Fireplace screens come in a wide assortment of unique designs. Choosing the proper fireplace screen can be
challenging. Fireplace screens are made to fit the most common sized fireplaces but the don't fit all sizes. When a
brick mason builds a fireplace there is no template for the opening size. Every mason builds a fireplace differently
and sizes tend to vary. The most frustrating part is finding the perfect screen for your homes decor only to find out
it doesn't come in your size.
Measure the width (brick to brick) of your opening, next is the height. Measure from your hearth (where the screen
will sit) to the top of the opening. The most common sizes for fireplace openings is 36 inches wide by 28 - 30 high or
42 inches wide by 28 - 30 or 32 inches high, This is the range that most fireplace screens are made to fit. Another
important measurement is the depth of your hearth, from the front of the hearth to the firebox. Most fireplace
screens need a minimum of 6 inches, even the flat screens have legs and they require 4 to 5 inches in depth.
Fireplace screens come in many styles. Single flat panel, curved or bowed panel, three fold, four fold, spark
screens (a flat screen that curves to the top and sides of the opening), screens with doors or "pull screens" a mesh
curtain that opens to both sides. All fireplace screens must cover the opening to prevent sparks from flying out. Any
fireplace screen with a good mesh will work fine for burning wood.
Flat Panel fireplace screens are free standing and designed to rest against the opening. These single panel
screens usually have feet or legs supporting them in the front with adjustable supports protruding into the firebox. A
one inch overlap on both sides and the top is recommended for safety.
Curved or Bowed fireplace screens are self supported and require no legs or feet. Usually the curve is up to 6
inches allowing it to be freestanding. The sides of the screen touch the front of the fireplace and the top is open. It
is preferred to have the height of the screen taller than the opening.
Three Panel folding fireplace screens are free standing and allow for more adjustments to the opening. The
center panel widths can vary from 28 to 32 inches and the side panels from 8 to 12 inches depending on the
design. The side panels are folded inward toward the firebox not only for support but to adjust to the opening.
Height varies with design but it should be higher than your opening to prevent sparks from flying out.
Four Panel fireplace screens are more adjustable and are also easy to move when tending your fire. These
screens can be folded to fit the openings width but they still should protect the height of your firebox.
Spark screens or spark guards are designed to cover the entire opening allowing no sparks to fly into your
room. These screens are flat across the front and curve toward the top and sides of your firebox.
Mesh curtain pull screens can be custom made to fit the opening in your firebox. These screens basically work
like the curtains on your windows. They are supported by a rod and slide open to both side by using a pull or tassel
at the top enter of the screens.
Door screens have grown in popularity over the past few years. Free standing mesh screens either flat or three
panel designs have opening doors. The doors open making tending your fire easier without having to move the
entire screen.
Screens for gas fireplaces or for use with gas logs are more for aesthetics (unless you want to keep small
children or pets away from the fire). Gas fireplace screens do not need a mesh behind them as there are no flying
sparks and these screens don not have to cover the opening completely.
Summer screens are more decorative and not intended to be used with a wood burning fire. They can be solid
with a scene or picture on them. Some have planters on them while others can hold candles. The possibilities are
endless with these decorative summer screens and the purpose is to hide the opening of the dark and dirty firebox
when not in use.
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