Project 10240 - Glass Doors for Historic Home Fireplace
Customer Comments: I have two fireplaces in a historic house (built in 1893). I am looking to start the process towards a quote for custom built glass doors for both fireplaces that would seal the fireplace when closed but can be positioned in a way as to let air flow into the fireplaces when having a fire going in them. The measurements of the opening of the one in the living room is: Height: 29 1/2 inches as measured along both the left and right boundary. Width: 28 1/4 inches at the top of the opening and 28 3/16 at the bottom of the opening. There is an indent of a depth of one inch at the top. I was looking at two options: the Stiletto and the Phoenix. I have yet to research the differences between the two, but it sure looks like I would want to go with one of these two options. I would want the same for both fireplaces. Since we are talking potentially about two fireplaces, I want to keep an eye on the cost.
Our Comments: We noticed that the hearth inside the fireplace is raised about 1" above the hearth outside, which gives some concern to which doors will look best and the appropriate way to have them made. The Stiletto is a very boxy frame that projects out 1 5/8" from the face of the fireplace unless the cutback frame option is selected (see figure 1 below). The cutback frame only allows for a 1/2" overlap on each side, so there is little room for error or variance in the bricks, so we will need to be very careful about the measurements if we choose that door. Based on your initial measurements, that may be appropriate so we have created the mockup. The phoenix can be made to overlap the 1" raised hearth by using a 4 sided frame or it can be made with a 3 sided frame that does not overlap. We have created both examples. We have also added a couple steel doors, the Craftsman and the Legend, that are heavier duty and more reminiscent of the period your home was built.
Fireplace Opening: 28 3/16" W x 29 1/2" H
Note: These mock-ups are not to scale and are meant to help you choose the model of your screen or door, not the finish. Although we may create a general representation of black, iron, bronze, gold and silver tones, you must choose your finish from our samples using the links below. Ask your project manager which samples apply to the items in your project.
Finish Samples: Design Specialties Finishes | Stone Manufacturing Finishes | Hearth Creations Finishes
Before
Option #3: Stiletto Aluminum Fireplace Door in Rustic Black. Shown with 4 sided frame overlapping bottom but not covering entire row of bottom bricks.
Option #4: Phoenix Aluminum Fireplace Door in Rustic Black. Shown with 3 sided frame - does not overlap bottom at all
Option #5: Phoenix Aluminum Fireplace Door in Rustic Black. Shown with 4 sided frame overlapping bottom.
Other Pictures
Fig #1 - Stiletto Profile
Fig #2 - Closeup
Fig #3 - Top Left
Fig #4 - Bottom Left
Mesh & Insulation Options
The Mesh options are behind the glass so you can burn the fire with the doors open and still have spark protection. Great for real wood or gas logs since most gas long manufacturers insist that you have a screen in front of the logs when they are burning. Mesh panel doors are the most popular and are best for when there are toddlers present because they will not open backwards whereas the mesh screens are easily pushed in. Insulation goes between the back of the frame and the fireplace facing, providing a better seal.
Black Mesh Curtains - These slide back and forth on a rod behind the glass
Gate Mesh Doors - These are separate doors behind the glass that have a flat wire mesh and a black frame.
Insulation: Provides a better seal between the fireplace face and the door frame.
This page was created as part of our Free Fireplace Door Design service. Anyone who has a fireplace and is considering glass doors can take advantage of this program. All you have to do is email us some pictures of your fireplace and we will create digital mock-ups showing you how various fireplace doors will look on your fireplace. This is hands down the best way to shop for fireplace doors. Click Here to Begin Your Own Project!