varies based on design and intended use factors.
• The surround columns usually extend down from the bottom of the mantle shelf, protrude forward more than the breastplate, and go down to the hearth and/or floor. Depending on their width, which is a judgement call, they usually receive some decorative aspect applied to their face.
• If the surround columns extend to the outside of the brick area, the columns must be a different depth on the outside than on the inside that fits onto the face of the fire safe material or just to the outside of it.

In designing a fireplace surround start with the size of the firebox opening, consider the width of the fireplace brick or stone area, and know the logical height for the mantle shelf. Based on those limiting factors, the space required for the fireproof material tile or marble is known, the space required for the breastplate becomes known, and from those decisions the proportions of the surround columns can be decided.

A custom installation normally arrives in the above pieces. The breastplate and surround columns are connected and fitted to the wall. They are attached with concealed cleats and scribe molded to the back surfaces. The mantle shelf is then fitted and attached. The fireproof material can be installed before or after, but it is easier for us to install if the hearth is already in place.