Superior WRT/WCT2000 Series Wood-Burning Fireplace
Superior WRT2042WSI 42" Traditional Insulated Radiant Wood-Burning Fireplace
The Superior WRT2042WSI is a 42-inch factory-built wood-burning fireplace designed for a traditional open-hearth experience. This insulated radiant WRT configuration combines a smooth-faced front, white stacked refractory interior, included wood-burning grate, mesh fire screens, adjustable outside-air damper, and a fully insulated firebox intended to provide increased performance in colder climates.
Model
WRT2042WSI
Catalog No.
F0688
Nominal Size
42"
Fuel
Wood
Configuration
Radiant / Insulated
Interior
White Stacked Refractory
U.S. Chimney
IHP 8DM
Warranty
20-Year Limited
Important: Complete Chimney System Required
The WRT2042WSI is a factory-built wood-burning fireplace and requires the appropriate manufacturer-approved chimney system, termination, hearth extension, clearances, framing, and other installation components. The fireplace firebox alone does not constitute a complete installation.
Radiant WRT model: Do not select a blower or fan kit for the WRT2042WSI. Superior identifies fan kits for circulating WCT configurations rather than this radiant WRT model.
Traditional 42" Open-Hearth Wood Fireplace
The Superior WRT2042WSI is designed for homeowners, builders, and designers who want the look, sound, and character of a traditional open wood fire in a factory-built fireplace platform.
Its 42-inch radiant smooth-faced design keeps the fireplace front visually clean, while the included white stacked refractory creates a masonry-inspired firebox interior.
Unlike the circulating WCT configurations in the same series, the WRT2042WSI uses a radiant configuration without a blower. The fully insulated firebox distinguishes the WSI version and is intended for improved performance in colder-climate applications.
Heating role: Superior identifies this fireplace as a source of supplemental heat. It is not intended to replace a whole-home furnace or primary heating system.
Superior WRT2042WSI at a Glance
Brand
Superior Fireplaces
Product Type
Factory-Built Wood-Burning Fireplace
Design
Traditional / Open-Hearth
Is the Superior WRT2042WSI Right for Your Project?
Best For
- Projects requiring a traditional 42" built-in wood-burning fireplace.
- Homeowners who want a real open-hearth wood-fire experience.
- Projects preferring a smooth-faced radiant design without circulating louvers.
- Colder-climate applications where an insulated firebox is desired.
- Buyers wanting white stacked refractory panels.
- New-construction or remodeling projects with a planned chimney route.
- Installations where optional bi-fold glass doors may be added.
- Projects that may later use an approved gas-log configuration.
Consider Another Fireplace If
- You want a circulating fireplace with an optional fan.
- You want a fireplace insert for an existing masonry fireplace.
- You want a freestanding wood stove.
- Your project cannot accommodate the required chimney system.
- You cannot provide the required hearth extension.
- You cannot maintain the specified combustible clearances.
- You need a primary whole-home heating appliance.
Fully Insulated Firebox
Insulated WSI Configuration
The WRT2042WSI is the insulated 42-inch radiant configuration. Superior identifies the fully insulated firebox as providing increased performance in colder climates.
Radiant WRT Design
The WRT model uses a smooth-faced radiant front instead of the circulating louvered configuration used on WCT models.
White Stacked Refractory Interior
The WRT2042WSI includes white stacked refractory panels that provide a traditional masonry-inspired appearance behind the fire while lining the steel firebox.
Refractory materials expand and contract as the fireplace heats and cools. Minor cracking can occur during normal use; consult the manufacturer instructions for acceptable conditions and replacement criteria.
What's Included?
