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Pleasant Hearth 36-Inch Vent-Free Firebox Insert: Complete Denver Installation Guide
Original price was: $1,128.00.$738.00Current price is: $738.00.
When a couple in Bonnie Brae contacted me last fall about converting their unused fireplace opening into a functional gas feature, I recommended the Pleasant Hearth 36-inch vent-free firebox. This system transformed their cold masonry cavity into an attractive, ready-to-finish enclosure that now showcases a beautiful gas log set. The installation took just one day, and they were enjoying fires that evening—a dramatic improvement over their previous non-functional fireplace.
Product Overview and Key Features
The Pleasant Hearth PHZC36F provides a professional-grade foundation for vent-free gas log installations in Denver homes. This firebox insert creates a finished enclosure within existing masonry openings or new construction framing, eliminating the rough, unfinished appearance of bare fireplace cavities while providing the proper dimensions and clearances required for safe vent-free gas log operation.
The unit’s flush-face design allows for seamless integration with non-combustible finishing materials—a feature I’ve utilized to create stunning custom installations throughout Denver’s neighborhoods. Homeowners have finished these fireboxes with Colorado flagstone, granite slabs, marble surrounds, and traditional brick facing, each creating a unique look that complements their home’s style.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | PHZC36F |
| Front Opening Width | 39.875 inches |
| Front Opening Height | 34.125 inches |
| Product Depth | 24.125 inches |
| Rear Width | 24.75 inches |
| Rear Height | 34.125 inches |
| Product Weight | 75 pounds |
| Material | Steel construction |
| Interior Finish | Matte black |
| Fuel Compatibility | Dual fuel (Natural Gas & LP) |
| Vent Type | Vent-free operation |
| Installation Type | Zero clearance, recessed |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| Certification | CSA Certified |
What’s Included
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Firebox Insert | Main enclosure unit |
| Draw Screen | Airflow control and safety barrier |
| Hood Assembly | Upper heat deflection and finishing |
| Mounting Hardware | Installation fasteners |
| Installation Guide | Step-by-step instructions |
| Warranty Card | Coverage documentation |
Zero-Clearance Design Benefits for Denver Homes
The zero-clearance designation means this firebox can be installed directly against combustible framing materials without requiring air space gaps—a significant advantage in Denver’s diverse housing stock. I’ve installed these units in situations where traditional fireboxes wouldn’t fit:
Tight Basement Conversions: Many Denver homes have finished basements with limited depth, making it challenging for fireplace installations. The zero-clearance design enabled us to install a gas fireplace in a Harvey Park home’s recreation room, where only 25 inches of depth was available.
Between-Stud Installations: The 24.75-inch rear width fits perfectly within standard 24-inch stud spacing, allowing for flush installations in new construction or remodeling projects without requiring framing modifications.
Under-Stair Applications: I’ve successfully installed these units in the space beneath staircases in two-story homes, creating cozy reading nooks that would be impossible with conventional fireplace requirements.
Available Sizes and Selection Guide
Pleasant Hearth manufactures this firebox in three sizes to accommodate different opening dimensions and heat output requirements:
| Size | Front Width | Front Height | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32-inch | ~35.875 inches | 30.125 inches | Smaller rooms, apartment conversions, tight spaces |
| 36-inch | 39.875 inches | 34.125 inches | Standard living rooms, master bedrooms, and most applications |
| 42-inch | ~45.875 inches | 38.125 inches | Large great rooms, open-concept spaces, statement installations |
The 36-inch model serves approximately 80% of my Denver installations. It provides a sufficient visual impact for standard living rooms (250-400 square feet) while fitting within typical fireplace opening dimensions found in homes built from the 1960s to the present day. The opening accommodates most 30-inch and 36-inch vent-free gas log sets, providing flexibility in aesthetic choices.
