Table of Contents
Step 1 – Moving the gas fireplace insert. Step 2 – Cut half size bricks. Step 3 – Measure and stencil horizontal guide lines on the wall. Step 4 – Mix the mortar. Step 5 – Lay brick the fireplace surround (the wall) Step 6 – Brick over the fireplace insert opening. Step 7 – Lay the brick hearth (the floor).
Can you use brick as a hearth?
Brick is the traditional material for a hearth, which can include the floor of the firebox and the area extending into a living room. A brick construction is durable, fire-resistant and visually appealing. Building a hearth from brick is a suitable do-it-yourself project provided you do the proper planning.
How thick does a hearth pad need to be?
The minimum thickness of a standard hearth’s flooring within the fireplace is 4 inches. The hearth pad requires a thickness of at least 2 inches. However, if the fireplace’s floor is at least 8 inches taller than the hearth extension, the hearth extension’s thickness must only be at least 3/8 inch.
What is under a brick hearth?
Under it is probably just a sub-floor, in other words whether you have carpet or wood in the room they wouldn’t have finished the floor under the hearth. You wouldn’t need to pour cement.
How big does a wood stove hearth need to be?
Hearth Size and Clearances The wood stove itself must stand back 36 inches from combustible walls and ceiling, unless it has approved heat shields on it. Under National Fire Protection Association Code 211, a raised hearth must extend at least 18 inches on all sides around the stove to give adequate floor protection.
What materials can be used for a hearth?
Each fireplace hearth is typically made up of one type of material, and the most commonly found materials used as hearths include: Brick. Granite. Marble. Stone. Concrete. Ceramic tiles. Slate. Quarry tiles.
Can you use ceramic tiles for a hearth?
Ceramic has been used on fireplace surrounds and hearths for hundreds of years. Ceramic withstands heat well and is durable enough to withstand the demands of the fireplace. You may want to select a thicker tile for the fireplace for extra durability.
How tall should a fireplace hearth be?
The most common hearth heights are from 12” to 18”. If you’re tall (over six-feet), choose a higher hearth size. The same thing goes for sitting on the hearth, if you’re shorter, choose a lower hearth height.
What supports a fireplace hearth?
Foundation—a concrete pad under the house that supports the weight of the fireplace and chimney. Hearth—the floor of a fireplace and the extension that protrudes into the room.
What is the hole in the bottom of a fireplace for?
Designed to hold old fire ashes, fireplace ash pits range from large pits holding years of ashes to small pits holding ashes from a few fires. These pits are recessed in masonry or other fire-resistant materials so that hot ashes do not accidentally reach wood or other flammable materials.
Does a fireplace need an ash dump?
Wood ashes only need to be removed when they begin to smell or get in the way of fire building. To remove, simply shovel up the ashes, place them in a bag, and dispose in the trash. If your fireplace has an ash dump, push the ashes through the metal plate in the floor of the firebox.
Can you put wood over a brick fireplace?
Masonry veneers are designed to follow a very straightforward installation process. Typically, installing wood facing over masonry is a two-part process: First mount batts (thin wood boards) to the masonry with concrete screws and then install the wood facing over these with regular screws or nails.
Can you put stone over a brick fireplace?
None of the brick needs to be removed before you can install the stone veneer. While you can install manufactured stone veneer over brick, it’s not as easy as troweling mortar directly onto the brick and applying the stone veneer. As with other surfaces, the brick must provide a stable surface for the veneer layer.
How do you make a brick fireplace look modern?
There are a ton of options for things that you can do to change the look of a brick fireplace: Whitewash or paint the brick. Stucco over the brick. Add tile to the surround or whole fireplace. Add a new mantle to the existing fireplace.
How do you cover an old hearth?
Hiding an Unused Fireplace with Decorative Items Decorative fireplace screen or insert. Firewood. Oversized candles. Candelabra or ornamental candle holder. Potted plants. Books. Large mirror.
Is it safe to cover fireplace?
In addition to preventing animals and water from entering your chimney, a cap or cover can also reduce downdrafts and make your fireplace more efficient.
Do you need special mortar for fireplaces?
Tools & Materials. The mortar in most brick joints consists of sand, lime, and portland cement. But in a fireplace, that mix just crumbles away when subjected to roaring wood fires. For this application, masons rely on a refractory mortar made of magnesium silicate, which can withstand heat up to 2,000 degrees F.
What mortar do I use with fire bricks?
Sakrete® High Heat Mortar is a dry, medium-duty mortar ideal for setting masonry units in fireplaces, fire pits or chimney applications such as setting clay flue liners and parging a smoke chimney chamber. It has high heat resistant characteristics and excellent strength properties.
Can you mortar over brick?
If the surface is clean, you can apply mixed mortar with a notched trowel directly to the brick. First, apply a nice smooth base layer to fill in some of the joints and divots in the bricks, and promptly top it with a thicker layer of mortar using a notched trowel.
Does a hearth need to be raised?
The perimeter of the hearth should be clearly defined by either using a raised edge or by raising the level of the hearth in relation to the floor. The hearth should extend at least 150mm out from the stove at the sides and 300mm in front.
Can you have a fireplace without a hearth?
Most modern gas only fireplaces with fixed glass do not require a hearth extension. The manufacturers usually require a 36″ clear space in front (no furniture, etc.).
