Superior VRT6036 36" Traditional Ventless Gas Masonry Firebox

Superior VRT6036 36" Traditional Ventless Gas Masonry Firebox

The Superior VRT6036 is the 36" model in Superior's VRT6000 Masonry Signature Series of vent-free fireboxes, built for large rooms: a 30" tall opening with the brick running right to the face, an insulated body, mesh fire screens and a black hood. The interior is a Mosaic Masonry liner of kiln-fired firebrick with mortared joints, ordered separately in one of four colors and four patterns. The fire comes from a vent-free gas log set and burner, also ordered separately, and with no chimney or vent pipe, the heat stays in the room.

The firebox takes a vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.11.2, rated no more than 40,000 Btu/hr, that fits inside it. Superior's Double-Flame (18" and 24"), Triple-Flame (18" and 24") and Nature-Flame (18" and 24") logs fit; they, their burners and the liners are listed below. Outside air kits can be added on the left, the right or both sides.

The VRT6000 also comes in 42" and 50" (VRT6042, VRT6050). With any Superior log set listed here it can't go in a bedroom or bathroom, and the room has to be large enough or ventilated for the log set you choose; see Installation Requirements.

Play video: Superior VRT6000 Vent-Free Gas Firebox

Key Features

• 36" wide, 30" tall opening; inside, 36" wide at the front, 22-1/2" at the back and 19" deep
• Brick runs right to the face of the opening
• Fully insulated firebox for colder climates
• Vent-free: no chimney or vent pipe
• Takes ANSI Z21.11.2 vent-free log sets up to 40,000 Btu/hr, ordered separately
• Mosaic Masonry liner of kiln-fired firebrick with mortared joints and an ash lip, in four colors and four patterns (one required, ordered separately)
• Black hood and mesh fire screens included
• Textured powder coat finish
• Gas line knockouts on both sides
• Left- and right-hand outside air kits available
• Builds in flush with the wall, or stands against a wall inside a cabinet mantel
• Built to ANSI Z21.91 as a ventless firebox enclosure
• 20 year limited warranty on the firebox

What's Included

• Insulated firebox (the brick liner is ordered separately)
• Black hood, required in every installation
• Mesh fire screens and rods
• Installation and operation manual

What to Order With It

Required – Mosaic Masonry brick liner, ordered separately (pick one):

• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Ivory Full Stacked (MOSAIC36IVFS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Midnight Full Stacked (MOSAIC36MIFS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Slate Grey Full Stacked (MOSAIC36SGFS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Warm Red Full Stacked (MOSAIC36WRFS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Ivory Full Herringbone (MOSAIC36IVFH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Midnight Full Herringbone (MOSAIC36MIFH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Slate Grey Full Herringbone (MOSAIC36SGFH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Warm Red Full Herringbone (MOSAIC36WRFH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Ivory Split Stacked (MOSAIC36IVSS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Midnight Split Stacked (MOSAIC36MISS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Slate Grey Split Stacked (MOSAIC36SGSS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Warm Red Split Stacked (MOSAIC36WRSS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Ivory Split Herringbone (MOSAIC36IVSH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Midnight Split Herringbone (MOSAIC36MISH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Slate Grey Split Herringbone (MOSAIC36SGSH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Warm Red Split Herringbone (MOSAIC36WRSH)

Required – Vent-free logs, ordered separately (pick one set):

• Double-Flame Crescent Hill Logs, 18", Concrete (LVD18CH)
• Double-Flame Crescent Hill HD Logs, 18", High Definition (LVD18CHHD)
• Double-Flame Golden Oak Logs, 18", Ceramic Fiber (LVD18GO-B)
• Double-Flame Crescent Hill Logs, 24", Concrete (LVD24CH)
• Double-Flame Crescent Hill HD Logs, 24", High Definition (LVD24CHHD)
• Double-Flame Golden Oak Logs, 24", Ceramic Fiber (LVD24GO-B)
• Triple-Flame Rugged Stack Logs, 18", Concrete (LTF18RS)
• Triple-Flame Wild Timber Logs, 18", Concrete (LTF18WT)
• Triple-Flame Rugged Stack Logs, 24", Concrete (LTF24RS)
• Triple-Flame Wild Timber Logs, 24", Concrete (LTF24WT)
• Nature-Flame Granite Ridge Logs, Concrete, 18" or 24" (LNF18GR, LNF24GR)
• Nature-Flame Silverstone Timber Logs, High Definition, 18" or 24" (LNF18ST, LNF24ST)

