Installing a Suspended Fireplace in NZ: Ceilings, Flues and Consent
What it takes to hang a fireplace from the ceiling in a New Zealand home: structure, flue, pitched ceilings, gas fitting and building consent.
Installing a suspended fireplace in New Zealand comes down to three questions. Can your ceiling carry it? How will the flue run? And which fuel, because that decides who installs it and what consent you need. Answer those early and the rest of the job is straightforward.
1. The ceiling structure
A Naked Flame fire hangs from a bracket fixed into the ceiling framing, not the lining. The structure it fixes to must be able to carry 350 kg. In a new build this is simple to plan for. In an existing home, a builder or engineer should confirm the framing above the fire position and add blocking or a beam if needed.
The flue itself weighs about 16 kg per metre, so a tall ceiling adds real load. That is why we ask for your ceiling height when we quote.
2. The flue
Every Naked Flame fire uses a 219 mm flue, cut to your ceiling height so the firebox sits at the height you want. For wood and gas, the flue runs through the roof. For bioethanol and electric, the flue is the support and the visual line from ceiling to fire, with no penetration through the roof needed for exhaust.
3. Flat, pitched or raked ceilings
Every model suits a flat ceiling as standard. For a pitched or raked ceiling we supply an angled ceiling fitting, which adds $1,000. Tell us the pitch and we will confirm the fitting. Our guide to suspended fireplaces for pitched ceilings goes into the planning detail.
4. Fuel decides the trades and the consent
Gas. A suspended gas fire must be installed by a licensed gasfitter to AS/NZS 5601.1, with a flue to the outside.
Wood. A suspended wood fire is installed as an untested appliance under AS/NZS 2918, which means building consent. Many urban areas in New Zealand restrict or ban new wood burners under regional air quality rules, so check with your council before you choose wood.
Bioethanol. No gas line and no exhaust flue to the roof. The fire still hangs from the ceiling, so the structural fixing still matters. Ask your council or building professional what your project needs.
Electric. Needs a power supply to the fire position, wired by an electrician.
Do I need building consent for a fireplace in NZ?
For wood, yes. For gas, the gas work must be certified and your council may require consent depending on the installation. For bioethanol and electric, it depends on your project and the structural work involved. Your council or building professional is the right source for a definitive answer on your home.
A simple installation checklist
- Fire position and the room volume (each burner has a minimum room size).
- Ceiling height and pitch.
- Framing above the fire confirmed for 350 kg.
- Fuel chosen, with the trades it needs lined up.
- Consent requirements confirmed with council.
Working on a project? Our architects and designers page has specification detail, and the full technical specs list burners, outputs and room sizes. Prices are in our guide to suspended fireplace costs in NZ. Or visit the Takapuna showroom to see the fixing and flue in person.