Included
- Superior WRT2042WSI insulated firebox
- White stacked refractory panels
- Wood-burning log grate
- Mesh fire screens
- Adjustable outside-air damper
- Textured powder-coat finish
Sold Separately
- Required chimney system and chimney components
- Compatible bi-fold glass doors
- AK4 or AK4F outside-air kit
- Approved gas-log system when applicable
- Gas installation components
- Fireplace finishing materials
- Hearth-extension materials
WRT2042WSI Framing Requirements
| Framing Width |
44-1/4" |
| Framing Height |
37-5/8" |
| Framing Depth |
22" |
Planning dimensions: The manufacturer-listed WRT/WCT2042 platform framing dimensions are 44-1/4" W × 37-5/8" H × 22" D. Verify final construction against the current installation manual before framing.
Interior Firebox Dimensions
Superior provides the following interior measurements for planning and compatible log-size selection.
| Interior Front Width |
38-7/8" |
| Interior Rear Width |
25-3/8" |
| Interior Depth |
14-1/2" |
| Interior Height |
21-1/2" |
Manufacturer Dimension References
Superior's dimensional drawing uses reference letters for the WRT2042/WCT2042 platform. Use the manufacturer diagram when applying these values.
| Reference |
Measurement |
| A |
28-1/2" |
| B |
42" |
| C |
21-1/8" |
| D |
44" |
| E |
42" |
| F |
21-1/2" |
| G |
33" |
| H |
13-7/8" |
| I |
8-1/4" |
| J |
9-5/8" |
| K |
10-3/16" |
Do not scale manufacturer illustrations. Use the official dimensional diagram to interpret A–K. Photographs and illustrations are not scaled construction drawings.
Minimum Clearances to Combustibles
| Back & Sides of Fireplace |
3/4" minimum* |
| Floor |
0" minimum** |
| Perpendicular Wall to Fireplace Opening |
12" minimum |
| Top Spacers |
0" minimum |
| Chimney Outer Pipe Surface |
1" minimum |
Manufacturer notes: The 3/4" rear/side clearance is not required at the nailing flanges. Additional framing and floor-installation requirements apply.
Required air spaces must remain open. Do not pack the specified fireplace or chimney clearances with insulation or other materials.
Hearth Extension Requirements
A properly constructed hearth extension is required in front of the WRT2042WSI.
Front Extension
Minimum 20" in front of the fireplace opening.
Side Extension
Minimum 12" beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
Referenced 42" Hearth Area
66" × 20" in manufacturer documentation.
Dimensions alone are not sufficient. Hearth-extension construction must also meet the manufacturer-specified noncombustible-material and thermal-performance requirements.
Chimney & Venting Requirements
United States
Applicable U.S. installations use the IHP 8DM wood-burning chimney system.
Canada
Canadian installations require the IHP 8HT high-temperature chimney system.
| Approx. Chimney Inside Diameter |
8" |
| Approx. Chimney Outside Diameter |
12-3/8" |
| Minimum Height – Straight / One Elbow Set |
14.5 ft. |
| Minimum Height – Two Elbow Sets |
22 ft. |
| Maximum System Height |
50 ft. |
| Maximum Distance Between Applicable Elbow Supports |
6 ft. |
Complete chimney planning required: Chimney pipe, offsets, supports, firestops, roof penetration, flashing, storm collar, termination, and required clearances vary by the actual installation.
Outside Combustion Air
The WRT2042WSI includes an adjustable outside-air damper. The components used to route outside combustion air to the fireplace are sold separately.
AK4
Complete outside-air kit for sidewall installation.
AK4F
Outside-air kit for floor / vented crawl-space installation.
Rough-framing planning: Superior recommends installing the outside-air components during rough framing because of their location. The combustion-air inlet duct must not terminate in an attic.
Wood-Burning Operation
Recommended Fuel
Dry, properly seasoned natural firewood.
Target Moisture
Less than 20% moisture.
Softwood Seasoning Guidance
Approximately 6–18 months.
Hardwood Seasoning Guidance
Approximately 12–24 months.
Heating Role
Supplemental heat.
Recommended Tool
Firewood moisture meter.
Do not burn prohibited materials. Avoid garbage, plastics, pressure-treated wood, construction debris, charcoal, coal, gasoline, flammable liquids, or other fuels prohibited by Superior.
