5309 Meadow ChaseFireplace design
Hearth & mantelFinishes

5309 Meadow Chase · Fireplace

Fireplace design study.
Current design · VIS-02

The existing Heatilator remains in place. A new stone face moves forward, with fitted veneer returning to the recessed opening.

The ceiling rises away from the fireplace wall into the room; the finished stone top is scribed to the sloped ceiling plane. The fireplace face and mantel remain level. Dimensions and mantel options below remain subject to final construction verification.

Download Fireplace Design Study — Owner PDF5309 Meadow Chase Project →
VIS-02 current fireplace design board showing front and angled room views, ceiling section, field dimensions, mantel proportions and actual River Canyon stone sample
VIS-02 · Current design. Open the full-size board. The companion owner PDF is available above. Rendered appearance is illustrative; dimensions and manufacturer requirements govern the final detail.

CURRENT DESIGN · VIS-02 · TF-MC-5309

New stone face, existing fireplace

The listed Heatilator and chimney stay in their installed position. A new architectural plane comes approximately 5–6 in forward; the firebox therefore reads as recessed. VIS-02 is the current design presentation. The diagrams below explain details and remain subject to field and manufacturer verification.

Front elevation of proposed stone faceLevel 64-inch-wide by 94-inch-high marble face, centered 46 and one eighth inch fireplace opening, floating metal mantel, and working hearth.64 in existing face width · confirmed94 in height46⅛ × 26¾ in openingStone plane forward · fitted returns at opening≈12 in overall hearth · working design
Front elevation. River Canyon Natural Marble Ledger Panel, 8 × 24 in, Floor & Decor SKU 101022556. Mantel width and thickness shown only as a design option. The ceiling slopes perpendicular to this wall.
Side section of the proposed fireplace build-outRoom at left, new stone plane and veneer return, half-inch cement board, three-and-a-half-inch framing, and fixed existing fireplace at right. The framing, board and veneer yield an approximately five-to-six-inch finished projection; the final section must be measured and checked against the listed appliance.Working ≈5–6 in finished build-outROOMMantel projectionNew finished stone plane≈1 in veneer½ in cement board3½ in framingFitted veneer return →Existing Heatilator remains fixedGas key + service access stay accessible
Side section. Working 2 × 4 framing plus board and veneer totals roughly 5–6 inches. Verify actual framing, noncombustible zones, manufacturer air spaces and exact depth before construction. No appliance, chimney or piping relocation is proposed.
Recessed opening corner and fitted veneer returnPerspective detail showing the marble front face turning through a shallow five-to-six-inch return to the fixed factory fireplace surround.Front stone fieldFitted veneer return → factory surround
Recessed opening detail. Individually fitted veneer pieces turn through the approximately 5–6 in return. This mesh-backed veneer is not a full-depth interlocking brick corner. Confirm how it terminates at the listed fireplace surround.

01 · Stone and mantel

Stone and mantel

River Canyon natural marble forms the fireplace face. A custom floating metal mantel offers a choice of sizes and finishes.

Wall stone

Rock Ridge River Canyon Natural Marble Ledger Panel

SupplierFloor & Decor
Panel size8 × 24 in.
SKU101022556
MaterialNatural marble

View River Canyon at Floor & Decor ↗

Natural-marble ledger panels give the fireplace face a textured finish.

Metal mantel option

Custom floating metal mantel

Stoll Industries makes metal shelves and mantels in custom sizes and multiple finishes.

Explore Stoll’s custom metal mantels ↗

  • A floating shelf spans the stone face.
  • Overall width, depth and visible thickness define the mantel profile.
  • Mounting details, weight, load capacity and required backing must be established before framing.
  • Check the complete mantel assembly and fireplace manual for installation clearances; a metal exterior alone does not establish compliance.

Room finishes

To confirm:

Review the stone, flooring and trim together. Use physical samples to choose the room’s finish palette before ordering.

Stone River Canyon marble
Review a sample of Rock Ridge River Canyon Natural Marble Ledger Panel, 8 × 24 in., SKU 101022556. Confirm panel thickness, corner treatment and installation requirements before finalizing the finished build-out.
Flooring Product, color and plank size
Choose the flooring product and color. Provide its sample or product label, and confirm plank width and finish alongside the stone.
Baseboards Profile, height and paint
Choose the baseboard profile. Confirm height, thickness and paint finish, and decide where to match retained trim.

Mantel: Provide the product photo, link, quote or fabricator name. Confirm material, finish, overall width, depth, visible thickness and mounting details.

View fireplace dimensions and mantel profiles →

Stone face, edges and returns

Textured veneer covers the broad face. Smooth materials finish the firebox returns and outside corners.

01
Face veneerRock Ridge River Canyon Natural Marble Ledger Panel, 8 × 24 in., Floor & Decor SKU 101022556.
02
MantelA custom floating shelf extends across the stone face.
03
Firebox returnsShallow, individually fitted River Canyon veneer pieces wrap back to the existing fireplace surround; confirm the permitted transition at the appliance.
04
Outside cornersIndividually fitted veneer returns; conceal mesh and raw cut edges. Do not use full-depth interlocking brick corners.
05
Ceiling returnLevel front edge with a small finished top return following the ceiling as it rises outward.