Compatible Gas Log Sets and Finishing Options
This firebox accepts any vent-free gas log set sized appropriately for the opening—typically 30-inch or 36-inch sets for this 36-inch model. I frequently pair it with Pleasant Hearth’s own vent-free log sets, which range in price from $280 to $650, depending on the log style and burner technology.
Popular Configurations I’ve Installed:
Traditional Oak Logs: The classic choice for Denver’s many craftsman and traditional-style homes. Natural bark texture and realistic coloring create an authentic wood-burning appearance.
Contemporary River Rock or Stone Sets: These modern options complement the clean lines popular in Stapleton and Lowry developments. The river rock creates visual interest without the traditional log aesthetic.
Birch or Driftwood Styles: Lighter-colored logs that work beautifully with mountain modern design schemes typical in foothills communities and newer Denver neighborhoods.
The optional Pleasant Hearth firebrick panels (sold separately for approximately $ 120-$ 180) add a traditional masonry appearance to the firebox interior. These panels install directly against the matte black steel, creating the look of a genuine masonry firebox. I recommend these panels for installations using traditional log sets where homeowners want the complete classic fireplace appearance.
Installation Requirements and Denver Code Compliance
Critical Denver-Specific Considerations
Permit Requirements: Denver requires permits for all gas appliance installations, including vent-free gas logs and fireboxes. Our installations include permit procurement, which typically costs $85-$- $120, depending on the project’s complexity.
Altitude Derating: At Denver’s 5,280-foot elevation, gas appliances must be derated (adjusted to lower input ratings) to account for reduced oxygen availability. This affects burner orifice sizing and maximum BTU input. Professional installation ensures proper altitude adjustment, which is critical for safety and warranty compliance.
Vent-Free Regulations: Colorado permits vent-free gas appliances in residential installations, provided they are equipped with oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) that automatically shut off the gas flow if oxygen levels drop below safe thresholds. All Pleasant Hearth-compatible log sets include this required safety feature.
Room Size Requirements: Vent-free appliances require a minimum room volume based on the BTU input. For typical 30,000-40,000 BTU installations, Denver code requires at least 600 cubic feet of connected space—easily met in standard living areas but potentially restrictive in small bedrooms or enclosed spaces.
Finishing Material Options and Installation
| Material Type | Advantages | Typical Cost Range | Installation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Stone (Flagstone, Ledgestone) | Authentic Colorado aesthetic, heat-resistant | $15-35 per sq ft | Requires an appropriate adhesive rated for heat exposure |
| Granite Slab | Modern appearance, seamless finish | $40-80 per sq ft installed | Professional fabrication recommended for precise cuts |
| Marble | Classic elegance, variety of colors | $35-70 per sq ft installed | More heat-sensitive than granite, it needs proper clearances |
| Brick Veneer | Traditional look, easy DIY installation | $6-12 per sq ft | Thin brick specifically designed for interior applications |
| Tile (Porcelain/Ceramic) | Versatile designs, cost-effective | $8-25 per sq ft | Must use heat-resistant thinset and grout |
The flush-face design allows these materials to be installed directly to the firebox face, creating a seamless transition from the surrounding wall to the fireplace opening. I typically leave a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch reveal around the opening edge to provide visual definition and accommodate minor dimensional variations during the finishing process.
Mantel Pairing and Custom Installations
While mantels aren’t included, this firebox’s design accommodates a wide range of mantel styles and materials. The key consideration is maintaining proper clearances from the firebox opening to any combustible mantel components:
Denver Code Requirements:
- Minimum 6 inches from the top of the opening to the combustible mantel shelf
- An additional 1/8 inch clearance for each inch the mantel projects from the wall
- Example: A mantel projecting 12 inches requires a minimum of 7.5 inches of clearance minimum
I’ve installed these fireboxes in a variety of settings, from rustic, reclaimed barn beams in mountain-style homes to sleek, floating shelves in contemporary spaces. The matte black interior finish complements both traditional and modern design schemes.
