Fireplace Building Materials

Internal

• The internal components are where the fire or source of heat originate and are contained. The firebox is the area where the logs or gas insert are placed. A masonry fireplace constructed completely from scratch often has a brick firebox, while a prebuilt fireplace often uses a metal firebox. The firebox goes on top of a concrete foundation to support the unit. Above the firebox you'll need a damper and a smoke shelf. The damper controls the drafts in the fireplace. The smoke shelf keeps the smoke from going back into the home, helping to direct it up into the chimney.

Chimney

• The chimney channels the smoke out of the home through the roof. A prebuilt fireplace comes with a metal chimney. The flue is the main component of the chimney that leads the smoke up and out of the home. The top of the chimney is on the roof and features a cap that prevents rain and other outdoor elements from getting inside.

External

• The surround and the hearth are the two primary external components that require specific building materials. Brick is frequently used as the surround material, particularly in older homes. New homes often use tile or stone to create the surround. You also need thinset mortar to hold those materials in place and grout to finish the lines between the individual pieces. The hearth uses similar materials, such as tile, stone or slabs of granite. The hearth needs a concrete base underneath which is poured in place. You also need the installation materials for the hearth, including thinset mortar and grout.

Finishing Materials

• The finishing details provide the cosmetic touches that make the fireplace visually appealing. The mantel is the largest component that falls into this category. Wood is typically the building material used to construct a fireplace mantel. Premade mantels give you a convenient option when building the fireplace, but you also have the option of making your own mantel from wood. You may also want to include decorative wood trim where the mantel meets the surround or at other points along the fireplace.