Fireplace Screen Build Construction Details Help | Introductions Come First, Right? | Forum

I have built several of these years ago. Do you have specific question. Are you using flat bar or angle iron. I use small (1/2”)angle iron for the frame to secure to fireplace. This can be a challenge here in New Mexico since most fireplaces are Kiva type. I use flat bar for the screen doors. Hinges are the small barrel tear drop shape. I weld wings on the teardrop end that extends the hinges out. This is helpful to move the doors out a little. I use a woven screen instead of welded wire. That’s all I can think of. 

I have never seen the book you mentioned. Many of those books are either out of print or very expensive now. I started buying blacksmith books in the 80’s and many of them are priced so high now I couldn’t afford them. Now back to the screens. I have used 1” x 1/2 channel on the inside of a frame. It is a 16 guage thickness so I can cut off one leg. I use a Beverly shear for this. This goes toward inside. I can slide in the fiberglass rope gasket to make a tight seal. The channel could be welded to back side of your face frame. Tempered glass for safety. You can order the more expensive fireplace door glass if you prefer. I make the doors out of small angle iron. You can put some mechanical tabs behind the glass but you use gasket cement (the kind used on wood stoves) to seal in glass. I use O’Malley glass here in Albuquerque. I take the doors in and they fit and install glass. But you can do this yourself. Depending on where your at there may be a glass company there. Is this a wood burning or gas fireplace. If gas you may get into building codes. Here in New Mexico they won’t install gas unless the doors seal.  I hope this helps.

Hi Rick, I’m in Tijeras, New Mexico. Donna Meilach’s books are excellent. I have Decorative and Sculptural Ironwork. I’m sure the one you ordered will answer many of your questions.

Another resource you should look at Is Jerry Hoffman’s Blacksmith Journal. I believe a google search will lead you where to purchase back issues. If you have never seen this publication you will be pleased to find it. His format was project based teaching with draftsman’s style detailed drawing. I find them very helpful. Fireplace doors are in the March 1996 issue. He mentions using tempered glass. Fireplace screens were in the February 1998 issue.

This is my first time on the Forum. I will work on figuring out posting a picture or sketch. I’m just not there yet.