Popular Mantel Configurations:
| Mantel Style | Typical Cost | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood Beam (6×6 or 6×8) | $200-500 | Craftsman, mountain, rustic designs |
| Custom Wood Mantel Shelf | $350-800 | Traditional, transitional styles |
| Stone or Cast Stone Mantel | $800-2,500 | Formal, elegant installations |
| Modern Floating Shelf | $150-400 | Contemporary, minimalist designs |
Professional Installation Process and Pricing
Our typical Pleasant Hearth firebox installation in Denver follows this process:
Day 1 – Preparation and Installation:
- Verify opening dimensions and clearances
- Prepare framing or masonry opening as needed
- Position and secure the firebox insert
- Install the gas supply line and connect it to the firebox location
- Complete rough inspection with city inspector
Day 2 – Gas Log Installation and Finishing:
- Install the selected vent-free gas log set
- Connect to the gas supply with proper altitude adjustments
- Test operation and safety features
- Final inspection and approval
- Homeowner operation training
Installation Cost Breakdown:
| Component | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pleasant Hearth 36″ Firebox | $580-720 |
| Vent-Free Gas Log Set | $280-650 |
| Gas Line Extension/Installation | $350-800 |
| Permits and Inspections | $85-150 |
| Professional Labor | $800-1,400 |
| Total Installation | $2,095-3,720 |
Finishing material costs vary dramatically based on homeowner selections. A basic brick surround might add $400-$ 600 in materials and labor, while custom stone work can reach $2,000-$ 4,000 for premium installations.
Why Denver Homeowners Choose Vent-Free Systems
Vent-free gas appliances offer specific advantages in Denver’s climate and housing market:
Installation Flexibility: No chimney or vent pipe is required—perfect for homes without existing fireplaces or where venting is impractical.
High Efficiency: 99.9% of fuel energy is converted to heat, as there are no exhaust vents outside. This matters during Denver’s cold snaps when every BTU counts.
Lower Installation Cost: Eliminating vent pipe installation saves $1,200-2,500 compared to direct-vent systems.
Zone Heating: Provides supplemental heat exactly where needed, reducing whole-house heating costs during mild weather when whole furnace operation is inefficient.
Quick Installation: Most projects are completed in 1-2 days compared to 3-5 days for vented systems that require chimney or vent pipe work.
Important Usage Considerations
Vent-free appliances work excellently in Denver homes when used appropriately, but homeowners should understand operating guidelines:
Run-Time Recommendations: I advise clients to limit continuous operation to 4-6 hours, then allow fresh air circulation. This maintains indoor air quality and prevents moisture accumulation.
Room Ventilation: Crack a window slightly during extended operation, or ensure adequate air exchange through normal home ventilation. Denver’s dry climate actually helps here—we’re less prone to the condensation issues common in humid regions.
Detector Requirements: Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and in areas where people sleep. While vent-free systems include multiple safety features, detectors provide essential backup protection.
Not for Sale in California or Canada: These jurisdictions prohibit vent-free appliances due to different regulatory standards. Colorado allows them when properly installed and maintained.
Warranty and Long-Term Performance
The 1-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and artistry. In my experience, these fireboxes rarely experience warranty issues—the simple steel construction has few points of failure. The CSA certification verifies that the unit meets recognized safety standards for construction and operation.
Long-term maintenance is minimal. Annual inspection of gas connections, cleaning of the firebox interior, and periodic replacement of gas log embers (every 3-5 years) keep the system looking and performing like new. Our annual inspection service, starting at $199, includes these checks along with safety system verification and burner adjustment if needed.
Getting Started with Your Installation
If you’re considering adding a gas fireplace to your Denver home—whether filling an existing fireplace opening, creating a new feature in a remodel, or adding ambiance to new construction—the Pleasant Hearth 36-inch vent-free firebox provides a professional foundation for successful installation.
Contact us at (720) 207-9232 to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your space, discuss design preferences, review gas log options, provide detailed pricing for your specific installation, and coordinate all permits and inspections required by Denver’s building department.