Required – Burner for the logs (pick one: Double-Flame logs take the VD1824 burner; Triple-Flame and Nature-Flame 18" logs take the 18" burner and 24" logs the 24" burner):

• Double-Flame 18"/24" Burner, Millivolt (VD1824NR/PR)
• Double-Flame 18"/24" Burner, Manual (VD1824NM/PM)
• Triple-Flame 18" Burner, Millivolt (TF18NR/PR)
• Triple-Flame 18" Burner, Variable with Remote (TF18NV/PV)
• Triple-Flame 18" Burner, Electronic with Remote (TF18NE/PE)
• Triple-Flame 24" Burner, Millivolt (TF2430NR/PR)
• Triple-Flame 24" Burner, Variable with Remote (TF2430NV/PV)
• Triple-Flame 24" Burner, Electronic with Remote (TF2430NE/PE)
• Nature-Flame Burner with Ember Bed, 18" or 24", Millivolt or Electronic (NF18/NF24)

Optional – Outside air kits (left, right or both sides):

• 4" Outside Air Kit with Collar, Hood and 3' Flex, for a side wall (AK4)
• 4" Outside Air Kit, Collar and Hood Only, for a side wall (AK4X)
• Outside Air Kit with Collar, Hood and 3' Flex, for floor venting (AK4F)

Specifications

The firebox doesn't make heat on its own. The Btu rating, ignition and remote all come from the log set and burner you choose, and the room size rules under Installation Requirements depend on that input.

Dimensions and Framing

Firebox dimensions

Inside the firebox (for sizing logs)

Framing

Measure the framed depth to the finished surface of the back wall, so allow for drywall or other finish. Fasten the firebox to the studs through its nailing flanges. Framing can rest against the spacers but can't be notched, the spacers can't be cut or bent, and the space around the firebox can't be filled with insulation. In a corner, keep 1-1/2" between the framing and the sides and back of the firebox (not needed at the nailing flanges).

