Question about "zero clearance fireplace insert"

[Grisu]

Approximately how high up will the ceiling above the stove have to be.

Check the manual as the minimum requirement can differ. If in doubt ask dealer/manufacturer.

I guess I will just have to cut out the drywall and bricks up to a certain height and to a certain width from inside my house. Any guess at the approximate height and width I am going to need to cut out

I would simply make it an extension of your room with the ceiling the same height. Width: As much as you can do within that chase; it never hurts to exceed clearances. Have you measured it from the outside? Take that width, subtract standard wall depth twice for each side and that will approximately be the width you will have for stove + clearances.

I am assuming this needs to get inspected. When does this happen and by whom.

Local building inspector. I recommend talking to him/her before starting that you know how it should be done.

I am a pretty handy person. Is this something I can do myself???

People here have done it. You will need to judge your skill level for yourself.

I think a large would be overkill since the stove will only be about 8 feet away from our living room couch.

The 30 series BK stoves can actually be turned lower than the 20 series. And 8 ft is plenty of distance. We sit up to 3 ft from ours without being roasted.

 

[troy-pit]

Sounds like you are recommending the 30 series over the 20 series. Must be able to adjust the 30 series better and some other advantages I do not know about. I do see that the 30 series requires a blower in an alcove and is a little bigger with a little more clearance requirements. I guess I will go for the 30 series then if I have the room. I measured the outside width of the hearth from corner to corner which includes the corner trim pieces. Came at 62 inches. I think I will need about 50 inches for the 30 series which I hope I have inside. Will start the demo soon.

 

[Grisu]

The 30 series has a larger firebox but can be turned down for a lower heat output than the 20 series. Thus, you will get much longer burn times.

Measuring the hearth width to determine the alcove width may not be that reliable. How wide is your chase measured outside?

 

[troy-pit]

The 62 inches is the width of the hearth measured from the outside.

Now also worried about the rear clearance. With blowers (which seem to be needed for stove in alcove) the distance is 11 inches from back of the stove to center of the hole opening. Plus 6 inches for clearance is 17 inches. Probably the stove pipe can be angled towards the opening of the flue after it goes up a certain distance. Not sure how this is going to work out.

Curious why the larger ones can be turned down lower for longer burn time than the medium ones.

Seems like the side clearances requirements are more for the medium stove than for the larger stove. So both the large and medium fit in about the same space in an alcove.

 

[BKVP]

Enter the following into the search engine on this forum

Blaze King Alcove

You will find several situations that look superb when taking out the old zc. Webby has experience with this option....calling Webby to the principles office!

 

[troy-pit]

Took down the brick wall and floor and took out old zero clearance fireplace.

Now after seeing this fireplace I am going for this type of installation with lights and everything.


Now I am going for this type of installation.

Well for my installation here is where I am so far.



I see I am going to have to move the 4x6 up and cut the 2x4's that are going down to he 4x6.
Also I see the only way to get power for the blower and ceiling light is to cut the drywall and run wire from the outlet
through the 2x4's to the new alcove ceiling for the lights and to the back of the alcove for the blower. I know I can do
the wiring myself but do you think I need to hire an electrician to make sure that it will be all up to code.

Also looks like I got 52" inside clearance side to side so I might be able to go with the blaze king princess.