How To Measure For A Fireplace Screen
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When measuring for a fireplace screen along with the height and width make sure you measure the
depth of the hearth. For a wood burning fireplace the hearth should be 16 inches minimum, but many
fireplaces have narrow hearths. Gas fireplaces average 6 to 8 inches although many gas fireplaces do
not have hearths.
Once you have your dimensions you can look at fireplace screens. Screens are available in different
styles to fit your fireplace. Any fireplace screen will work provided the screens dimensions will work with
the fireplace.
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Flat panel or single panel screens are designed to fit tight against the opening and a slight overlap top
and sides of around one inch. The freestanding single panel screens take up very little room on the
hearth.
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Bowed fireplace screens can be anywhere from 4 to 9 inches in depth requiring a little more room on
the hearth. The width should overlap the opening but more important is the height. The height should
be taller than the opening to prevent sparks from flying over the top of the screen.
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3 Fold or three panel fireplace screens usually list the overall width of the screen if the sides are fully
extended. The three panel screens must be folded in so that the screen will stand. As a rule of thumb
subtract 10 inches from the overall width to determine the largest opening the screen will fit. If the
overall width is 52 inches the largest it will fit is 42 inches when folded to the opening of the firebox.
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4 Fold fireplace screens fold like an accordion and require the same rule as the three fold screens.
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