Fireplaces are a great focal point for any living room, bringing character and warmth to any home, particularly when temperatures begin to dip. For these reasons they are also high on the list of potential home buyers, and can add value to your home. Fireplaces need not be limited to the indoor setting – they can make a stunning addition to your outdoor decked entertainment area too. Fireplaces can be used to burn wood or coal, though for convenience gas heaters and gas fired logs are increasingly popular.

Bricks come in a variety of sizes, shades and sizes so choose based on the ambiance you are after. Traditional brickwork can give you the timeless elegance you may be looking for, which in combination with the colour of mortar you choose, will determine the look and feel of your fireplace. Matching the mantle of your fireplace to the colour of your wooden beams or wooden flooring in your home is a great way of creating a theme throughout a room.

Different types of bricks will give a fireplace a unique character and feel, though make sure you use refractory bricks or firebricks to line your fireplace. These are designed to withstand high temperatures, and are set in special mortar called refractory mortar. Standard bricks will crack and split under high temperatures though can still be used for the bulk of the fireplace. Also bear in mind that bricklaying is a craft and should be left to a professional.

Building code regulations govern the construction of fireplaces and chimneys, so ensure you or your builder are aware of these particular beforehand. These typically relate to ventilation, flue and chimney dimensions as well as gas heaters. It is also imperative to use a fireplace screen for protection from flying sparks if you are using wood as a fuel.