How To Build a Fireplace

/* i thought the Amish do not use electricity…*\

I have a 32" sony LCD that I want to mount above a cultured stone fireplace. I could easily put the tv on the mantle but the mantle is way to high. The mantle itself sticks out about 5". This is really the only place I can put it except for another awkward wall on the side. Is there any other way to hang it above the fireplace? Any ideas would be really helpful.

Do you use the fire place during the winter time? If you use your fire place don't bother hanging the tv over it, heat and water is the worst enemy of electronics. You'll just have to call or go to a retail store and see if they can install it for you on a rock wall. Also you should mount tv as close to the eye level to went setting down, tilting your head back will put strain on your neck while watching tv. Hope this helps.

I want to make a huge fire at my cottage that doesn't blow smoke in my face, and also doesn't make a lot of smoke.

I can design any sort of fire pit but I don't want to use suction and I don't want to make it like a fireplace where the fire rises like in a chimney.

Any cool ideas for fire pits? Stones to use, smoke not rising etc?

Where there's smoke there's fire, as the saying goes. The same holds true transversely. If you want to enjoy a fire pit you're going to get smoke in your face from time to time.
The best you can do to combat this, barring a ridiculous exhaust fan contraption, is to be sure to use dry wood. Damp, or freshly cut wood will smoke you out every time. And if you are having a fire on a windy night, that will be a bit of a problem too. If you keep the flames high the convection will carry the smoke away with it. Keep it hot and keep it dry. When it starts to smoke, add more dry wood. Do this and you will rarely be bothered, but you will still be bothered from time to time. Suck it up. You're outside. Next you'll be wanting air conditioning when the fire gets too hot? Princess.

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?

Just anecdotal & to add to screwits response.
A neighbor added a fireplace & brick exterior chimney himself.
Did a beautiful job inside & out, but without a permit.
He had to tear it down to the footing ( which passed) , file for a bldg permit & have the work inspected & approved..
Aside from bldg & fire codes it would have voided his homeowner’s insurance.
Rebuilt exactly the same way & passed.
Got the skills , go for it but notify the ins co, get plans approved & work inspected.
All about the paperwork.
Best regards

I am looking for websites with full wall pictures of fireplace designs. I already have a fireplace in my family room but am looking to completely re do it. Can you give me links to websites that have pictures/design ideas?

I googled fireplace design and things like that but did not have much luck.

Thanks.

Browse any site that gives pictures of newly built house, they always feature the interiors and will show fire places.. GL

Most people like to make old stone fireplace. Because it is because they offer a look which can either be traditional or contemporary in nature.

Read good tips about stone fireplace http://www.fireplacedesigninfo.com

45″ Wide Outdoor Fireplace Hand crafted mosaic ceramic tile mantel Stainless steel bowl Durable wrought iron stand Ash receiver

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It will be 55 outside this evening.

not sure tbh you could always choose a cold evening and arrange it in advance x

Im a pretty handy do it your self home owner who is not afraid to tackle much. However staining my fireplace is something that I can't undo if i screw it up.

I have a white cast stone fireplace surround that we want to stain with a dark redish/brown stain to give it a real rich Tuscan feel.

I know that Kemco makes concrete stains, however im not sure how to apply it to give that faux look which lits of texture and variations so that it actually looks like an old aged fireplace.

Any ideas?

i suppose the stone is irregularly shaped, with humps and low places. you ll need a brown stain and a red stain, apply one on first , let it dry, then apply the 2 nd one , but–using a dry cloth wipe off,– in a circular motion,– excess stain before it dries, do not wipe in the lower areas, doing this, leaves a red and brown tint , you ll need to experiment on a small area to get the hang of it

How i can Updated Fireplace Design?

Hard to answer w/o knowing whats up there now. A few suggestions and ideas. You can tile over it if its brick ( most cases you can) or tile. You can paint the mantle or put one up. You can do just a header type mantle w/ no legs.. Some plain mantles simple designs can be added to the wood to give it a new look.. GL