How Wide Should A Fireplace Mantel Shelf Be

Or at least the same width.

How wide should a fireplace mantel shelf be.

My fireplace is 12 feet high and 75 inches wide. As a general rule a mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Most housing codes and the national fire protection agency nfpa state that the bottom of the mantel must be at least 12 away from the top of the fireplace box. In the taller room the mantel would make a more unified statement with a wider and possibly thicker mantel.

The treatment should extend up the wall not stop at the 8 foot mark to chop the room. Just for an example. However in order to fully reap the benefits of a mantel shelf it is important that you properly place it. A good mantel can complement the fireplace s aesthetic while simultaneously making its own decorative statement.

So a mantel 6 inches deep would be. For a quick calculation on size make sure that the mantel shelf width divided by 2 is less than the width from the fireplace center to any wall window door or shelf. Add an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. Below the mantel shelf is the entablature the same as in the classical orders.

The average height for a fireplace mantle varies by personal preference as well as locality. A 42 inch fireplace will probably have a mantel width of 54 inches. If only i knew what size it is has a staring off p. Let s break down what you need to know to get the job done and done right.

But never less than the width of the stiles. However in the case of the mantel above there isn t enough of one. If you re thinking about mounting a mantel or flat screen but aren t sure how high should a mantel shelf be above a fireplace we ve got you covered. The main factor for distance will come down to the face height of your mantel.

My actual fire box is 42 inches my mantle or the big chunk of wood i am putting on it will be 71 long but how wide should it be. The mantel should not be so wide that it reaches anything else like a wall window or door. We recommend installing the mantel 4 5 from the floor. The entablature below the shelf and crown should be deeper than the stiles legs of the mantel are wide.

This mantle or wood piece is to small for me.