Masonry material has been a fireplace method for centuries. Anything that must be mortared together is considered masonry. Since they are built by hand, no two masonry fireplaces are exactly alike.

While brick and ceramic are the most common materials used for a masonry fireplace, the facade can also include stone, marble, granite, travertine and tile. This style is often found in older homes, but can be in newer models as well.

An easy way to test is to knock on the back or side walls of your fireplace. If it sounds like solid rock or brick - it is probably masonry.

Zero Clearance fireplaces are pre-manufactured metal fireboxes with a metal flue pipe. Some are obvious to spot with metal louvers on the top and bottom. (See picture above)

Other ‘Clean Faced’ units require a bit more inspection.
Zero Clearance fireboxes have a manufacturer and model number associated with each unit. Most have this information mounted somewhere near the front of the firebox and can be referenced to easily purchase doors.

An easy way to test is to knock on the back or side walls of your fireplace. If it sounds like has a metallic bang or hollow ring to it, it is probably a Zero Clearance insert. They are metal and have a hollow space behind them to help dispel excess heat.