Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Sep 05, 2007 06:35pm | #1

   About 50" or so AFF is common with the style done here, but your local codes will have a say in how high above the firebox openning.

   The minimum there should be 12" but there are variables that increase that for every extra inch of projection you have.

   In other words, a 12" deep mantle will need to be higher above the firebox than a merely decorative 5" Mantle. Local codes vary.

    

    

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2. 
   CapnMac | Sep 06, 2007 01:14am | #2

   Is there a specific height required for the mantle

   Well, once you have satisfied the local jurisdiction for clearance from the top of the fire box, you probably ought not be lower than, oh 54"; nor higher up than maybe 72" off the finished floor.

   But, that all depends upon the scale of the room, too,

   Craftsman-style bookcases tend to be around 54" to 66" AFF, and match a very high chair rail/wainscot top rail. 

   You might invest some time and corrugated cardboard in a bit of mocking up with the client on this (especially since you are in-progress).  What might be simpler is to havethe elevation of the mantel match the flanking bookcase top height.  That way, you don't get the bookcase top "hanging out" to match a 10 or 12" mantle depth. 

   The depths can "add up" pretty quickly.  12" deep cabinet, 3-4" chimney brest, 10" mantel--is more than 2' deep--or twice the cabinet depth. 

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
1. 
   tashler | Sep 06, 2007 02:09am | #4

   It's at 58' now, but getting stripped. She wants the mantle height to follow threw to the wall unit. The cabinets under the unit will probably be more than 20" deep to allow for DVD, etc. So I will probably have to adjust the depth of the mantle after I pass the chimney, regardless.Glenn

3. 
   gordsco | Sep 06, 2007 01:25am | #3

   There is a minimum clearance to stop the mantle from carching on fire. It depends on the type of fireplace, open hearth, gas, or wood stove insert.

   The depth of the mantle overhanging the firebox is another concern.

   This site explains clearances for a specific style of firebox, hope it helps.

   http://www.fireplacesnow.com/mantel.html

   Fireplace Mantel Clearances

    

   Minimum Mantel Vertical Clearances
   There are minimums for clearances for combustible mantel height above a fireplace. NFPA codes for minimum clearances are as follows:
   Ref.	Mantel Shelf or Breast Plate Depth	Ref.	Mantel from Top of Combustion Chamber
   V	10"	A	19"
   W	8"	B	17"
   X	6"	C	15"
   Y	4"	D	13"
   Z	2"	E	11"
   Minimum Mantel Horizontal Clearances
   Additionally, there are minimums for clearances for combustible mantel width beside a fireplace. NFPA codes for minimum clearances are as follows:
   Ref.	Mantel Leg Depth	Ref.	Mantel Leg from Side of Opening
   F	10"	K	11.5"
   G	8"	L	9.5"
   H	6"	M	7.5"
   I	4"	N	5.5"
   J	2"	O	3.5"
   Minimum Mantel Horizontal Clearances - Flat Trim
   If the combustible required (i.e., trim) projects from the facing less than 1.5 inches (A, below), the closest to the fireplace opening it can start if 6 inches (B, below). If the combustible required (i.e., trim) projects from the facing more than 1.5 inches (A, below), the closest to the fireplace opening it can start is 12 inches (C, below).

   Gord

                           

    

    

   
   

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   Edited 9/5/2007 6:27 pm by gordsco

1. 
   tashler | Sep 06, 2007 02:11am | #5

   Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I don't think it makes my life any easier.Glenn