Gas-Log Compatibility
The WRT2042WSI is primarily a wood-burning fireplace, but qualifying approved gas-log systems may also be installed when all fireplace, gas-appliance, chimney, clearance, and installation requirements are satisfied.
Vented Gas Logs
Qualifying systems approved to ANSI Z21.60.
Decorative Gas Appliances
Applicable systems approved to ANSI Z21.84.
Vent-Free Gas Logs
Qualifying heaters approved to ANSI Z21.11.2.
Vent-free gas-log requirement: An IHP hood must be installed when using a qualifying vent-free gas-log heater.
Vented gas-log damper requirement: When a decorative vented gas log is installed, the fireplace damper must be removed or permanently locked fully open. If glass doors are installed, they must remain fully open during vented decorative gas-log operation.
Optional Bi-Fold Glass Doors
Compatible tempered-glass bi-fold doors are available separately.
Operate fully open or fully closed. Superior requires optional glass doors to be either completely open or completely closed during fireplace operation. Do not operate the fireplace with the doors partially open.
Allow the glass to warm gradually, do not allow logs or burning material to contact the glass, and do not clean hot glass with cool water.
Damper Operation
The fireplace vent damper must be locked in the fully open position before operating the fireplace.
After a wood fire has burned out, do not close the damper until the embers and ashes have cooled completely and no warm embers remain.
Creosote, Chimney Inspection & Maintenance
Wood combustion can produce creosote inside the chimney system.
Superior states that the chimney should be inspected at least twice during the heating season to determine whether creosote has accumulated.
Professional chimney service recommended: If creosote accumulation reaches the level identified by the manufacturer, remove it to reduce chimney-fire risk. Professional chimney cleaning and inspection are recommended.
Refractory Care
The refractory panels are manufactured from high-temperature cement-based material and naturally expand and contract as the fireplace heats and cools.
For new refractory, Superior instructs users to allow the material to cure and to use smaller fires during the first several uses.
Refer to the homeowner and installation documentation for guidance regarding normal cracking, repair, and replacement.
Optional Accessories
Bi-Fold Glass Doors
Optional compatible tempered-glass fireplace doors.
AK4 Outside-Air Kit
Outside-air kit for sidewall installation.
AK4F Outside-Air Kit
Outside-air kit for floor or vented crawl-space installation.
Approved Gas Logs
Qualifying vented or vent-free gas-log systems when all requirements are met.
Chimney Components
Required pipe, supports, firestops, flashing, storm collar, termination, and related components.
Blower / Fan
Not applicable to WRT2042WSI. Fan kits are for circulating WCT configurations.
Safety & Installation Considerations
- Read and understand the manufacturer installation and operating instructions before use.
- Verify applicable local building, fire, and chimney requirements before installation.
- Do not alter or modify the fireplace or its components.
- Use only approved fireplace-system and chimney components.
- Maintain all specified combustible clearances and required air spaces.
- Do not fill required air spaces with insulation or other materials.
- Provide adequate combustion air.
- Do not use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or refresh a fire.
- Keep furniture, draperies, clothing, and other combustible materials away from the fireplace.
- Never leave children unattended near an operating fireplace.
- Do not use the fireplace for cooking or food warming.
- Operate with the fireplace damper in the required position.
- Burn dry, properly seasoned wood.
- Inspect and maintain the chimney system as directed by Superior.
