Best Fireplace Doors Buying Guide

Are you feeling the absence of a cozy corner in your home as winter approaches? Fireplaces can be a great addition to your interior design. These warmth-radiating spaces can tie your whole inner decor together in a trendy yet rustic manner.

But without a robust fireplace door, your hearth can fail to serve its purpose, leading to log roll-outs, excessive heating of a room, or an accidental fire. The best fireplace doors give the perfect balance of convenience and efficiency, all while adding warmth and gradients to your home.

So let’s take a look at the factors you should consider for the best fireplace doors.

1. Types Of Fireplace Doors

Before you choose the best fireplace doors for your heating unit, you need to know the type of fireplace you have. Essentially, fireplaces are divided into three categories: masonry, prefab (or zero-clearance), and direct vent units.

It is essential to pick the right door that is compatible with your fireplace. After all, you won’t be able to fit a masonry door on a direct vent fireplace and vice versa.

Direct Vent Fireplace Doors

Direct-vent fireplaces are modern, sealed systems in which fumes are not expelled through a traditional chimney. These units draw air from outside the home for combustion and release gases and fumes through a roof or sidewall.

Generally, direct-vent units have sealed, heat-resistant glass doors that keep combustion products from leaking into the room.

Masonry Fireplace Doors

Masonry fireplaces are traditional brick-and-mortar units set in place during the construction of the house. If your hearth is made of brick, stone, or concrete, there’s a high chance that it is a masonry fireplace.

In this case, measure the depth and front opening of the lintel bar. Then, install a door made of tempered glass and metal frames to withstand the high heat.

Prefab Fireplace Doors

Prefab fireplaces are similar to stovetops. They are constructed in a factory setting and then installed in your home. Prefab units are made from metal and come with a cast refractory firebox and chimney system. While these fireplaces come with built-in doors, you can always replace them to improve the look and efficiency of your unit.

Note: Before changing a prefab fireplace door, note down the model and manufacturer of your unit. This way, you can find a door that is compatible with your heating system.

2. Material Matters

One of the biggest factors that dictate your choice of fireplace doors is the material they are made of. The best fireplace doors are made up of tempered glass treated to withstand high temperatures and resist breaking under thermal stress. Usually rated at 400°F, tempered glass doors provide a clear view of the fire, thereby improving the ambiance of your space.

Besides construction, the frame of your fireplace door also plays an integral role in the overall look and finish of your space. Metal frames are the most popular, including:

●      Steel: Known for its high strength and durability, steel is a heavy-duty material that can withstand extreme temperatures. Since steel is ductile, these frames resist warping and bending, keeping your doors functional for long.

●      Aluminum: Unlike steel, aluminum does not rust, making it a great choice for those living in high-humidity regions. These frames can also be anodized for a durable and decorative finish.

●      Brass: Used less commonly for fireplace doors, brass provides a gold-like finish but may tarnish over time. These frames also need extensive maintenance to keep up with their aesthetic appeal.

3. Fitment: Inside vs Overlap Doors

When choosing the best fireplace doors, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the fitment. The right fitment ensures that your door sits smoothly within the fireplace, preventing sparks and embers from escaping.

It also helps maintain optimal heat levels and improves the overall energy efficiency of your unit. Let’s compare the two common fitment styles.

Inside Fit

An inside fit, or cabinet fit, is one that is contained within the domain of the fireplace. These doors are mounted flush with the interior walls of the fireplace, leading to a clean, integrated look.

Since they sit inside the fireplace opening, inside-fit doors create a tight seal, which improves heat retention and energy efficiency. This helps keep the living room warmer.

Overlap Fit

Overlap fit, or surface mount fit, refers to fireplace doors that overlap the fireplace opening. These doors are mounted on the surface of the fireplace face, extending slightly beyond the edges of the opening.

Based on the number of overlapping sides, overlap fit is further divided into two categories: a four-sided overlap and a three-sided overlap.

Note: Four-sided overlap doors are mostly seen in cases where the hearth is absent, so there are no obstructions on the opening side.

4. Opening Style: Bi-Fold vs Cabinet

Before you go finding the best fireplace doors for your living space, think about the opening style you prefer: bi-fold or cabinet doors. Bi-fold doors usually feature two panels on each side that are hinged together and fold in the middle.

When you open bi-fold doors, the panels fold back onto themselves, often sliding or folding towards the sides of the fireplace opening.

On the other hand, cabinet doors work in the same way as kitchen cabinets. They feature two separate doors that swing open on hinges attached to the sides of the fireplace frame.

However, these doors require ample clear space in front of the fireplace so the doors can open fully without obstruction. If you have a smaller room, a cabinet door might not work.

5. Glass Color: Tinted vs Clear

For many people, fireplaces are more of an aesthetic focal point in living rooms than a heating solution. This is why the glass color is an important factor to consider when choosing the best fireplace doors.

Do you want to reduce the glare and brightness of the flames? If yes, a tinted glass is the way to go, creating a more subdued and cozy ambiance.

Besides providing a modern touch, tinted glass helps hide soot and residue buildup on the glass, meaning less frequent cleaning.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to see the flames burning, opt for a clear glass door. These doors make the room appear brighter and more inviting but also require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance.

Final Thoughts

To find the best fireplace doors, the first thing you need to consider is the fireplace you have at home. Is it a masonry unit or a direct vent fireplace? Then, think about the doors that serve your liking, from bi-fold tinted doors to cabinet opening alternatives.

If you’re ready to improve the aesthetics and vibe of your fireplace, the best idea is to leave it to the experts. With 35 years of experience installing premium quality fireplace doors, Exceptional Fireplace is your one-stop shop for all your fireplace needs.

Our professional team will help you find the perfect fit for your home, turning that old fireplace into a focal point for your gatherings. So, contact us today and enjoy free shipping on all your orders!