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I'd like to have 4-5 fires a winter, and the rest of the time have it closed off so the kids can't get hurt or dirty from it. The opening is really tall, almost square (35.25" w x 33.25" h), and the bottom of the opening is 4" off the floor. I can't find any stock fireplace doors that fit (all require an opening < 32.5" tall), and custom doors are more than I want to spend. All reasonably priced firescreens (aka spark guards) are too short, plus they don't solve the problem with kids. What should I do?

my fireplace

I ordered fireplace doors that almost fit, but then realized the frame is meant to be supported by the floor, which makes the doors about 5" too short. As pictured there is 3/4" between bottom of frame and bottom of fireplace. fireplace doors
I thought of supporting the frame at the bottom with steel bar stock, but then I need an attractive way to cover that up. Also, the damper knob (by masking tape) doesn't extend past the frame (since some tiles stick out 1/2" farther than others), so can't turn damper knob.

The only solution I have is to cut out the stone tile all the way around the opening, so doors are recessed into the tile. Then have 3/4" brick with tile facade added to bottom of fireplace opening. That way the damper control knob will turn, and the frame is supported at bottom by tile, with no gap for sparks to fly through. Could remove the tiles, cut new ones and install; or maybe cut the tile in place. Any tile experts know what this would cost and how clean the results would be?

Open to other ideas.

The frame is only about 1" thick and rests against outside of fireplace. Screen doors extend about 2/3" into fireplace, so total thickness of the item is about 1 2/3". Brand is Pleasant Hearth, model is Alpine. pic of the back of the fireplace doors

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  • Can you create a metal frame that fits in the fireplace? The frame attaches to the back of the door frame then you screw the frame to the inside of the firebox (sides, top and bottom). Would that work?
    – OrganicLawnDIY
    Commented Feb 25, 2015 at 0:57
  • We have an insert that didn't quite fit our opening. I used standard bar stuck painted with a flat-black fireplace paint to match the doors (which in our case was also flat-black). Seemed to work fine for us, at least.
    – DA01
    Commented Mar 27, 2015 at 4:40

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Your idea is fine but the metal should be on the inside of the fireplace. You may want to call manufacturer of insert first and ask if they suggest a mounting kit. If not you can either build your own or have a local shop make one. A perfect bracket would align with the mounting edges on the inside of your insert all the way around and you would screw into it.

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  • it's not an insert, just fireplace doors, instructions clearly say it needs to extend beyond opening
    – TimCO
    Commented Jan 25, 2015 at 14:27
  • @TimCO - Can you take a picture of the other side of the doors?
    – DMoore
    Commented Jan 25, 2015 at 17:43

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