The beauty of a brick fireplace

Pros:

• Out of all the possible materials for a fireplace, brick remains one of the less expensive ones.• Brick is easier and less costly to install.

• It’s easier to repair and replace individual bricks than, say, stones.

• Brick gives a sense of sturdiness and stability.

• Brick fits well with any interior design style (modern, minimalist, rustic, etc.). 

Cons:

• It’s more difficult to come up with unique designs.

• Brick requires more maintenance. 

• As opposed to stone, brick cannot be sealed for stain resistance. 

Although a brick fireplace can be installed during a home renovation or addition, it’s much easier to include one during a new construction. Adding one afterwards will be more costly, seeing as modifications to the home and room must be made. 

However, when comparing stone- and brick fireplace installations, the latter is the easier one. The consistent shape and size of the bricks makes calculating the needed materials and space of the fireplace easier. Plus, the geometric uniformity of bricks ensures a simpler installation project compared to the random size and shape of natural stone, which also helps to keep costs down. 

Keep in mind that even though a very skilled DIYer could get away with installing a brick fireplace (if only to lower labour costs), it still remains a skilled, labour-intensive process that is best left to a professional. 

The cost of brick varies greatly depending on supplier, colour and style, yet it still remains less expensive than stone – about 30 – 50% less. One reason why stone costs more is because stone is sold by weight while brick is sold by unit. 

Shipping stone from its supplier or source can also be tricky. As it’s a natural material, its colours can vary greatly – a problem not encountered when using brick. And it’s always recommended to buy more stone than you need for the installation in case you require future repairs, which is not necessary with brick. 

Keep in mind that reclaimed brick can be more expensive than new brick, unless you reclaim it yourself. 

In the end, it’s worth noting that a brick fireplace which has been properly installed with the right materials and process can last for well over a century. Therefore, it’s certainly a decent investment for any home, regardless if you plan on selling your house or not. 

Although both brick and stone are long-lasting and strong materials, a few factors will determine which option one opts for – and design style is one of them. While stone ensures a more natural aesthetic to a room’s ambience, a brick fireplace adds a sense of strength, warmth and cosiness. 

Whether you opt for new or reclaimed brick, you are sure to have a wide variety of choices in terms of colours and textures. This allows you (or your interior designer) to perfectly match the look of your room, from traditional and rustic to colonial and contemporary. 

In terms of maintenance, a stone fireplace will be treated to a sealant after construction. This will prevent soot and other stains from marring the finish. To keep it clean, a cloth and warm water is ideal.

For a brick fireplace, keep in mind that brick is more porous than stone, can that’s why it can’t be sealed. Therefore, a brick fireplace is more susceptible to stains and will require more regular maintenance. 

Feel that your brick fireplace could do with a bit of jazzing up? Luckily you have quite a few options to consider!

Add glass fireplace doors: Even though cosying up in front of a fire on a cold night is a delight, a wood fire left untended is not safe. The only way to leave a wood fire is if it’s closed off with glass doors. Luckily, retrofitting this safety feature to your existing fireplace is not too difficult for the experienced DIYer, as the doors are available in standard sizes that fit in any flat firebox opening. 

Shape up your firebrick: Years and years of searing-hot blazes can lead to fireplace mortar cracking, crumbling and even falling out. And not only are gaping mortar joints unattractive, but they also leave the bricks more vulnerable to damage. Our recommendation would be to examine the condition of the mortar in your brick fireplace before wood-burning season starts. 

Install a mantel: If you’re planning on dangling stockings from your fireplace mantel this Christmas, ensure that it’s neat, clean and stylish. And if you don’t have a fireplace mantel, then fortunately sharp, detailed models come in kits that can lock together with a simple Phillips-head screwdriver. In less than a day, your brick fireplace can sport a whole new look! Think about mixing and matching different designs and colours to your brick fireplace to ensure a unique look. 

Tile your hearth: Your new mantle might get all the attention, but that hearth is the ornate buffer between the fire and the lovely rug in front of your cosy fireplace. We recommend styling it up with some colourful new tiles – in one or two weekends, your brick fireplace can flaunt a new hearth which is sure to affect the rest of the room’s look as well. Designer tile is a great choice for a hearth, but it’s not always appropriate. Luckily, there are many masonry products can are perfect for fireplace decoration. The only prerequisite is that they must be able to stand the heat and the occasional dropped log! Prime choices include:

• Marble

• Granite

• Ceramic

• Slate

• Travertine.

Speaking of winter, let’s help you Get your home in the holiday spirit with our Christmas decoration ideas.