Complete Superior WRT2042WSI Specifications
| Manufacturer |
Superior Fireplaces |
| Series |
WRT/WCT2000 |
| Model |
WRT2042WSI |
| Catalog Number |
F0688 |
| Product Type |
Factory-Built Wood-Burning Fireplace |
| Nominal Size |
42" |
| Configuration |
Radiant |
| Face Style |
Smooth-Faced |
| Design Style |
Traditional / Open-Hearth |
| View Style |
Front View |
| Firebox |
Fully Insulated |
| Interior |
White Stacked Refractory |
| Primary Fuel |
Wood |
| Recommended Wood Moisture |
Less Than 20% |
| Heating Application |
Supplemental Heat |
| Log Grate |
Included |
| Mesh Fire Screens |
Included |
| Outside-Air Damper |
Included / Adjustable |
| Glass Doors |
Optional / Sold Separately |
| Outside-Air Kit |
Optional / Sold Separately |
| Gas Logs |
Optional Approved Configurations Only |
| Blower / Fan |
Not Applicable to WRT Radiant Model |
| Framing Width |
44-1/4" |
| Framing Height |
37-5/8" |
| Framing Depth |
22" |
| Interior Front Width |
38-7/8" |
| Interior Rear Width |
25-3/8" |
| Interior Depth |
14-1/2" |
| Interior Height |
21-1/2" |
| U.S. Chimney System |
IHP 8DM |
| Canadian Chimney System |
IHP 8HT |
| Approx. Chimney Inside Diameter |
8" |
| Approx. Chimney Outside Diameter |
12-3/8" |
| Minimum Chimney Height – Straight / One Elbow Set |
14.5 ft. |
| Minimum Chimney Height – Two Elbow Sets |
22 ft. |
| Maximum Chimney Height |
50 ft. |
| Hearth Extension – Front |
20" Minimum |
| Hearth Extension – Sides |
12" Minimum Each Side |
| Rear / Side Fireplace Clearance |
3/4" Minimum, Subject to Manufacturer Conditions |
| Perpendicular Wall Clearance |
12" Minimum |
| Chimney Outer Pipe Clearance |
1" Minimum |
| Shipping Weight |
180 lb. |
| Shipping Volume |
22.0 cu. ft. |
| Warranty |
20-Year Limited Warranty |
Flame Authority Expert Recommendation
Choose the Superior WRT2042WSI when your project calls for a traditional 42" factory-built wood-burning fireplace with a clean radiant front, insulated firebox, real open-hearth wood-fire experience, and classic white stacked refractory interior.
Its 44-1/4" × 37-5/8" × 22" framing requirements, 38-7/8" interior front width, fully insulated firebox, included grate and mesh screens, adjustable outside-air damper, approved 8DM/8HT chimney platforms, and compatibility with qualifying gas-log systems make it a flexible foundation for a properly planned residential hearth installation.
The most important purchasing step is confirming the framing space, chimney route, total chimney height, hearth extension, combustible clearances, roof termination, outside-air plan, optional door selection, and applicable local requirements before construction.
Official Manufacturer Resources
WRT2042/WCT2042 Specification Sheet
Manufacturer dimensional, framing, chimney, fireplace, and technical specification information.
Superior Wood-Burning Fireplace Homeowner's Guide
Manufacturer operation, wood-fuel, refractory, maintenance, creosote, glass-door, and homeowner safety guidance.
WRT/WCT2000 Series Product Brochure
Series overview covering radiant and circulating configurations, standard features, options, and design details.
WRT/WCT2000 Series Smart Sheet
Quick-reference model, dimensional, feature, chimney, accessory, and configuration information.
WRT2042/WCT2042 Installation & Operation Manual
Manufacturer framing, hearth, clearances, chimney, outside-air, gas-log, installation, operation, maintenance, and safety requirements.
Superior Gas Logs Brochure
Manufacturer information for Superior gas-log families that may be relevant to qualifying approved gas-log configurations.
Superior WRT2042WSI FAQs
Is the Superior WRT2042WSI a wood-burning fireplace?
Yes. The WRT2042WSI is a 42-inch factory-built wood-burning fireplace with a radiant smooth-faced design, insulated firebox, white stacked refractory, wood-burning grate, and mesh fire screens.
What is the difference between the WRT2042WSI and WCT2042 models?
The WRT2042WSI is a radiant smooth-faced model, while WCT2042 models use a circulating louvered configuration. Superior's optional fan kit applies to circulating WCT models rather than this WRT model.
Is the WRT2042WSI insulated?
Yes. The WRT2042WSI is the fully insulated configuration, which Superior identifies as providing increased performance in colder climates.
