Basics of Fireplace Construction

Having a fireplace in the home adds a feeling a coziness, as it is an attractive and functional feature to a room. Adding a fireplace to the home can be a fairly simple project that will add value to the home. Knowing the basics of how to install a fireplace can save you time and money.

Placement:

Choose the perfect location for the fireplace and make sure to use blueprints in order to help construct the it. Make sure that the fireplace is a proper fit for the space provided. There are three main features of a fireplace including the hearth, the firebox and he mantle. The hearth is used to shelter the ground from the heat of the fire, the firebox is used to protect the fire, and the mantle is simply a beautiful addition that is built around the fireplace.

Size

Measure the depth of the fireplace from front to back making sure that it is two-thirds the height of the fireplace. If the fireplace is 60 inches high, then it must be 40 inches deep in order to be installed properly and to make sure the smoke from the fire will have enough room to go up into the flu, or the pipe that lets the smoke out. The hearth space needs to be level before adding it.

Mantle

Make sure that the design chosen for the mantle works with the design of your house. You can purchase a pre-made hearth or create your own design. There are many styles to choose from that include archways, corner placement, rectangular and square placement.