Fireplace How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our fireplace step-by-step tips & ideas.

S22 E4: Mark McCullough clears creosote from fireplace brick
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How to Clean Creosote from a Fireplace

Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner remove stubborn creosote from a brick fireplace.
S21 E25, Richard Trethewey installs a wood-burning fireplace insert
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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.
Finished Product, White wood trim brightens the fireplace, which is accented by a rustic mantelshelf; a black-painted firebox adds depth.

A Budget-Friendly Fireplace Refresh

A blah brick hearth gets a cheery cottage-style refresher with some clever DIY woodwork and a high-contrast paint job
Repoint a Brick Fireplace

How to Repoint a Brick Fireplace

Unsightly cracked and crumbling mortar can be fixed in minutes with a few simple tools. Read on the see how you can quickly repoint a brick fireplace.
Building a Custom Fireplace Mantel
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How to Build a Custom Fireplace Mantel

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner build a custom fireplace mantel.
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How to Upgrade a Mantel, Hearth and Surround

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to beautify an old, ugly brick fireplace.
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How to Tile a Hearth

Jazz up the buffer between the fire and the floor with colorful tiles. Here’s how to retile a hearth.
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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.
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How To Paint a Brick Fireplace

Brick fireplaces are great, but they often look dated, dark, and dirty. Instead of living with that drab, sooty look, learn how to paint a brick fireplace to give your space some fresh new style.
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How to Build a Custom Built-in Shelving Unit

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.
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Building a Fire Pit from a Kit

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough installs a fire pit kit in this DIY Smarts project.
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Splitting Firewood by Hand vs. Machine

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada split firewood using a variety of techniques.
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How to Replace Glass Fireplace Doors

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a pair of outdated, malfunctioning fireplace doors
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How to Tile Over a Brick Fireplace

Can you tile over a brick fireplace? Use a trowel thinset over the brick and then tile over it.
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How to Clean Your Chimney

A clean, well-maintained chimney will save you money and prevent trouble—and, yes, there are parts of the job you can do yourself.
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How to Replace a Hearth with Slate Tile

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with slate tile.
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All About Fireplaces

Everything you need to know to understand this iconic home feature.
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How to Build a Fire in a Fireplace

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates the best way to build a fire in order to prevent smoke from filling up the room.
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How to Restore a Historic Fireplace

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough delicately restores a damaged historic fireplace that is built with custom, nearly irreplaceable bricks.
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How to Whitewash Brick with Paint

Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique updates a fireplace surround with a whitewashed look.
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How to Repair Damaged Fireplace Brick

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a chipped brick in a fireplace surround.
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How to Reface a Fireplace with Granite

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches apprentice Krysten how to reface a granite fireplace.
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Before and After: A Dated Brick Fireplace Makeover for $45

A first-time homeowner transforms a dated brick fireplace with two cans of gray paint—and some DIY artistry.
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How to Install a Gas Log Fireplace

Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor works with a professional chimney expert to repair a clay chimney and reignite an old fireplace with a gas log.
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How to Build a Log Holder

Ferrying firewood to the hearth just got a lot easier with this durable cart.
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An Easy Gas Fireplace Design Upgrade

A dingy hearth wall gets a new look with fresh finishes and light, bright storage
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How to Install a Gas Fireplace Insert

Upgrade your old wood burning fireplace with a more convenient gas fireplace insert.
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How to Install a Wood Stove Fireplace Insert

Install a wood stove insert to increase efficiency and heat output from your fireplace.
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How to Split Logs for Firewood

Learn how to safely split firewood with these tools and techniques.
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How to Install a Chimney Liner and Damper

Creating a safe wood-burning fireplace with This Old House host Kevin O'Connor
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How to Create a Faux Log Summer Front

Jazz up your fireplace during its off-season with this stacked log illusion.
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17 Fireplace Remodel Ideas

We rounded up our favorite ideas to help you update your fireplace for a more modern look.
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How to Install a Stone-Veneer Fireplace Surround

Lightweight cast stones add rustic charm to any hearth, for a fraction of the cost of the real thing. In this video, senior technical editor Mark Powers shows how easy it is to dress up your fireplace