What to consider when building a fireplace

A fireplace is a staple of any wintertime fantasy. Very few of us have never dreamed of laying down on a soft rug in the chilly weather and warming our hands up by the fire while drinking from a steaming cup of Milo. 

For some, this was once a reality, while for others, it's a dream still to be realised. With a little elbow grease, you can put a fireplace in your living room or lounge and live out your fantasy. Here are some things to consider before starting the project. 

What kind of material should I use?

There are a variety of stone surfaces you could use for the fireplace, and choosing between them can be tough. You could go with a classic brick design, which has the potential to make heating your interior much easier - according to a report from the Brick Industry Association, brick masonry absorbs heat and re-radiates it long after the fire itself is gone. 

If you're more into the style aspect, then you could go with materials like granite, polished marble or even limestone. Just be aware that these materials will require maintenance over time. 

Whatever you choose, you'll likely need the right saw to cut through the tough stone surface and make your materials fit.

It's pricey

Adding a fireplace is something you should only do if your finances can take it. In between getting the materials, buying fuel and protecting and cleaning your stone surface, the overall cost can be thousands of dollars. One way to save a bit of money is by choosing a relatively basic wall-mounted mantle and a drywall surround. 

Building the base

The base is the first step to creating the fireplace, something which has its own set of complicated steps. Bases are usually made of some type of concrete, which means you will likely need a concrete grinder to get it polished and even. You will also have to carefully choose a place to build the base, as it will have to be left alone for a few days to set, and will require minimal foot traffic.