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I'm wall mounting a flat TV above a mantle, above a wood fireplace. The mantle is quite high, so to get the right viewing angle, and because the mantle is hideous, I'd like to replace it and move it as low as possible.

What is the minimum distance for a mantle above a fireplace? There are no glass doors - just a chain mail curtain. This would be for Ontario if that helps. A fireplace sales associate mentioned 12 inches but wasn't sure.

Niall C.
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Archonic
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2 Answers2

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I was just about to ask this last week. I found the NFPA Guidelines here - don't go to their site or you get a 1000 page PDF. I agree with DA01 - fireplace TVs hurt the neck.

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DMoore
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It depends on local code. But the following sources indicate that the bottom of the Mantel must be at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) above the top of the firebox:

  • 2015 IRC R1003.11 Fireplace Clearance, Exception 4
  • 2016 NFPA 211 11.2.5.4 Clearance

Details/Notes:

2015 IRC R1003.11 Fireplace Clearance, Exception 4

  • Source: https://up.codes/viewer/int_residential_code_2015/chapter/10#R1001.11

  • Note the following exception: if a mantel projects less than 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) from the wall, then it may be placed closer to the firebox according to the following formula:

    Minimum distance between bottom of mantel and top of firebox (in inches) = Mantel projection from wall (in inches) / 0.125

    If the calculated minimum distance is less than six inches (15.24 cm), six inches must be used; the bottom of the mantel can be no closer than six inches from the firebox opening.

2016 NFPA 211 11.2.5.4 Clearance

"National Standard Building Code" 2114.3 Masonry-built Fireplaces 4114.3.10

  • This code is quoted on some websites and may also apply, though I cannot find a source document for it
Frank Lesniak
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