Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys:Fireplace Construction Details

Fireplace Construction Details

Construction details of a typical masonry fireplace are shown in Figure 3-4. Because this type of fireplace is recessed in a wall, it is easier and less expensive to build it while the structure is under construction.

The principal components of a masonry fireplace are as follows:

1. Firebox

2. Lintel

3. Mantel

4. Hearth

5. Ashpit

6. Ash dump

7. Cleanout door

8. Smoke chamber

9. Smoke shelf

10. Throat

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with the open side facing the room. The area (in square inches) of the fireplace opening is directly related to the area of the chimney flue. The rule-of-thumb is to make the fireplace opening approximately 12 times the area of the flue.

As shown in Figure 3-5, the lintel spans the top of the fireplace opening. This is a length of stone or metal used to support the weight of the fireplace superstructure. The mantel is a horizontal member extending across the top of the fireplace where it generally serves a decorative function. Sometimes the terms mantel and lintel are used synonymously. When this is the case, the mantel is used in the form of a wood beam, stone, or arch and functions as a lintel to support the masonry above the fireplace opening.

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