TK Fireside

What's the Difference?

Before choosing a door, you need to know your fireplace. Every fireplace is one of two types — masonry or zero clearance.

Masonry

Traditional brick masonry fireplace with a lit fire.

Masonry fireplaces are built by hand, brick by brick — a method used for centuries. No two are exactly alike.

Brick and ceramic are most common, but the facade can also include stone, marble, granite, travertine, or tile. Common in older homes, though still built today.

Quick test: Knock on the back or side walls. If it sounds like solid rock or brick, it's masonry.
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Zero Clearance

Modern zero clearance metal firebox fireplace with a lit fire.

Zero clearance fireplaces are pre-manufactured metal fireboxes with a metal flue pipe. Many are easy to spot by the metal louvers on the top and bottom.

Every unit has a manufacturer and model number, usually mounted near the front of the firebox — this makes ordering the right door simple.

Quick test: Knock on the back or side walls. A metallic bang or hollow ring means zero clearance — they're metal with an air space behind them.
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Still not sure which one you have? Your local dealer can identify it in minutes.

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