Fireplace Mantel Clearance: The Code Rules in Plain English
The 6-inch and 12-inch zones around a fireplace opening, explained with simple measurements.
6 min read
Read the Fireplace Mantel Clearance guideFireplace Mantel Guides
These fireplace mantel guides answer the questions homeowners ask before ordering a mantel: how close wood can sit to the fire, how high to hang a TV, which style suits the room and what changes the cost. When you are ready, see the custom wood mantels Chava Grain & Beam by Chava Home Design builds in its Indian Trail shop.
Which Guide Answers Your Question?
Start with the question you have now; each guide is written to answer one decision.
| Your question | Read this guide | What you will get |
|---|---|---|
| How close can a wood mantel be to the fire? | Fireplace Mantel Clearance | The IRC 6- and 12-inch zones and how depth changes with height |
| Where should the mantel go if a TV hangs above it? | Mantel Height With TV Above | Heights and depths that work for both |
| Should I choose a floating mantel or corbels? | Floating vs Corbel Mantel | Look, mounting and the homes each style suits |
| What will a custom mantel cost? | Custom Mantel Cost | Every price factor and public market references |
All Fireplace Mantel Guides
Four guides on planning a safe, well-proportioned mantel, or mantelpiece, from code rules to style and cost.
Mantel Height With TV Above: The Complete Guide
Clearance, viewing height and mantel depth when a TV hangs over the fireplace.
5 min read
Read Mantel Height With TV Above
Custom Mantel Cost: What Drives the Price
Wood, size, mounting and fireplace type: what changes the price of a custom mantel.
5 min read
See Custom Mantel Cost factors
Floating Mantel vs Corbel Mantel
Two mantel styles compared by look, mounting, cost factors and the homes they suit.
3 min read
Compare Floating vs Corbel Mantel stylesReady for a Mantel Built for Your Fireplace?
We build every mantel from real wood in our Indian Trail shop, plan it around your fireplace's clearances and install it about two weeks from production for homes across the Charlotte area, with a 5-year warranty on materials and labor. The visit and quote are free.