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Bricklaying & Repointing

Type of brick for a brick fireplace

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.10 PM

Hi, I am building a new brick fireplace in an early 1900s house, and I am trying to decide what type of brick to use - having looked online, I am a bit bewildered by the options available. My house itself is a soft red brick façade. So the natural thing to go for would be something similar (either reclaimed or reproduction). As this brick will be the lining of the fireplace I also wanted to check whether some bricks were better than others regarding cracking due to thermal shock etc. Would like some recommendations or suggestions! Thanks Phil

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3 Answers

Anonymous user

Hi Phil Used Cheshire reds are a firm favourite with sand and cement mortar it's gives a nice period & rustic look. Regards James

Answered4 March 2018

Anonymous user

Hi Phil, The answer to your question is that as long as you make sure the bricks and mortar are properly dry (use a moisture test meter) and use a lime mortar to lay on, you shouldn't have a problem. Soft Red Rubbers (seconds should be fine as long as you dry them properly) as you have described your house should be fine, Bricks are fired to a far higher temperature than your fire should reach in their manufacture. Problems mainly arise when people try to put Stoves in (which get far hotter) without adequate expansion. Regards Simon

Answered17 February 2015

KierCam Group Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Rossendale

Bricks are fired to a far higher temperature than your fire should reach, assuming this is a wood burner, there is no legal restriction on how close to a non-combustible surface you can place a stove, so the only restriction would be the manufacturer’s guidelines for your appliance. We’d recommend leaving at least a space of at least 80mm to allow air circulation.

Answered10 October 2020