The fireplace opening is 27"w x 28"h x 20.5"d.
The granite slab 'hearth' is 34"w x 16"d and 5" off the floor (which is engineered wood).
The fireplace/chimney is at the center of a ~2000sq.ft. 2 story wood-framed victorian. There is an open flue.
The space in front of the hearth is limited and would encroach upon traffic flow from the living room and foyer.
The chimney sweep I brought over to check the site mentioned he had a VC Intrepid to sell me (used only 3 times, I don't know if it's a cat or non-cat version) that would fit the FP opening. He advised against an insert because of the effort in removing it for yearly cleaning.
I had originally had my eye on the Woodstock Fireview, but it appears too large for the space.
I was thinking it would be nice to somehow take advantage of the brick thermal mass that's in place.
Suggestions? Advice? How much of the floor in front of the hearth would I have to tile?
The granite slab 'hearth' is 34"w x 16"d and 5" off the floor (which is engineered wood).
The fireplace/chimney is at the center of a ~2000sq.ft. 2 story wood-framed victorian. There is an open flue.
The space in front of the hearth is limited and would encroach upon traffic flow from the living room and foyer.
The chimney sweep I brought over to check the site mentioned he had a VC Intrepid to sell me (used only 3 times, I don't know if it's a cat or non-cat version) that would fit the FP opening. He advised against an insert because of the effort in removing it for yearly cleaning.
I had originally had my eye on the Woodstock Fireview, but it appears too large for the space.
I was thinking it would be nice to somehow take advantage of the brick thermal mass that's in place.
Suggestions? Advice? How much of the floor in front of the hearth would I have to tile?