Fireplace How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our fireplace step-by-step tips & ideas.
How to Clean Creosote from a Fireplace
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner remove stubborn creosote from a brick fireplace.
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.
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
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.
How to Build a Custom Fireplace Mantel
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner build a custom fireplace mantel.
How to Upgrade a Mantel, Hearth and Surround
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to beautify an old, ugly brick fireplace.
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.
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 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.
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.
Building a Fire Pit from a Kit
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough installs a fire pit kit in this DIY Smarts project.
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.
How to Replace Glass Fireplace Doors
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a pair of outdated, malfunctioning fireplace doors
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.
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.
How to Replace a Hearth with Slate Tile
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with slate tile.
All About Fireplaces
Everything you need to know to understand this iconic home feature.
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.
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.
How to Whitewash Brick with Paint
Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique updates a fireplace surround with a whitewashed look.
How to Repair Damaged Fireplace Brick
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a chipped brick in a fireplace surround.
How to Reface a Fireplace with Granite
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches apprentice Krysten how to reface a granite fireplace.
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.
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.
How to Build a Log Holder
Ferrying firewood to the hearth just got a lot easier with this durable cart.
An Easy Gas Fireplace Design Upgrade
A dingy hearth wall gets a new look with fresh finishes and light, bright storage
How to Install a Gas Fireplace Insert
Upgrade your old wood burning fireplace with a more convenient gas fireplace insert.
How to Install a Wood Stove Fireplace Insert
Install a wood stove insert to increase efficiency and heat output from your fireplace.
How to Split Logs for Firewood
Learn how to safely split firewood with these tools and techniques.
How to Install a Chimney Liner and Damper
Creating a safe wood-burning fireplace with This Old House host Kevin O'Connor
How to Create a Faux Log Summer Front
Jazz up your fireplace during its off-season with this stacked log illusion.
17 Fireplace Remodel Ideas
We rounded up our favorite ideas to help you update your fireplace for a more modern look.