How to Build a Corner Fireplace

July 25, 2023 0

Building a corner fireplace can be an easy way to add warmth and charm to any room. Not only can it serve as an attractive centerpiece, but it also provides efficient heat for the space. Corner fireplaces come in various styles and sizes, ensuring that you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs and complements the look of your home.

Building a corner fireplace offers many advantages over traditional, rectangular fireplaces. For starters, they can fit into smaller spaces and make the most of the available room in your home. Corner fireplaces also offer more design flexibility, allowing you to add a unique feature to your living space. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to build a corner fireplace in this blog article.

Tools You Will Need

Tape Measure
Safety Glasses
Hammer
Chisel
Drill
Level
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Trowel
Masonry Bit
Masonry Adhesive
Hearth Stones or Bricks for the Fireplace Base.

Before you begin building your corner fireplace, you will need to ensure all of these tools are available and in good working order. Once you have the necessary tools gathered, you can begin to plan your build.

Step-by-step Instructions for How to Build a Corner Fireplace

Step 1: Inspect the Area

Before building, examine where you plan to build your corner fireplace. Ensure it is large enough for a fireplace, and check for any obstructions or hazards.

Step 2: Create a Plan

Sketch out the dimensions of the fireplace with the wall and floor. Ensure that all measurements are accurate and precise so your corner fireplace will fit perfectly in the designated area. Once your plan is established, it is time to gather the necessary materials to build your corner fireplace. Ensure you have enough bricks and mortar and insulation materials such as fiberglass and drywall to complete the job.

Step 3: Prepare the Foundation

Construct a foundation for your corner fireplace using cement blocks or other building materials. Ensure the foundation is level and secure before constructing the rest of the fireplace. With bricks and mortar, start building up the sides of your fireplace to create the firebox. Layer each brick one at a time until it reaches your desired height.

Step 4: Create the Chimney

Once the firebox is complete, begin constructing the chimney. Assemble and stack bricks up until it reaches the roof line. Ensure enough room for a smoke stack at the top of your chimney. To ensure that your corner fireplace remains safe and secure, it is important to install insulation material into the walls and ceiling of your fireplace. This will help prevent heat from escaping and protect the firebox from extreme temperatures.

Step 5: Connect the Flue Pipe

Securely attach the flue pipe to the chimney so smoke can be safely vented outside your home. Place a fire-resistant material such as tile or stone along the floor of your fireplace. Ensure it is securely attached and sealed to the walls and floor. If you use gas for your corner fireplace, hire a qualified professional to run a gas line into your home. This is a critical step and should not be done by inexperienced individuals.

Now that you know the steps for building a corner fireplace, you can begin constructing your own. With the right materials and some patience, you will have a beautiful corner fireplace in no time.

Tips for How to Build a Corner Fireplace

Always wear protective gear such as safety goggles, gloves, and a face shield when working with power tools or sharp materials.
Understand the building codes in your area that pertain to fireplaces so that you know what regulations must be followed for it to pass inspection.
Ensure the area is well-ventilated so that hazardous fumes from building materials are not inhaled.
Inspect the chimney regularly to ensure there are no blockages or creosote buildup that could cause a fire hazard.
Keep combustible materials such as furniture, rugs, and curtains away from the fireplace so they do not catch fire.
Ensure the area around the fireplace is clear of debris, and all flammable items are removed.
Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.

Follow these tips to ensure your safety when building a corner fireplace. You can build a beautiful and safe addition to your home with proper precautions.

How Can You Prepare the Wall and Floor to Support a Corner Fireplace?

Before you start building a corner fireplace, it is important to ensure that the wall and floor can support the weight of your desired unit. First, check with your local building codes and regulations to make sure that installing a corner fireplace is permitted in your area,

If installation is allowed, select an appropriate location for the firebox. Ensure adequate clearance for the firebox and mantel shelf about combustible materials such as furniture, curtains, or bedding.

Once you have chosen a location, install steel reinforcing bars (rebar) into the wall at 16-inch intervals. This will help strengthen and support the hearth and chimney stack of your corner fireplace. For the floor, you must ensure that the concrete is at least 4 ½ inches thick and reinforced with steel rebar. If the floor is not strong enough to support your corner fireplace, you may need to lay additional layers of concrete or create a reinforced footing.

How Do You Create a Safe and Secure Opening for the Firebox in Your Corner Fireplace?

When it comes to building a corner fireplace, safety is of the utmost importance. To ensure that your new fireplace is safe and secure, you’ll need to create an opening in the wall for the firebox. This will help ensure no heat or smoke escapes from the room and into other parts of your home.

The first step in making a safe opening for your corner fireplace is to measure the height and width of the firebox. Once you have this information, you can determine how large of an opening is needed in the wall.

When cutting out the hole for the firebox, it’s important to leave some extra room around its edges. This will prevent gaps or cracks, allowing heat or smoke to escape. To create a secure fit for your firebox, you will need to install furring strips around the perimeter of the opening.

These thin pieces of wood will help reinforce the edges and ensure nothing moves when the fire is lit. You can also use mortar or cement if needed, but ensure it is approved for fireplaces. Once the furring strips are installed, it’s time to place the firebox into the wall and secure it with cement or mortar.

How Do You Maintain and Clean Your Corner Fireplace?

Once you have built your corner fireplace, the next step is maintaining and cleaning it. This process will help keep your fireplace running smoothly and looking good for years. Here are some tips on how to maintain and clean your corner fireplace:

Regularly inspect the firebox for wear and tear. Look out for cracks or gaps that may have developed over time.
Vacuum the fireplace’s interior periodically to remove dust, dirt, and debris that could clog the chimney flue.
Inspect your chimney cap to ensure it is secure and in good condition. If needed, replace it with a new one.
Brush your fireplace walls when necessary, or use a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate attachment. This will help remove any soot, ash, or dirt that may be stuck inside your fireplace.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using fire starters in your corner fireplace.
Test the smoke alarm regularly and make sure it is properly functioning.
Clean the glass door of your corner fireplace regularly. Use a product designed to clean glass doors or make your cleaning solution.

Following these tips and directions ensures that your corner fireplace will remain in excellent condition for years. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure your fireplace works as safely and efficiently as possible.

What Other Accessories or Additions Should You Consider When Building a Corner Fireplace?

In addition to the essential items needed to build a corner fireplace, such as fire-resistant material, mortar, and trowels, you may also consider adding other accessories or additions. For example, if you plan on having an active fire burning in your new fireplace, you’ll need to invest in a proper chimney system for exhaust.

It’s also important to select the right type of firewood to have a wood-burning fireplace. If you’re looking for additional features for your corner fireplace, consider adding a mantel or hearth.

These features will help add visual appeal and make the area around your new fireplace look more complete. It’s also important to ensure your materials are safe in a firebox and take the necessary precautions when installing your fireplace. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a warm, inviting corner fireplace that your family will enjoy for years. It’s also important to consider the room’s aesthetics when building a corner fireplace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a corner fireplace is a project that requires time and effort, but it can be rewarding. Taking the right safety measures and understanding basic construction techniques are essential for successfully completing this project.

You can create a beautiful and functional corner fireplace in your home with careful planning, good materials, and the necessary tools. Whether you’re looking for a traditional style or something more modern, a corner fireplace can be the perfect addition to any living space. This article has been beneficial for learning how to build a corner fireplace. Make Sure the preventive measures are followed chronologically.

Angela Ervin

Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.