Gas Log Sizing

Get the Right Size Gas Log for Your Fireplace
Making sure you get the right size gas log for your fireplace is not a difficult task, though it is an important one. With so many different gas logs available, the chances of purchasing a gas log that is not ideal for your fireplace are fairly high if you rely on guesswork. However, with some simple measurements, you can rest assured that the gas log you choose is sized perfectly for your fireplace.

Why Gas Log Size Is Important
It is possible for a gas log to fit inside your fireplace and still be the wrong size. Different gas logs have different requirements for clearance from fireplace side walls. For example, gas logs that come equipped with safety pilots require more clearance than other gas logs (usually no less than 4 inches from side walls). Safety pilot gas logs need the extra air flow for the valve to function properly and to prevent overheating and possible melting. Measuring your fireplace before ordering gas logs not only ensures that you get the right gas log, but ensures the safety of you and your family.

How to Measure for Gas Logs
To get accurate measurements when measuring for a gas log, make all measurements from inside the fireplace. Typically, you will need to get four measurements (height, depth, width at front, and width at back) to determine the right size gas log. For depth and width dimensions, measure from the fireplace floor. For height, take measurements 6 to 8 inches inside the fireplace; this will place you near the center of the chimney (if you are installing a vented gas log in a real wood fireplace), which is where you want your gas log.

Depth and front width are usually the two most important measurements for determining the right size gas log, so pay particular attention to these.

Determining Gas Log Size
Now that you've got the measurements of your fireplace, a simple way to be sure you get a gas log that fits is to subtract 8 inches from the front width. This will leave 4 inches of clearance on either side of the gas log, which is plenty of room for valves and a safety pilot.

The General Rule for Gas Logs:
Subtract 8 inches from the front width of your fireplace to determine the best gas log size.

Gas Logs with Automatic Pilot Kits
If you are choosing a gas log with an automatic pilot or remote control, you will need to subtract an additional 6 inches from your fireplace's front width to allow space for the kit. That's a total of 14 inches (the initial 8, plus the additional 6) to subtract from the front width of your fireplace (7 inches on each side) for gas logs with automatic pilots.

The general rule for gas logs with automatic pilot (remote ready) kits:
Subtract 14 inches from the front width of your fireplace to determine maximum gas log size.

Larger Gas Logs for a Full Fireplace Look
Some people prefer the look of a fully stoked fireplace. It is possible to reduce the space between the ends of gas logs and the side walls of the fireplace to about 2 inches, but only on gas logs without safety pilots.

Remember: Gas logs with safety pilots require 4 inches of clearance from side walls.