Site Specifications

Specifications for chimney and foundation work are included with your Tulikivi order. Drawings will be provided, based upon your house design, possible need for additional flues, and model choice.


Whether a Tulikivi fireplace is installed in new construction or as an enhancement to an existing dwelling, an adequate foundation is required to support the stone mass of the unit. If installed in a house with an existing chimney, a Tulikivi fireplace can often use that chimney. Although the standard chimney connection is at the base of the fireplace, your Tulikivi can also be vented from the top, as shown above. Place your mouse pointer over the numbers in the diagram for explanations of the various fireplace elements. (This feature uses the overLIB JavaScript library, so your browser must be configured to execute scripts.)

Foundations. Like a conventional fireplace, your Tulikivi requires a foundation. If your house has a basement or crawl space, the foundation typically consists of a footing and a concrete block base, with a hearth slab over the block work. This type of base can also serve as an ash pit, giving you the convenience of not handling wood ash in the living space. Mid-size and smaller units can also be constructed on posts or on top of an engineered wood floor.

Chimneys. An interior chimney is best for both function and safety. An existing or newly constructed masonry chimney with one or more flues can be used. Tulikivis can also be vented using UL Listed metal chimneys and components, with or without a soapstone surround.

Hearths. A noncombustible hearth at least 18” in front of your Tulikivi is required. Soapstone slabs, tiles, or other masonry materials can be used.

Clearances. Most units require clearance of 20” behind and 14” to the side free of combustible materials. These distances can be reduced to 3” by installing a UL approved heat shield or by using noncombustible material.