How close can you put furniture to a gas fireplace?

Author: Mittie Boyle  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Leave 3 Feet Between the Gas Fireplace and Flammable Objects. Be sure to keep any furniture, curtains, or other items at least three feet away from the fireplace. Never sit directly in front of the hot glass, and make sure no fabric or other materials touch the fireplace.

What is the minimum clearance around a gas fireplace?

They shall have a clearance at the sides and rear of not less than 18 inches (457 mm).

How close can furniture be to a gas heater?

Safe Distance: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any furniture or flammable materials.

How much space do you need around a gas fire?

A minimum of 150mm (6”) is required above the stove (500mm if there is a wooden mantle/beam) and 100mm (4”) either side. However, the more space you have around the stove, the more effectively it will heat the room.

How close can wood be to a gas fireplace?

The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.

How Far Should Furniture Be From Fireplace? - Style Your Decor

How close can a couch be to a gas fireplace?

Leave 3 Feet Between the Gas Fireplace and Flammable Objects. Be sure to keep any furniture, curtains, or other items at least three feet away from the fireplace. Never sit directly in front of the hot glass, and make sure no fabric or other materials touch the fireplace.

Can I put wood trim around a gas fireplace?

The code says that any wood or other combustible material used as part of the mantel or trim must maintain a distance of at least 6 inches from the opening of the firebox. For every eighth inch of protruding trim, there must be an additional inch of clearance from the firebox.

How much room do you need for a gas fireplace?

For built-in gas fireplace models, common dimensions range from widths from [26" to 65"], heights from [15" to 25"], and depths from [15" to 22"]. These fireplaces go well with either a fireplace surround or a fireplace mantel, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and creating a cohesive design element in any room.

What is the minimum distance between gas fireplace and mantel?

National building codes specify minimum distances between the top of the fireplace opening and the bottom of the mantel to prevent fire hazards. While codes can vary, a common specification is that mantels must have at least a 6-inch clearance from the fireplace opening for every 1/2 inch that the mantel protrudes.

How much ventilation does a gas fire need?

Air bricks or other ventilation must be installed for gas fires which are over 7Kw of input, this extra ventilation can be calculated at 5cm squared per kilowatt over 7Kw of input. A fire with an input rating of 18Kw would require just one standard air brick. Again, our technical engineers can advise on this.

How far away does furniture need to be from a fireplace?

Almost every insurance company and government-sponsored organization recommends placing furniture at least three feet from a fireplace. Any closer than three feet, and the risk of an ember landing on a flammable material increases dramatically – even for fireplaces with screens.

How much clearance is needed for a gas heater?

A minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) shall be maintained between gas or fuel-oil heat-producing appliances and combustible materials. A minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) shall be maintained between solid fuel-burning appliances and combustible materials.

How far should furniture be from a gas wall heater on Reddit?

Firesense states 36" of clearance above, and 24" to the side. But sites (nothing from firesense) also say a heat deflector shield can reduce the distance by no greater than 66% or basically down to 12" which is where I'm at to the beams.

What is the code for a gas fireplace?

NFPA. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes codes and standards intended to reduce the risk of fire. NFPA 211 is the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances and NFPA 54 is the national fuel gas code which includes sections specifically pertaining to gas fireplaces ...

Do I need a permit to install a gas fireplace?

Legal concerns

Have you ever had plumbing issues, added on to your home, or even replaced your sidewalks? For each project and in most jurisdictions, you have to obtain the proper permit to do any kind of large-scale work like this. Likewise, when you install a gas fireplace yourself, you'll need a permit.

How do I know if my gas fireplace is zero clearance?

If there is any metal around the fireplace itself, you have a factory-built fireplace. Factory-built fireplaces, also called " Zero Clearance" or ZC fireplaces, are designed to be built with very little clearance to combustible components of your home.

How much space do I need around a fireplace?

We recommend leaving at least 45cm between the top of your fire and electrical equipment, such as a TV. Practice the same caution for all flammable objects, with at least 60cm in all directions from your fireplace, especially if the flame is open, as with our wall-mounted Alden range.

What are the rules for gas fireplace surrounds?

Fireplace Surrounds Need to be Non-combustible

However, the hearth and surround need to be non-combustible. Non-combustible materials include tile, stone, and brick. Typically, the hearth will extend 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening, and the surround will be 8 to 12 inches wide.

How far does a gas fireplace need to be from the house?

As mentioned above, outdoor fireplaces should be at least 10 feet away from your home and other structures.

Do gas fireplaces use a lot of gas?

The amount of gas a gas fireplace uses depends on several factors, including the size and type of fireplace, how often it is used, and how long it is used each time—generally speaking. However, most gas fireplaces use between 10,000 and 25,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour.

How much does a gas fireplace add to home value?

According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, a fireplace can increase the resale value of your home by 6-12%. Plus, you can recover 100% of the expenses associated with the fireplace installation. There are many reasons why fireplaces can increase a property's value.

How much space should be between gas fireplace and mantel?

As a general rule, the mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Then adding an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. So a mantel 6 inches deep, would be attached 18 inches above the firebox opening.

What do you put next to a gas fireplace?

Here are some items to consider adding next to your gas fireplace:
  • A basket with decorative or practical items. You can choose any material basket that suits your design needs. ...
  • Plants. Fake or real plants on the sides of your fireplace are another great design idea.

Is it safe to put shiplap around a gas fireplace?

But did you know that you don't have to use an electric fireplace when combustible finishing materials are present? Using a modern gas fireplaces safely with shiplap finishes is not only possible, but has fewer limitations than you might think.

How close can wood framing be to a gas fireplace?

The wood framing must be held back at least 2 in. from the sides and front of the fireplace and 4 in. from the back. This space can only be filled in order to meet fireblocking requirements.

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