Your Guide to Fireplace Doors

Whether you’re designing a new custom fireplace or looking to refresh the look of your existing one, don’t overlook the importance of fireplace doors. Adding custom or standard doors to a fireplace can elevate its appearance while also making it safer and more comfortable. Fireplace doors are especially useful if you have a wood-burning fireplace since doors will help keep ash and smoke out of your house while enjoying a fire. A fireplace design and installation company in Ramsey, NJ can help you select the perfect fireplace doors. In the meantime, here are some things to know.

Custom vs. Standard Fireplace Doors

Fireplace doors can be custom manufactured or bought pre-fabricated. Deciding between custom and standard fireplace doors is largely a matter of personal preference with regard to the design you are interested in, although the size of your fireplace may also affect which option you choose. Stock doors are generally not designed to fit fireplace openings that are not perfectly square, which means you may need a custom door fabricated to fit your fireplace.

Types of Fireplace Doors

There are two primary types of fireplace doors: cabinet and bi-fold. Cabinet doors swing open 180 degrees, whereas bi-fold doors open like a closet. Trackless bi-fold fireplace doors can be folded over onto themselves to give you a wider view of your fire. The look of the glass can vary depending on the type of door you choose, so look at different examples of cabinet and bi-fold fireplace doors to decide which one is closer to the look you are going for.

Tempered and Ceramic Glass

Most fireplace doors are manufactured using quarter-inch tempered glass, which is glass that has been heated in a furnace and then quickly cooled to increase its strength and tolerance to high temperatures. Another option is ceramic glass, which has a much higher thermal shock rating than tempered glass which means you can enjoy a much hotter fire with the doors closed.