Fireplaces
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How To Build a Firepit From a Kit
Want to spruce up your backyard? This Old House expert mason Mark McCullough shows us how to build a firepit with a kit and some simple tools.
Splitting Firewood by Hand vs. Machine
Learn how to split firewood, both by hand and with a machine, from This Old House's Tom Silva and Jenn Nawada.
How To Install a Mantel on a Stone Fireplace
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough travels to Chicago to install a wood mantel on a homeowner’s 1980s contemporary fireplace.
How To Replace Glass Fireplace Doors in Your Home
Learn how to replace glass fireplace doors to upgrade an outdated or inefficient fireplace with our step-by-step guide.
How To Tile Over a Brick Fireplace: a Step-by-Step Guide
Want to spruce up your fireplace? Tiling over a brick fireplace can give your living area a stylish and modern appearance.
Uses for Wood Ash at Home and in the Garden
Instead of tossing your wood ash, read these tips for what to do with fireplace ashes in your home and garden.
How & When To Clean Your Chimney
Learn how and when to clean your chimney properly to prevent dangerous creosote buildup and reduce the risk of chimney fires.
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
Interested in learning about fireplaces? Our comprehensive guide covers fireplace types, maintenance, safety precautions, and décor ideas.
Open House | Wood Burning Fireplaces
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains what to understand when buying a home with a wood burning fireplace
How To Brick Veneer a Fireplace
In this DIY Smarts project, Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a homeowner’s fireplace surround with thin brick veneer.
Home Inspection Nightmares | Crooked Chimney
Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, mason Mark McCullough, and carpenter Nathan Gilbert share more home inspection nightmares
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 built with custom, nearly irreplaceable bricks.
Sneak Peek: Brookline floating fireplace
Our mid-century modern gets an iconic secondary heat source
How To Whitewash a Brick Fireplace
Learn how to whitewash a brick fireplace with our step-by-step guide. Achieve a timeless, rustic look with this technique.
How to Repair Damaged Fireplace Brick
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a chipped brick in a fireplace surround.
The Best Wood to Burn in Your Fireplace
Planning to keep cozy this winter with a wood-burning fireplace or stove? When buying firewood, don’t be afraid to ask what species you’re getting
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 Choose a Home Fireplace
Explore the whole range of home fireplace options, from gas inserts and log sets to freestanding stoves and zero-clearance fireplaces.
How To Install a Gas Log Fireplace
This Old House works with chimney and fireplace expert Clint Sanner to repair a chimney and convert a wood-burning fireplace with a gas log.
10 Ways to Warm Up a Nonworking Fireplace
Put this living area focal point to use with these creative ideas for turning a nonworking fireplace into a statement.
Fireplace Summer Fronts
Summer fronts are popular decorative pieces for old fireplaces. Learn more about them and how to take care of them if you have one.
How to Build a Log Holder
Ferrying firewood to the hearth just got a lot easier with this durable cart.
A Cheery Fireplace for Your Home at an Affordable Price
In this guide, we walk you through how one family was able to completely revamp their fireplace on a budget of just $800.
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-Burning Fireplace Insert
Richard Trethewey and an expert installer show you how to install a fireplace insert that increases heat output and decreases cost.
How You Can Safely Split and Dry Logs for Firewood
Splitting and drying your own logs for firewood is a great way to prepare for cold winters. Read about how to do this safely in our step-by-step guide.
How To Install a Chimney Liner and Damper
We'll walk you through the steps to create a safe wood-burning fireplace with This Old House host Kevin O'Connor.
How To Avoid Chimney Cleaner Scams and Keep Your Wallet Safe
This guide explains how to avoid falling victim to chimney cleaning con artists and recognize legitimate, trustworthy chimney sweeps.
How To Create a Faux Log Summer Front
Learn how to liven up your fireplace during its offseason and enhance your home's decor with this stacked log illusion.