What are the framing dimensions?
The manufacturer lists framing dimensions of 44-1/4" W × 37-5/8" H × 22" D.
What are the interior firebox dimensions?
The interior measures 38-7/8" wide at the front, 25-3/8" wide at the rear, 14-1/2" deep, and 21-1/2" high.
What chimney system does the WRT2042WSI require?
Applicable U.S. installations use the IHP 8DM chimney system. Canadian installations require the IHP 8HT high-temperature chimney system.
How tall does the chimney need to be?
Superior lists a 14.5-foot minimum for a straight chimney or system with one elbow set, 22 feet minimum for systems with two elbow sets, and a 50-foot maximum system height.
Does the WRT2042WSI require a hearth extension?
Yes. The hearth extension must project at least 20" in front of the fireplace opening and 12" beyond each side, while also meeting the required noncombustible and thermal construction requirements.
Are glass doors included?
No. Mesh fire screens are included, while compatible bi-fold glass doors are optional and sold separately.
Can a blower be installed on the WRT2042WSI?
No blower should be selected for this SKU. The WRT2042WSI is the radiant WRT model, while Superior identifies fan kits for circulating WCT configurations.
Does the WRT2042WSI include an outside-air kit?
The fireplace includes an adjustable outside-air damper, but the AK4 or AK4F outside-air routing kit is selected separately.
Can gas logs be installed in the WRT2042WSI?
Yes, when the exact gas-log system is approved and all Superior fireplace, chimney, gas-appliance, hood, damper, and installation requirements are satisfied.
Can vent-free gas logs be used?
A qualifying ANSI Z21.11.2 vent-free gas-log heater may be used when manufacturer requirements are met. An IHP hood is required for that configuration.
What type of wood should be burned?
Use dry, properly seasoned natural firewood. Superior recommends using a moisture meter and identifies less than 20% moisture as the target.
Is the WRT2042WSI intended to heat an entire house?
No. Superior identifies the fireplace as a source of supplemental heat only, not a replacement for a whole-home furnace.
What comes standard with the WRT2042WSI?
The standard configuration includes the insulated firebox, white stacked refractory panels, wood-burning grate, mesh fire screens, and adjustable outside-air damper.
What warranty does the WRT2042WSI have?
Superior advertises the WRT/WCT2000 Series with a 20-year limited warranty. Coverage periods and exclusions vary by component.
Before You Order
Confirm Before Purchase
- You specifically need the Superior WRT2042WSI.
- Your project can accommodate the 44-1/4" W × 37-5/8" H × 22" D framing requirements.
- Your chimney route can use the applicable IHP 8DM or 8HT chimney system.
- Your planned chimney can meet the minimum and maximum system-height requirements.
- You can maintain all required fireplace and chimney clearances.
- You can construct the required hearth extension.
- You have planned the roof penetration and termination.
- You have determined whether AK4 or AK4F outside-air equipment is required.
- You understand that glass doors, chimney components, outside-air kits, and gas logs are separate.
- You understand that a blower does not apply to this radiant WRT model.
Do Not Assume
- That the firebox alone is a complete fireplace installation.
- That a blower is compatible with the WRT2042WSI.
- That appliance dimensions and framing dimensions are interchangeable.
- That the hearth extension can be sized by width alone without meeting thermal requirements.
- That any chimney system can be used.
- That one minimum chimney height applies to every offset configuration.
- That gas logs can be installed without verifying model-specific approval.
- That vent-free gas logs can be used without the required IHP hood.
- That the fireplace is designed as a whole-home heating system.
- That manufacturer diagrams can be treated as scaled drawings.
Final planning check: Use the Superior WRT2042/WCT2042 Installation & Operation Manual, Specification Sheet, Homeowner's Guide, Smart Sheet, and applicable chimney and gas-log documentation to verify framing, hearth protection, chimney routing, clearances, combustion air, optional doors, gas-log requirements, maintenance, and final installation before construction.