02 · Room and ceiling

Room and ceiling

The stone face sits between windows beneath a ceiling that rises outward into the room. The gas firebox stays at its current wall plane.

Existing stone face
Stone face and side return
Room context and fireplace wall
Ceiling rises outward into the room

03 · Fireplace and hearth

Fireplace and hearth

The mantel extends across the stone face. Compare the fireplace with and without a projecting hearth.

Earlier Concept / Superseded: The image below predates VIS-02. Refer to the VIS-02 board above for the current room and ceiling geometry.

Two views of a narrow River Canyon marble fireplace face with the existing firebox recessed behind stone returns and a full-width dark metal mantel projecting four inches past each side
Earlier Concept / Superseded · recessed stone return and metal mantel. Room-scale front and angled concept views. Varied medium-size pieces are based on the larger irregular stones in the lower half of the field sample. The selected sample is mostly white to warm ivory, with slight tonal variation and natural shadow; actual lighting and stone lots may vary. The 64-inch face and 72-inch mantel are study widths; finished stone face approximately 5–6 inches forward of the original wall, with mantel front edge studied at 12 inches; actual exposed shelf depth requires field verification. Mantel extends 4 inches past the face on each side. This image does not establish mantel height, clearances, hearth compliance or fabrication approval.
Field photo comparing two stone layouts; the larger irregular pieces laid out in the lower half are the selected fireplace stone
Actual stone sample. Use the larger loose pieces on the bottom. The narrow strip panel at the top is a comparison and is not the selected face pattern.
Illustrated corner-return concept using individually fitted stones around a cement-board and framed return
Corner return reference. Individually fit stones around the return with staggered joints. This supplied guide depicts a roughly 5-inch assembly; it is a visual reference, not an approved final wall section or fireplace-clearance detail.

TF-MC-5309 · Design control

Remaining before construction release

The rendering shows the recessed fireplace direction. Every item below is open; the image does not record owner approval, trade verification or a fabrication release.

  1. 01

    Choose the direction. Confirm the recessed opening with fitted stone returns, metal mantel and hearth treatment. The image shows no raised hearth; required floor protection remains to be checked.

  2. 02

    Identify the appliance. Photograph the Heatilator rating plate to settle HD42B versus HD42BI; identify the installed gas insert and reconcile its listing with Heatilator documents 12955 and 12063.

  3. 03

    Resolve the wall section. Measure the original wall, factory surround, proposed face and both inner and outer returns. The 2 × 4 + ½-inch board + approximately 1-inch stone build-up suggests about 5–6 inches. Draw a dimensioned section that preserves required air spaces.

  4. 04

    Set the mantel and hearth. Check the 72-inch metal mantel, 4-inch side overhangs and 12-inch total depth against the applicable clearance chart; determine safe elevation, thickness, heat rating, structural anchors and required hearth extension.

  5. 05

    Mock up the finish. Use the larger, mostly white stones from the bottom of the field sample. Confirm actual lot blend, varied piece sizing, fitted corner and opening returns, substrate and adhesive with the installer.

  6. 06

    Preserve access. Keep doors/glass removal, louvers, convection gaps, lower service path and the gas key/shutoff reachable. Have a qualified trade review any valve or piping change.

  7. 07

    Issue the shop detail. Record opening and floor datums, ceiling intersection, finished depth, fire clearances, blocking, brackets, joints, hearth and utilities. Obtain the responsible owner, GC and qualified-trade signoffs before material orders or fabrication.

Earlier Concept / Superseded: the two earlier room views compare floor treatments only. Their finer strip-stone texture and mantel finish are superseded by the current material and recessed-return concept above.

Earlier Concept / Superseded — No projecting hearth. Earlier massing view; stone and mantel finish are superseded above.
Earlier Concept / Superseded — Projecting hearth. Earlier massing view; stone and mantel finish are superseded above.

View hearth and mantel details →

CONFIRMED · Field baseline

Measured dimensions

64 × 94 inExisting stone face, width × height
46⅛ × 26¾ inFireplace opening, width × height
8¾ inFloor to opening bottom at stone line
30½ inFloor to adjacent windowsill top
22½ inLeft stone edge to right windowsill end
≈42 inField-checked firebox width; approximate

The lowest existing stone row has been removed. Confirm finished framing, clearances and the new wall plane in the field.

05 · Gas fireplace

Gas fireplace

The existing Heatilator wood-burning fireplace remains in place with its gas insert. The gas-key drive, escutcheon and shutoff/service path must stay reachable at the new face; verify key length and compatible trim with the qualified gas trade. Its approximately 42-inch field width indicates the HD42 family; the data plate must confirm the suffix and the insert listing. Documents 12955 (April 14, 1988) and 12063 (June 6, 1988) guide the current review.

