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How to Install a Fireplace: The Ultimate DIY Guide

How to Install a Fireplace: The Ultimate DIY Guide

BY Collin Champagne Mar 08, 2024

Installing a fireplace can be costly and potentially dangerous, with gas fireplace installation even more challenging. By the end of this brief article, you'll have the information and resources necessary to install a fireplace safely and economically.

This article will simplify the fireplace installation and guide you through every aspect. Whether you hire a contractor to install your fireplace or do it yourself, please take full advantage of our free fireplace installation checklists to ensure you get the job done right.

How to Install a Fireplace: The Ultimate DIY Guide

Planning and Considerations

Regardless of the fuel type, there are common design aspects of all factory-built fireplaces that must be taken into consideration when planning a DIY installation. Factory-built fireplaces are a prefabricated sheet metal system that relies on clearances to combustibles to operate safely. The modular design offers a cost-effective alternative to a traditional site-built masonry fireplace.

About the Author

Collin Champagne

With over 13 years in the industry, Collin is a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technician and managed content for the eFireplacestore and eCanopy brands. He has achieved the highest NFI certification possible as a Master Hearth Professional and is certified in all three hearth appliance fields: wood, gas, and pellet. With experience with sales and in-field installations, his expertise shines through his technical knowledge and way with words.

Contact our NFI-Certified Experts Contact our NFI-Certified Experts

Customer Q&A with Product Specialists

Cherie K. from Alpine Texas asked:
Is it safe to install firebrick in an indoor wood-burning fireplace?
Is it safe to install firebrick in an indoor wood-burning fireplace?
If you are referring to a manufactured fireplace, we would not recommend this, as that unit will have brick panels that are designed for it and true firebrick would alter the unit.
Answered by: Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional

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Donald from PENTICTON Canads asked:
Where and how is the fireplace secured in the opening, or is it held in place by its weight alone?
Where and how is the fireplace secured in the opening, or is it held in place by its weight alone?
The answer to this question is somewhat dependent on the particular model. Fireplaces are framed into their own enclosure and anchored in via nailing flanges and the weight of the unit must be supported accordingly.
Answered by: Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional

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