We are renovating our family room and kitchen and plan to install a new direct vent gas fireplace on the wall against the garage.

I know the new gas fireplaces have a 8" surround non flammable material specification in MA.

From a comfort perspective watching TV (50-60" flatscreen) from 10 to 14 feet away from the TV is mounting a TV above the fireplace too high for good viewing.


We are planning to go with a valor gas fireplace (not an insert) that is 32" wide and ~ 36" hign. We originally planned for a mantle but now are thinking not to have one so the TV can be mounted lower.

If anyone can email me a picture of how they put a big flatscreen above their gas firplace i woukld like to see it... PM me and I will send you my email addy.


Thanks- chris

Ya know, those flat screens could do a pretty realistic fireplace with a little crackling sound. Then all you need is a mantle around it. Fuel costs are pretty low also.

Aside from the flat panel screen consider a sound bar because the speakers of the tv are low wattage. The polk audio 6000 was my choice and look for sales by notification alerts sent directly to your email via the websites slickdeals and dealnews.
Also a tilt flat screen bracket and sofas/chairs that have an incline may aid in relieving eye and neck strain in the event the tv is mounted to high. You have an insert at 36" plus clearance of 4" plus and optional soundbar of 4" will bring the bottom of the screen at 44". Now with say for example a 55" tv with a thin bezel has a height of about 28 inches brings the total height to the top of the screen to 72".
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

IMO it wouldn't look good. It'd be distracting to watch TV with a fire going on underneath... Too much visual stimuli. That's a lot going on in a small area. I'd try to place it somewhere so that they accent one another... Not compete. Sitting near the fire while watching the TV, or something like that.

But, it's your house, not mine! :rotf2:

People do it but I think it's ugly and puts the tv too high. You can get a mount that will angle the tv but that just makes your flat screen look like its in a gym.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Aside from the flat panel screen consider a sound bar because the speakers of the tv are low wattage. The polk audio 6000 was my choice and look for sales by notification alerts sent directly to your email via the websites slickdeals and dealnews.
Also a tilt flat screen bracket and sofas/chairs that have an incline may aid in relieving eye and neck strain in the event the tv is mounted to high. You have an insert at 36" plus clearance of 4" plus and optional soundbar of 4" will bring the bottom of the screen at 44". Now with say for example a 55" tv with a thin bezel has a height of about 28 inches brings the total height to the top of the screen to 72".
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

How do you like the 6000? I'm considering the CHT which is similar...
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I like the idea..Always wanted to do it in my house..Let me know how it works out..

How do you like the 6000? I'm considering the CHT which is similar...
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

My research of the audio specs and reviews gave me lead me to purchase the 6000. The speakers deliver a higher wattage compared to other soundbars on the. I am very pleased with the sound, watching concerts on the palandia sp station sounds like your there live. The bass coupled with the soundbar give a deep bass like surround sound. As much as I like to crank it up I don't because the dog is usually by my feet and I don't want to hurt the dogs ears.
I will have to check out the CHT specs.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I have my 52" mounted high enough to be over a fireplace, because it is over a bar. I used a flat bracket that angles down, everyone who has seen it loves it. I say go for it.

The room has to be wide enough for good viewing. My bro-in-law did one above his fireplace. Angled the bracket and watching it is a pleasure. Doesn't get to hot either.