A fireplace is the centerpiece of many households. It’s often used for warmth, entertainment, and ambiance. But what can you do if it isn’t in a convenient location? For example, if your fireplace is on the second floor or in an out-of-the-way spot like a basement. You could use this article to learn how to raise a fireplace off the floor so that it’s more accessible and easier to use!
The first thing you’ll need is some sturdy shelving units with enough weight capacity to hold up your fireplace mantelpiece. The next step will be attaching these units securely into studs or joists below ground level if possible. This way, they won’t wobble when you put them
12 Steps to Follow on How to Raise a Fireplace Off the Floor
Steps One: Cut the New Hearth
After taking down the old fireplace, you need to cut a new hearth with a cement backer board. You will cover this material with ceramic tiles later on. This is part of how to raise a fireplace off the floor because it allows for proper ventilation within your new stove.
Steps Two: Frame Up
Now that the floor is cleared of the old fireplace, you need to frame up your new fireplace. Again, you will want to use wood, and it needs to be at least 4 inches thick. Use pressure-treated lumber if there are any water sources nearby.
Steps Three: Place Firebrick and Lintel Plates
You should now install firebrick in the corners of your hearth. You should also install steel lintel plates to protect the wood braces from sparks and heat damage.
Steps Four: Cover with Slate
After you have built up your fireplace, it is time to cover the entire thing with slate. Again, it may be easier to use pre-cut pieces for this part.
Steps Five: Install the Hearth and Mantle
Now that you have raised your fireplace off the ground, you will need to install a new hearth and mantle. Again, it would help if you used concrete mortar instead of adhesive because it needs to be sturdy and durable.
Steps Six: Insulate Behind the Hearth
You will need to insulate the back of your hearth. The insulation can be made out of either ceramic fiber or mineral wool, and it needs to extend at least 4 inches beyond the mantle on all sides.
Steps Seven: Install a Chimney Liner
Once you have finished installing the materials for your fireplace, you will need to install a chimney liner. This will allow you to vent the smoke from your new stove safely and efficiently.
Steps Eight: Build a Fireback out of Steel
For how to raise a fireplace off the floor, you should build a steel fireback instead of using brick or stone because those materials expand and contract too much when exposed to high heat.
Steps Nine: Install a Gas Connection and Vent for your New Stove
Now that your fireplace is raised, you will need to install gas piping and connect it with your new stove. Also, you will need to install a vent pipe that runs through the roof of your house. It can be made of PVC or galvanized steel.
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Steps Ten: Install the New Stove
Now that everything else is finished, it is time to install your new stove. It should be vented with either a single-wall aluminum pipe or a double-wall stainless steel pipe.
Steps Eleven: Wire Your Fireplace
You will need to wire your new stove and fireplace with a special dual-wiring system. This is because both the stove and the fireplace produce large amounts of electricity that can be lethal if they touch each other.
Steps Twelve: Prepare for Finish Work
Now that you have finished wiring your fireplace, it is time to tackle the finishing work. First, you will need to caulk all of the joints and corners and then paint or stain your project, so it looks nice.
How High Should a Fireplace Be Off the Floor?
It’s not uncommon for a homeowner to decide they’d like to install a fireplace and find that the existing floor structure isn’t tall enough. For example, maybe you’ve got an open-plan split-level ranch house with only 9″ of concrete basement slab between the first and second floors.
In some cases, it might be possible to add a concrete or stone apron in front of the fireplace opening. In other cases, though, you’re going to need to build up the floor around the existing fireplace structure in order for your replacement fireplace to sit off the floor.
Before we get into how high your new fireplace should be off the floor, let’s discuss how you can determine the height of your existing fireplace. Use a tape measure or yardstick to measure from the floor up to the top of the fireplace structure. Write that number down, then pick up your fireplace and carry it outside.
Can a Fireplace Hearth Be Flush With Floor?
A fireplace hearth can be flush with the floor if it is made of the right materials. But not all fireplaces are properly designed to have a flush hearth. If you don’t know what type of material your fireplace’s hearth is made from, then ask an expert before proceeding with this project.
What You Need to Build a Fireplace Hearth That Is Flush With Floor
Materials will depend on what type of material your fireplace’s hearth is made from (see above). Because this project involves handling pre-formed blocks, you must wear protective gloves and safety glasses. Be sure to use proper safety procedures.
Frequently Asked Question
Can You Raise the Height of A Fireplace?
Yes, you can raise the height of a fireplace.
- You need to remove the old mortar from the fireplace and make sure that there is no debris in the chimney.
- Make sure that your fireplace has at least one opening or hearth on top so you can create an access point for placing bricks or other objects to keep it steady while lifting it up.
- Secure anything around the chimney that needs to be moved, such as bricks, and cover them with insulation material before lifting up your firebox (fireplace).
What Do You Put Under a Fireplace?
There are many types of things that you can put under a fireplace. The most common items are:
- Firewood – This is the type of fuel that is used to start a fire in the fireplace.
- Books – These can be placed on top of the wood to act as kindling, and then when it’s time to light up, they will burn.
- Coals – After using your kindling, you should use coals which are smaller pieces of coal that have been burned down until they’re red hot.
How High Should a Fireplace Mantel Be from The Floor?
The height of a fireplace mantel should be measured from the floor to the top of the mantel, which will allow for plenty of clearance when using any type of flue pipe.
If you are unsure how high your fireplace is, take measurements with a tape measure or ruler and see what height would work best for your home.
How Far Off the Ground Should a Fireplace Be?
A good rule of thumb is to keep your fireplace 4-6 feet off the ground. This ensures that it’s not in contact with anything combustible and also keeps it safe from damage by water or falling objects. To prevent fires, make sure you have a tight seal around the fireplace and always use chimney liners.
What Is the Average Size of A Fireplace?
A fireplace can be quite large or small, depending on the type of fireplace. On average, a fireplace measures about 12 feet in width and 9 feet in height. This is based on the dimensions of most fireplaces that are available today.
Conclusion
When properly executed, this design solution will result in a beautiful fireplace that is raised off the floor and can be accessed by everyone. Of course, there are many different considerations when designing an installed custom fireplace, but we hope these tips have helped you on your way to creating one of your own!
One of the best ways to save space in a living room or bedroom is by installing a fireplace on the wall. If you’re worried about saving space, keep reading for some tips and tricks on how to raise your fireplace off the floor!
