Fireplace Doors
What are the advantages?
Fireplace doors are more complex, more fitted and require attachment to the fireplace opening. For these reasons, they generally cost more than freestanding screens. However, there are several reasons why you may prefer to go with doors rather than a screen.
Fireplace doors usually consist of glass on the front, with a layer of mesh behind the glass. This provides the spark protection of a screen with the air barrier and decorative options of glass doors. Fireplace doors with glass may be closed to keep outside air out, and inside air in. This can also create a barrier for fireplace odors that may seep into the home. A screen is not as air-tight. If your fireplace is smelly or drafty, you may prefer doors to a screen.
Fireplace doors are fitted exactly to your opening. They may fit over the stone or inside the opening, but they are made to ⅛-inch tolerance. While this requires very accurate measurements, the reward is a truly custom fit.