Building Furniture For a Fireplace Without Burning It Down
Got a call last year from a client who wanted a custom entertainment center built around her fireplace. Beautiful river rock surround, gas insert, and she wanted built-in cabinets and shelving on either side.
I almost said no. Fire and wood seem like a bad combination. But I did some research, talked to a few contractors who specialize in fireplaces, and figured out how to do it safely.
Clearances Are Not Negotiable
First thing I learned: there are actual codes for this. Different clearances for gas versus wood burning. Different requirements for combustible materials at different heights above the firebox opening.
For that project, I had to stay 12 inches away from the firebox opening on the sides and at least 12 inches above the opening before any wood could extend in. The mantel could go closer but needed specific non-combustible materials between it and the heat.
These numbers vary by local code and fireplace type. Before starting any fireplace furniture project, I pull the codes and sometimes call a local inspector to make sure I understand correctly. Not worth the liability of getting it wrong.
The Mantel Shelf
Most people want a wood mantel. It is the focal point of the room, after all. And most wood mantels are fine as long as they are installed at the correct height.
I build mantels from solid hardwood, usually with a mounting cleat hidden behind. The cleat is the structural piece that carries the weight, and it needs to be anchored into studs or masonry securely. A heavy mantel pulling away from the wall is a real hazard.
For gas fireplaces, I have seen mantels closer to the firebox than I would be comfortable with for wood burning. Gas puts out less radiant heat generally. But I still build in buffer whenever possible.
Built-Ins on Either Side
These are actually the easier part. The cabinets and shelves on either side of the fireplace are usually far enough from the heat source that normal construction works fine.
The tricky part is making them look like they belong. I scribe the cabinets to fit against the often irregular surface of the fireplace surround. River rock, brick, stone, none of it is flat. You have to template and cut the cabinet side to nestle against those contours.
I use a profile gauge for the rough shape, then sneak up on the final fit with a jigsaw and some patience. Nothing worse than a visible gap between nice cabinetry and the fireplace it is supposed to frame.
Fireplace Screens and Tools
Some clients want me to build the accessories too. Fireplace screens, log holders, tool racks. This is metalworking territory more than woodworking, but I have made a few wooden tool racks that hold iron tools.
For the rack itself, I use a hardwood that can take some heat and stay dimensionally stable. Cherry and walnut work well. The tools hang away from the fire, obviously. You are just storing them near the fireplace, not roasting them.
Hearth Extensions and Seating
Some fireplaces have a raised hearth that doubles as seating. Building a wooden bench or storage seat at hearth level needs the same clearance considerations as the mantel. Keep combustibles away from the opening.
I built a storage bench once that wrapped around two sides of a corner fireplace. Used metal brackets inside with a significant air gap behind the wood facing. The idea was to keep the wood backed away from any heat that might radiate through the surrounding structure.
Probably overkill for a gas fireplace, but I sleep better knowing that client kids can sit on that bench without me worrying about the wood getting damaged or worse.
Wood Selection For Fireplace Furniture
Hardwoods handle the temperature fluctuations better than softwoods in my experience. Oak, cherry, and walnut are my usual choices. Pine and other softwoods can warp more easily with the repeated heating and cooling cycles.
Finish matters too. I avoid heavy polyurethane near fireplaces. If the surface gets hot enough, some finishes can get soft or even bubble. I use penetrating oils or thinner varnish coats, which seem to handle the heat better.
Making It Look Good
The fireplace is usually the focal point of the room. Any furniture around it needs to frame it, not compete with it. I keep the design relatively simple, letting the fireplace be the star.
Crown molding that ties into the mantel. Symmetrical shelving on either side. Maybe some corbels or brackets under the mantel for visual weight. The goal is to make it look intentional, like the fireplace and the surrounding furniture were designed together from the start.
That entertainment center project turned out well. The client uses it daily, and I get to drive past the house sometimes knowing that my work is keeping her family room looking good and, more importantly, staying safe.