Installation Requirements

• Room air: a vent-free log set uses the air in the room. The space must hold at least 50 cubic feet for every 1,000 Btu/hr of all the gas appliances in it, counting adjoining rooms without doors. A 40,000 Btu/hr log set alone needs 2,000 cubic feet. A smaller space needs ventilation openings to another room or to the outdoors, as set out in NFPA 54 and the log set's manual.
• Bedrooms and bathrooms: the firebox can't be installed in a bedroom or bathroom unless the log set is rated 10,000 Btu/hr or less, and every Superior set listed here is larger. It can't go in a recreational vehicle. It can go in a permanently located manufactured home where local codes allow.
• Log set: use only a vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.11.2, rated no more than 40,000 Btu/hr, that fits the firebox. Don't burn wood, and don't add extra logs or ornaments such as pine cones, vermiculite or rockwool embers.
• Hood: the supplied hood must be in place whenever the fire is on, and the mantel clearances are measured from it. Don't modify it or swap in a hood that comes with a log set.
• Side walls and ceiling: keep a side wall at least 16" from the side of the firebox and the ceiling at least 42" above the top of the opening. A combustible mantel leg, bookshelf or other projection beside the firebox needs about 1" from the side of the firebox for every 7/8" it sticks out (3-1/2" out needs 4"; the chart is in the manual).
• Mantel: measured from the top of the hood opening to the underside of the shelf, a combustible mantel up to 1-1/2" deep can be 12" up, one 6-3/4" deep 16" up and one 12" deep 20" up. The wall board above the firebox can be combustible, and non-combustible material can stick out from the wall above the hood.
• Front: keep curtains, furniture and other flammable objects at least 36" from the front and 42" from the top of the firebox.
• Facing: drywall, plywood and other combustible board can butt against the sides and top of the firebox but must never overlap the front face. Brick, tile and other non-combustible materials can overlap the face, set with non-combustible mortar or adhesive, as long as they don't cover any openings.
• Floor: the firebox can sit directly on the floor. On carpet, vinyl tile or any combustible floor other than wood, put a metal or wood panel under its full width and depth. It must be level, or the log set won't burn properly.
• Liner: put the brick liner in after the firebox is in its final place. Brick is heavy, so lift it with help.
• Gas: use 1/2" black iron pipe only, through the gas line access on either side. Knock out the opening in the side brick, repack the conduit insulation around the pipe and seal the gap with refractory or furnace cement.
• Outside air: the AK4 and AK4X kits run through a side wall and the AK4F through the floor, on the left, the right or both sides.
• Moisture and walls: vent-free log sets add moisture to the air, and a room without enough ventilation can grow mildew. The warm air rising off the firebox can discolor nearby walls, especially vinyl or cloth coverings or where there is smoke, candles or cleaning fluids in the air.
• Drafts: don't let fans, including ceiling fans, blow into the firebox; drafts change the flame and can cause soot.
• Altitude: above 4,500 feet, the log set's pilot may go out.
• Massachusetts: installation and repair must be done by a licensed plumber or gas fitter, following 527 CMR 30. The flexible gas connector can't be longer than 36", the shutoff must be a T-handle valve, the firebox can't go in a bedroom or bathroom, and a working smoke detector is required in the area where it is installed.
• Installation: must be installed by a qualified service person following the installation manual, the log set's manual and local codes (NFPA 54 where there are none).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it come with the brick?
No. The VRT6000 ships without its interior, and one Mosaic Masonry liner is required. Choose Ivory, Midnight, Slate Grey or Warm Red brick, full or split, in a stacked or herringbone pattern. The brick is kiln-fired, so its color can vary a little from photos and samples.

Does it come with logs?
No. Order a vent-free log set and a matching burner, both listed above: Double-Flame logs take the VD1824 burner; Triple-Flame and Nature-Flame 18" logs take the 18" burner and 24" logs the 24" burner. Any vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.11.2, rated 40,000 Btu/hr or less, that fits inside (36" wide at the front, 22-1/2" at the back, 19" deep, 30" tall) can also be used. Superior's Mega-Flame sets need at least 22-3/4" at the back, and its 30" Triple-Flame and Nature-Flame sets need more room than this, so they aren't listed for this size.

Does it need a chimney?
No. The log set burns room air and the heat stays in the room, so there is no vent pipe to run. In exchange, the room has to be big enough or ventilated for the log set's input.

Can it go in a bedroom or bathroom?
Only with a log set rated 10,000 Btu/hr or less, and never in Massachusetts. Every Superior set listed here is larger, so with them, no.

How much heat will it give?
That depends on the log set. The Superior sets that fit run up to 39,000 Btu/hr on natural gas, and the firebox allows up to 40,000. There is no blower, so the heat comes off the fire and the brick.

Can I put a mantel above it?
Yes. Measured from the top of the hood opening, a combustible mantel up to 1-1/2" deep can sit 12" up, a 6-3/4" mantel 16" up and a 12" mantel 20" up. Our guide to fireplace heat management explains ways to keep the wall above cooler.

Warranty

Superior's 20 Year Limited Warranty covers the VRT6036 against defects in materials and workmanship:

• Firebox body: 20 years
• Parts not listed: 90 days
• Labor: paid at IHP rates for the covered part's warranty period, up to five years

Trim and paint are not covered. The warranty is for the original owner of a fireplace installed in the US or Canada. Full terms are in the warranty certificate.

Documents and Downloads

• Installation and Operation Manual
• Specification Sheet
• Smart Sheet
• Brochure
• Vent-Free Gas Log Brochure
• Warranty Certificate