Okay, so I’ve always wanted a cozy fireplace, and after seeing tons of those fancy makeovers online, I thought, “Why not?” I decided to tackle a brick fireplace with a log burner. Let me tell you, it was a journey!
Planning and Prep
First things first, I measured everything. Like, a million times. I figured out the size of the fireplace opening I wanted and where the log burner would sit. I also checked the local building codes – super important, don’t skip that part! It’s boring, I know, but you need to do it.
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Then came the fun part (sort of): demolition! My old fireplace was… well, let’s just say it had seen better days. I put on my safety glasses and gloves and got to work with a sledgehammer and chisel. It was dusty and messy, but kinda satisfying to see it all come down.
Building the Hearth
With the old fireplace gone, I leveled the area and laid down a concrete base for the hearth. I’m no expert, so I just followed a basic concrete mixing guide I found, and it seemed to work out fine. I let that cure for a couple of days, making sure it was completely dry.
Bricklaying Time
This was the intimidating part. I’ve never laid bricks before! I watched a bunch of videos and practiced with a few dry runs (no mortar). My first few rows were definitely wonky, but I got the hang of it eventually. Using a level and string line is key, trust me. I used regular mortar mix and just took my time, brick by brick.
Installing the Log Burner
Once the brick surround was up to the right height, it was time to install the log burner. This was relatively easy, since I’d already made sure it would fit during the planning stage. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, especially when it came to connecting the flue pipe. Safety first, folks!
Finishing Touches
After the log burner was in, I continued laying bricks to finish the fireplace surround. I also added a mantelpiece I picked up. And added some fireproof sealant around the edges of the log burner, just to be extra safe.
It was a long project, with lots of sweat, but totally worth it. My brick fireplace with log burner that I built, and it looks amazing, and even more, it makes the whole room feel so warm and cozy.
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