Brick fireplaces

maow425

I'm not particularly proficient in this area, but have toyed with the idea of replacing our electric fire with a proper brick fireplace. Do I need special bricks for this job and if so, are they readily available?

The fireplace is there, the chimney is open, but has a really ugly electric fire just "slotted" in.


Thanks for any help!

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD

To be honest there's not many people using brick these days, bit dated, would you not be better to install a mantle ? lot less hassle.

maow425

The bricks were not intended for the mantle, just the "box" where the actual fire goes... Where you light the fire IYSWIM.

looby-loo_2

google for 'fire bricks'

We had a brick fireplace built years ago and everyone who visits always comments on how nice it looks - homely and suits the house and different to an 'off the shelf' job. It hasn't dated either.

The back of the fire is square - that was its origional shape but he did replace most of the bricks with 'fire bricks' which stand the heat. Then across the front of the chimney breast 4' x 2'6" (approx) is small redish bricks called 'antique reds' which are 1 1/2" x 6" and a deep red colour with a very uneven texture. Across the top is an oak beam 6" square which we used from elsewhere. The hole for the fire is 18" across and we have a spanish great.

emilyt

We too have a brick fireplace and an open fire. I actually had it put in about 8 years ago. Yes old fashioned but everyone comments on how nice it is to have a brick fire place with an open fire. As far as i remember the builder that did ours just used cheshire bricks. I then just usesd a clear varnish to finish it off. I usually give it another coat every year after the chimney has been cleaned.
Hope this helps
Emily.

vansboy

On our last place, we removed the old gas fire & when the walls were replastered, just left a BIG opening & bought a fire grate/backplate & ash basket & apart from it lookig super, saved a fortune in what a brick or any sort of 'built' fireplace might have cost. Also took up less space in the room.

Everyone liked it & the best coment was from some city dwellers, who hadn't seen coal for real - they thought it was imitation!!

If you want a picture, pvt message me with your e amil & I'll find one!!

Wish we could do the same thing here, at our new - temporary we keep saying - place!!

VB