How To Build A Brick Fireplace Surround

A brick fireplace surround is a beautiful and classic addition to any home. It can add warmth and character to a room, and it can also increase the value of your home. If you're thinking about adding a brick fireplace surround to your home, there are a few things you need to know.

Materials You'll Need

To build a brick fireplace surround, you will need the following materials:

Bricks
Mortar
A trowel
A level
A tape measure
A pencil
A hammer
A chisel

Steps

To build a brick fireplace surround, follow these steps:

Plan your design. The first step is to plan the design of your brick fireplace surround. You need to decide how big you want it to be, what shape you want it to be, and what kind of bricks you want to use.
Prepare the area. Once you have planned your design, you need to prepare the area where you will be building the surround. This involves clearing away any furniture or other objects, and making sure the floor is level.
Lay the first course of bricks. The first course of bricks is the most important, so it's important to get it right. Start by laying out the bricks on the floor to make sure they fit together properly. Then, apply a layer of mortar to the bottom of the bricks and place them in position. Use a level to make sure the bricks are level, and use a hammer and chisel to adjust the bricks as needed.
Continue laying the bricks. Once you have laid the first course of bricks, you can continue laying the rest of the bricks in the same manner. Apply a layer of mortar to the bottom of each brick and place it in position. Use a level to make sure the bricks are level, and use a hammer and chisel to adjust the bricks as needed.
Finish the surround. Once you have laid all of the bricks, you need to finish the surround. This involves grouting the joints between the bricks and adding any finishing touches, such as a mantel or a hearth.

Tips

Here are a few tips for building a brick fireplace surround:

Use a high-quality mortar. The mortar is what will hold the bricks together, so it's important to use a high-quality mortar that is specifically designed for brickwork.
Use a level to make sure the bricks are level. This is important to ensure that the surround is structurally sound and that it looks its best.
Be patient. Building a brick fireplace surround takes time and effort. Don't try to rush the process, or you could end up with a poor-quality surround that will not last.