How To Build A Brick Fireplace Insert

How to Build a Brick Fireplace Insert

A brick fireplace insert is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your home. It can also be a beautiful focal point in any room. If you're thinking about building a brick fireplace insert, here are a few things you need to know.

Materials You'll Need

The first step is to gather the materials you'll need, which include:
- Bricks
- Mortar
- Firebrick
- Fireclay
- Lintel
- Chimney cap
- Hearth
- Flue liner

Prepare the Area

Once you have your materials, you need to prepare the area where you'll be building the fireplace. This includes clearing away any furniture or other objects that might be in the way, and making sure that the area is level.

Lay the Foundation

The next step is to lay the foundation for the fireplace. This is done by creating a bed of sand or gravel, and then placing the bricks on top of the bed. Make sure that the bricks are level and that the mortar joints are filled completely.

Build the Firebox

Once the foundation is complete, you can start building the firebox. The firebox is the part of the fireplace where the fire will burn. It should be lined with firebrick, and the joints should be sealed with fireclay.

Install the Lintel

The next step is to install the lintel. The lintel is a metal beam that supports the weight of the fireplace above the firebox. It should be placed across the top of the firebox opening, and the ends should be supported by the side walls of the fireplace.

Install the Chimney Cap

Once the lintel is in place, you can install the chimney cap. The chimney cap is a metal cover that fits over the top of the chimney flue. It helps to keep rain and snow out of the fireplace, and it also prevents sparks from escaping.

Install the Hearth

The next step is to install the hearth. The hearth is the area in front of the fireplace where you'll stand when you're using it. It should be made of a non-combustible material, such as brick, stone, or tile.

Install the Flue Liner

The final step is to install the flue liner. The flue liner is a metal pipe that runs from the firebox to the chimney cap. It helps to vent the smoke and fumes from the fireplace.

Enjoy Your Fireplace!

Once you've completed all of the steps above, you can sit back and enjoy your new brick fireplace insert. It's a great way to add warmth, ambiance, and style to your home.