There’s nothing like a cozy fireplace on a cool autumn or cold winter night. A fireplace provides both light and heat and it can even help to increase the value of your home. If your home already has a fireplace, don’t get rid of it. If you wish your home had a fireplace but it currently does not, you might consider adding one yourself.
It’s easier than you might think to build a fireplace. There are many things to consider when it comes to creating the best design for you, but the actual construction of the fireplace is a great project for any homeowner. If you are wondering what it takes to build a fireplace in a home, read on for our step by step guide.
Indoor Fireplaces vs. Outdoor Fireplaces
The first thing you need to consider if you are thinking about adding a fireplace to your home is the location. Do you want to build a fireplace indoors or outdoors?
Indoor Fireplaces
An indoor fireplace is more complicated than an outdoor one, and unless you are both handy and experienced, you will need to hire someone to help you with this task. You want your indoor fireplace to be both safe and functional, and you want to build it without ruining your current home.
Indoor fireplaces come in different shapes and sizes. A traditional indoor fireplace is a wood-burning, masonry fireplace. Using bricks or stones, these can be very expensive but they also are quite beautiful. Adding a masonry fireplace to an existing home can be quite challenging; it’s best to install one when the house is first being built.
Zero-clearance or gas fireplaces are much easier to install in an existing home. They are lightweight and are designed to remaining cool, and although they do need accompanying ventilation, this ventilation is minimal. Gas fireplaces don’t provide the beautiful wood-burning scent that many seek, but they do offer great benefits as they create warmth and the ambiance that many homeowners desire.
Outdoor Fireplaces
If you wish to build a fireplace yourself, your best bet is probably to build an outdoor one. Outdoor fireplaces are lovely and can be enjoyed year-round. You can use an outdoor fireplace on a relaxing evening while you look at the stars above with friends and family, or you can even use it to cook a tasty outdoor meal.
The first steps to building a fireplace outdoors are to set a budget and to create a design. You’ll want to consider the space you have and how big you want the fireplace to be. Think about the materials you would like to use, your fuel plan, and the colors that will work best within your existing space.
Next, you’ll need to pour a foundation from concrete to provide a level base and build a frame using lumber. Set up the frame, and pour concrete to steady it. Mix and add mortar to your frame and then add your outer brick or stone material to make it look pretty.
Finally, add the chimney cap using masonry nails or screws. Once everything is set and dry, you can enjoy your first fire with your family and friends.
Build a Fireplace, Change Your Life
You’ll be amazed at how much value a fireplace can add to your life. Whether you settle on an indoor fireplace or an outdoor one, this addition is something you will use and enjoy for years to come. Either type offers so many benefits. Build a fireplace; you’ll be very glad you did. If you are interested in learning more about homeownership and home improvement, check out the rest of our articles.
