Fireplaces
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How To Replace a Chimney Crown
When a homeowner wanted to start using his vintage indoor charcoal grill, the inspector dashed his hopes until it was inspected by a mason. Resident Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough answered the call, helping to identify the chimney crown as the issue. Luckily, Mark knew just what to do, and the two worked together to replace the concrete crown.
Choosing the Best Firewood to Heat Your Home
Discover the best firewood for your home, along with essential safety and storage tips to keep your home safe and warm during the chilly months.
How To Build a Custom Fireplace Mantel for Your Home
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner build a custom fireplace mantel. With the right tools, you can do it yourself.
How To Restore A Firebox
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner repair their antique firebox to make it safe for use with their new natural gas insert.
Understanding Chimney Caps
Mason Mark McCullough teaches host Kevin O’Connor about chimney caps, including what they do, how they work, and how to install them.
How To Clean Creosote from a Fireplace
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner remove stubborn creosote from a brick fireplace to make it safer for use.
How to Install a Fireplace Insert
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner supplement their living room heat by installing a wood-burning insert in their existing fireplace.
How To Completely Refresh Your Fireplace on a Budget
Homeowners can easily make over their fireplaces without breaking the bank. Read our guide on how properly plan for the project, and refresh your home's coziest feature.
How to Repoint a Brick Fireplace in 6 Simple Steps
Unsightly cracked and crumbling mortar on your fireplace is a relatively easy fix with the right tools and materials. Our guide shows you how.
How To Reline a Chimney Flue in 6 Simple to Follow Steps
Learn how to renovate an old, unsafe chimney by re-lining it with an easy-to-install stainless steel liner.
How To Upgrade a Mantel, Hearth and Surround
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to make an old brick fireplace look more modern and fresh.
How to Tile a Hearth
Looking for a way to add style and functionality to a room's centerpiece? Read on to learn how to retile your hearth to do just that.
How To Buy and Install a Chimney Pot
Use reclaimed clay chimney pots to improve your fireplace draw or enhance your landscape.
How to Paint a Fireplace and Hearth
Paint expert Mauro Henrique helps a homeowner tackle a controversial project: painting an exposed brick fireplace.
How To Build a Firewood Rack in 5 Easy to Follow Steps
Use our detailed, step by step guide to create a firewood rack and cover that fits your storage needs using a simple 2x4 build.
How To Get Your Chimney Ready for Use in Winter
Relaxing in front of your fireplace is lovely—when it’s safe. Read this guide to prevent hazards and make sure your chimney is in good working condition this winter.
How To Make Common Chimney Repairs
Here are the most common issues homeowners experience with their brick chimneys, plus tips on how to repair them.
Fall Yard and Home Maintenance Checklist: 12 Simple Items
As fall begins, there are a few maintenance tasks around the house. Here are 12 ways to prepare your yard and home for the cooler season.
How To Replace a Fireplace Cover
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner replace an old set of fireplace doors for a fresh new look and improved safety.
How to Install Floating Shelves and Mantel
Floating shelves are popular these days, and for good reason. These gorgeous shelves are both functional and a beautiful space to decorate.
Fireplace Maintenance Tasks To Complete in the Fall and Winter
Read this guide to understand the steps for maintaining your fireplace to keep it functioning safely and properly for years to come.
All About Chimney Flues
To maintain the chimney flues that safely channel smoke and fumes from fuel-burning appliances to the outside, they should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.
How To Paint a Brick Fireplace
Brick fireplaces are great, but can often look dated and dirty. Paint your fireplace and refresh your space using our step-by-step guide.
Summer Checklist: Small Projects that Pay Off
Warm weather has finally arrived! It’s time to head outside and give your house and landscape some TLC.
How To Install Stacked Stone Veneer on a Fireplace
Ask This Old House mason, Mark McCullough, helps a homeowner update her concrete block, wood burning fireplace with a stacked stone veneer and a slab of stone.
How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel
Ask This Old House carpenter, Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner turn a reclaimed mantel into a fireplace mantel.
How to Clean Fireplace Brick
If you’ve got soot stains on your fireplace’s hearth or brick facade, we’ll walk you through how to clean fireplace brick to get rid of unsightly black discoloration and the smell of smoke.
Best Electric Fireplaces (2024 Guide)
Whether you want to heat your space or create a cozy atmosphere, an electric fireplace is an affordable and low-maintenance option. In this review, we take a look at the best electric fireplaces on the market.
How to Install & Maintain a Wood Burning Stove In Your Home
Wood-burning stoves can provide warmth, decor, and ambiance to your home. In this guide, we show you how to install one in your living room.
DIY Fireplace Makeover: Transform Your Hearth on a Budget
Transform your fireplace on a budget with these a fresh coat of paint, a new mantle, decorative tiles, and other DIY fireplace makeover ideas.
How To Build a Custom Built-In Shelving Unit in 13 Steps
DIY Expert & House One editor Jenn Largesse shows how to build custom shelving units around an existing fireplace mantel for a custom, built-in look.
How To Prep Your Home's Fireplace for New Tile Installation
Fireplaces can make beautiful home additions, but is yours outdated? Here's how you can update your mantel and prepare it for new tiling.