Building Codes for Fireplace Surrounds

Combustible Materials

• The primary requirement of most building codes is that the fireplace surround be made from a non-combustible material. This is why products such as natural stone, cast stone, brick and other masonry products are so often used. While wood is sometimes used as a decorative surround, the base that a fireplace sits on usually won't be made of wood, with masonry or tile being much more common options.

Distance to Opening

• If a surround is made out of a combustible material, such as wood, then the distance allowed from the surround to the opening of the fireplace is dictated by the building code. According to the International Residential Code, for every inch of material that sticks out from the fireplace surround, you must have at least eight inches of clearance from the opening. This applies to material within a foot of the opening. Any material more than 1-1/2 inches in width should be built with at least a foot of clearance.

Built-in Fireplaces

• Sometimes a masonry fireplace is part of a larger masonry wall. Combustible materials such as a wood surround might have limitations on their location relative to that wall as well as to the firebox itself. The 2006 IRC states that in this situation, no combustible material should touch any part of the masonry that is located closer than 12 inches to any point on the firebox.

Exceptions

• There are exceptions to almost every building code regulation. Certain types of fireplaces are rated to be in closer contact, or even direct contact, with combustible surrounds. This is because the fireplace's exterior surfaces won't get hot enough to pose a severe fire risk. If a fireplace is UL 127 compliant for contact with combustibles, then the manufacturer's instructions should specify where combustibles can be located. Always check the documentation provided with your fireplace to see if any building code exceptions may apply.