To confirm:

  • Photograph the data plate to confirm the exact Heatilator HD42-family suffix; HD42B / HD42BI is a working identification.
  • Reconcile the exact data plate with Heatilator installation instructions dated 4-14-88 (document 12955), alternate chimney supplement dated 6-6-88 (document 12063), and applicable mantel, enclosure and chimney air-space guidance.
  • Confirm permitted facing thickness and overlap at the black frame.
  • Preserve glass removal, louvers, convection gaps and lower service access.
  • Keep the gas shutoff valve permanently accessible. Locate and verify the opening near the red X before covering or building out this wall.
  • Confirm whether a hearth or noncombustible floor extension is required.
  • Verify mantel material heat rating; do not assume resin-based quartz is acceptable.
  • Anchor the mantel to structural framing or concealed steel—not to veneer.
  • Measure clear walking space before approving the projecting hearth.
Gas shutoff opening near the red X

DECISION NEEDED · Final metal mantel

Set the mantel from the finished stone face

VIS-02 studies a 64-inch face projecting approximately 5–6 inches from the original wall and a 72-inch-wide metal mantel reaching 12 inches from that wall. It overruns the face by 4 inches on each side and suggests roughly 6–7 inches of exposed shelf beyond the finished stone. The owner board depicts an illustrative 8-inch shelf; reconcile that dimension with the measured finished face before fabrication.

≈5–6 inFinished face projection · working assembly
12 inOverall mantel depth from original wall · target
≈6–7 inExposed shelf at 12 in overall depth · calculate in field
72 inMantel width; 4 in past each side · target

TBD: exact finished face depth, mantel thickness, elevation, finish, fabricator and structural attachment. Set mantel elevation from the exact appliance clearance requirements and measured geometry. The approximately 12 in overall hearth remains a working concept; thickness and construction method remain open.

MANUFACTURER VERIFY · Front options

Fireplace front and extension research

No manufacturer-listed extension kit has been verified for the presumed Heatilator HD42B / HD42BI. A fabricated firebox extension is not an approved design. After photographing the data plate, check listed trim, surround, door and front assemblies that might reduce the recessed appearance without moving the fireplace or chimney.

Working identification: Heatilator HD42 family; exact suffix FIELD VERIFY. Manufacturer documents 12955 (4-14-88) and 12063 (6-6-88) inform the review but do not replace exact model verification.

DECISION NEEDED · Owner review

Before construction release

  1. Accept the recessed opening with fitted stone returns, or continue manufacturer-approved front research.
  2. Review the VIS-02 approximately 5–6-inch face / 12-inch overall mantel / 72-inch width profile; confirm the resulting exposed shelf depth and 4-inch side overhangs. Thickness, height and finish remain open.
  3. Provide a photograph of the fireplace data plate to verify the exact model suffix.
  4. Choose a visible gas-key escutcheon finish after confirming the drive profile, reach, compatible component and connection (MC-001 / MC-004).
  5. Release construction only after the exact appliance, manufacturer clearances, retained chimney/enclosure air spaces, service access, mantel elevation and final wall section are reconciled.

The gas shutoff and service path remain permanently accessible. Any valve or piping change needs separate trade review.

06 · Fireplace installation

Installation

Working assembly and manufacturer references; verify against the data plate and the listed gas insert before construction release.

  1. Unit and documents

    Likely Heatilator HD42B / HD42BI; exact suffix pending rating plate. Review the 1988 installation instructions (12955), alternate chimney supplement (12063), and the installed gas insert’s listing together.

  2. Chimney and enclosure

    Maintain the manual’s minimum 2-inch air space around chimney sections to the enclosure, including top framing, for the full chimney height. Keep vapor barrier and loose insulation away. The new framing and finishes must not bridge required air spaces.

  3. Face and returns

    VIS-02 uses a working approximately 5–6-inch finished face based on 2 × 4 framing (3½-inch depth), ½-inch cement board and approximately 1-inch veneer. Verify actual build-up and listed clearances in the dimensioned section. Use fitted noncombustible returns; verify allowable overlap at the factory face.

  4. Opening and service

    Preserve glass/door removal, louvers, convection openings, lower service access and reachable gas key/shutoff. Appliance and chimney stay fixed; any gas piping change requires qualified trade review.

  5. Mantel and hearth

    The manual’s typical framing figure labels a 42⅛-inch header, 55-inch reference height and 10-inch maximum projection example. These do not set the mantel elevation here. Check the applicable mantel chart, combustible zones, noncombustible facing and hearth extension for the verified unit and insert.

  6. Construction release

    Photograph the data plate and issue a dimensioned section showing opening datum, finished depth, clearances, blocking, structural mantel brackets, joints, hearth, returns and access before fabrication.

07 · Hearth, returns and mantel

Hearth & mantel

To confirm:

Choose the hearth, return material and mantel with your general contractor before pricing, ordering or fabrication.

Hearth

Choose a flush base or projecting hearth after checking the fireplace manual’s requirements.

Owner
You + general contractor
Needed by
Before final pricing and detail

Return material

Working design: individually fitted River Canyon veneer wraps the shallow recessed opening. Confirm its transition to the factory surround.

Owner
You + general contractor / installer
Needed by
Before material ordering

Mantel material and elevation

Provide your preferred mantel’s product details. Confirm material, finish, dimensions, mounting and elevation against the fireplace manual.

Owner
You + general contractor / fabricator
Needed by
Before framing and fabrication