how hard is it to build a chimney for a wood burning fireplace?

I am pretty handy, and am confident that I can handle it with some instruction. I already priced the block, liner, and assorted pieces at a brickyard, so I have access to all the parts.

My question then becomes other than mortar on the block do I attach the tile liner sections together as well, or just stack them. Does the liner get attached to the block? is this harder than it seems?

also have you done this before? and how hard was it for you…would you do it again?

Thanks

i have built 3 of them. they’re 1/4 the cost of stainless steel and will last longer. you don’t have to be a stone mason to build one, however you better be in pretty good physical shape. the higher you go the harder it gets. also make sure you start off with a very good footer. it has to carry a lot of weight. and use mortar designed for chimneys. good luck

Posted in How To Build A Fireplace |

2 Responses

  1. Dan the brick man Says:
    September 13th, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    i’m not a big fan of chimney block chimneys…if you cant afford brick , there are certain steps you can take…the liner is free standing inside the chimney block but if you spread enough mud it will ooze out to touch the liner and help stabilize it…do you know how to install your clean out door and how to go through the wall with your thimble? at least talk to a local mason who can give you a better idea of how to do this safely…he can talk faster than i can type and cover the subject in more detail…also start your liners so that when you set your liner in you are above the joint in the block by 4 in. or so …this is so that you dont get a joint all the way through to the house…i have built dozens of block and brick chimneys and several fireplaces and never lost any sleep over the way they were constructed…37 years laying in the same small town and still got a good reputation…
    References :

  2. larry o Says:
    September 13th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    i have built 3 of them. they’re 1/4 the cost of stainless steel and will last longer. you don’t have to be a stone mason to build one, however you better be in pretty good physical shape. the higher you go the harder it gets. also make sure you start off with a very good footer. it has to carry a lot of weight. and use mortar designed for chimneys. good luck
    References :

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