More stories about Fireplaces

• Using Salvaged Brick

  Salvaged brick is OK for interior work, but should be avoided for chimneys and other exterior projects in demanding climates

• On the Job: All-Terrain Material Cart

  All-terrain material cart; transforming a fireplace

• Build a Colonial-Style Fireplace Mantel

  A finish carpenter shares his inspiration and know-how for an elegant transformation of a fireplace opening.

• A Rot-Resistant Chimney Chase

  I do quite a bit of siding rehab work, much of it on relatively new houses.

• Artist-Renovator Makes Tile-By-Number Mosaics

  When artist-renovator Doug Hopkins arrived at the kitchen and bath phase of his first remodeling project, he decided to make his own decorative tiles for the showers, baths, kitchen counters, and wood-stove surrounds.

• Capping a Chimney Chase

  Q: I have to build a framed chase for a gas fireplace's 6-inch vent pipe. What's the best way to finish the top of the chase? I had planned to use a metal cap, but I've noticed that a lot of these caps tend to be rusted.

• Removing a Structural Chimney

  Two summers ago I received a call from some homeowners who wanted to remodel their kitchen and, as part of the project, remove a brick chimney that ran up through the center of the house.

• Products

  Snow-melting stair mats; modulating gas fireplace; efficient heat-pump water heater; permeable pavement; sump pump; more

• Letters

  Leak-free chimney; stainless steel screws and copper; subslab vapor-barrier details; credit card warning

• Cricket Retrofit

  A downslope chimney without a diverter is guaranteed to leak.