We design and build brick fireplaces in Pittsburgh, PA that become the centerpiece of your living room or patio. From classic indoor fireplace surrounds to full outdoor fireplace structures, we handle firebox masonry, hearths, and chimneys. Our work meets local codes and blends with your home style for warmth and character.
Legendary Masonry Pittsburgh provides professional brick fireplace throughout Pittsburgh, PA, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call 412-212-2476 or request your free quote.
Custom brick fireplace design for Pittsburgh homes
A good brick fireplace starts with a clear plan, not a stack of bricks. At Legendary Masonry Pittsburgh, we begin by walking through how you actually use your space. Do you want a main heat source, an occasional cozy fire, or mostly a focal point for the room? This matters because venting, firebox size, and brick selection all change based on how often and how hot you plan to burn.
Next, we look at the structure of your Pittsburgh home. Many older houses in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, and the South Side already have a chimney or an old coal or wood fireplace that has been sealed up. We check what can be reused, what must be rebuilt, and how we can tie new brickwork into existing masonry without future cracking. In newer construction around the suburbs, we often design from scratch, which means planning clearances, support, and flue path before a single brick is laid.
Design options usually start with the firebox and surround. You can choose a traditional full masonry wood-burning fireplace, a masonry surround around a modern gas insert, or a decorative non-burning feature that still uses real brick for texture and character. We go over hearth height and depth (how far it projects into the room), mantle style, and whether you want flush brick joints or deeper, shadowed joints that show more texture.
We also talk through local code and safety early in the design. Pittsburgh winters are cold and long, so many customers want to burn hot and often. That means we must respect clearances to wood framing, choose proper refractory materials inside the firebox, and follow the City of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania building codes for chimney height and venting. We sketch layouts and often mark things right on the wall with tape so you can see where the brick fireplace will begin and end before we start construction.
How we build a brick fireplace, step by step
Once a design is nailed down, Legendary Masonry Pittsburgh handles the build in clear stages so you know what is happening in your home each day.
1. Inspection and prep: For remodels, we open test holes, inspect the existing chimney with a light and mirror or camera, and confirm framing, gas lines, and electrical locations. We protect floors with heavy-duty coverings, tape off nearby vents, and set up dust control for interior work.
2. Structural work: If we are building a new chimney or reinforcing an old one, we start at the base. In basements or crawlspaces we check the footing under the fireplace area. If needed, we pour a new concrete pad so the weight of the brick and chimney is properly supported. For interior-only decorative fireplaces, we use appropriate non-combustible backing and framing so the brick has a stable, fire-safe base.
3. Firebox and flue: For a true wood-burning brick fireplace, we construct the firebox with firebrick and high-temperature refractory mortar, not standard brick mortar. We shape the firebox and throat for proper draft and install a smoke chamber and flue system, usually a clay flue liner or suitable modern liner if we are tying into existing masonry. For gas inserts, we build a code-compliant opening and chase, and coordinate with your HVAC or gas professional on venting.
4. Brick veneer and surround: This is the part you see. We lay brick in the chosen pattern (running bond, herringbone, stacked bond, or a mix), checking level and alignment constantly so the lines stay clean across the whole face. We tool the mortar joints to your preferred look, from tight and sleek to more rustic and recessed.
5. Finishing details: We install or coordinate the hearth stone, mantle, and any built-in brick shelving or niches. Before we wrap up, we clean the brick to remove mortar smears without damaging the surface, and we leave clear instructions on first fires, curing, and maintenance.
Throughout the build, we pay attention to Pittsburgh’s weather. Outdoor chimney work or exterior sections of an indoor fireplace are scheduled around freezing temperatures and heavy rain, since mortar and masonry do not cure correctly if exposed to ice or saturation right after installation.
Brick, mortar, and style choices that actually matter
A brick fireplace is not just about color. The materials you choose affect durability, cleaning, and how the fireplace handles real Pittsburgh winters.
Brick types: For the surround and chimney above the roofline, most homeowners choose standard clay brick. You can go with smooth face brick for a cleaner, modern look, or reclaimed style brick for more character. Inside the firebox we use firebrick that is rated for high heat, even if it will be mostly hidden, because regular brick can crack when exposed to repeated direct flame.
Mortar options: The mortar color makes a bigger visual difference than many people expect. Light gray, darker charcoal, or buff mortars can either blend with the brick or create strong lines. For older homes, we can often match the existing mortar color so the new fireplace looks like it has always been there. Around the firebox opening and in the firebox itself we use the right type of refractory mortar so joints hold up under heat.
Patterns and details: Running bond (basic staggered brick) is the most common, but a herringbone pattern on the firebox back wall or on the hearth can turn a simple fireplace into a focal point. Soldier courses (vertical bricks) or rowlock courses (bricks laid on edge) along the top of the opening can add detail without a lot of extra material cost.
Finishes: Some Pittsburgh customers want a very clean, almost plastered look. In those cases we might tuckpoint very tight joints or plan for a thin limewash or breathable coating over the brick, while still keeping it masonry-safe. Others prefer exposed, slightly irregular brick that fits older brick rowhomes. We will show you real samples instead of just photos so you can see how soot might show, how easy it will be to wipe down, and how the color reacts to your room’s natural light.
Because of local freeze-thaw cycles and chimney exposure to snow and ice, we recommend quality brick that is rated for exterior and chimney use on any surface that will be outdoors or near the top of the chimney, even if it matches the indoor portion for aesthetics.
Costs, timing, and what affects your price
People in Pittsburgh often ask for a ballpark price for a brick fireplace, but real numbers depend on a few key factors that we are upfront about at Legendary Masonry Pittsburgh.
1. Type of fireplace: A full masonry wood-burning fireplace with a new chimney is the most expensive option because it involves structural support, firebox construction, and full-height masonry. A brick surround around a gas insert usually costs less, especially if you already have a safe vent path. A decorative non-burning feature using thin brick veneer is usually the most budget-friendly.
2. Existing conditions: If you already have a chimney that can be relined and brought up to code, that saves money. If the existing chimney is crumbling, unlined, or improperly built, we may recommend rebuilding portions or installing a full liner system. Conditions in older Pittsburgh homes can vary widely, which is why we do a detailed inspection before setting a firm quote.
3. Materials and details: Brick selection, special patterns, custom hearth stones, and mantles all change the final number. A simple running bond pattern with standard brick and a straightforward wood mantle is less expensive than multiple patterns, reclaimed brick, and a custom stone mantle.
4. Access and location: Fireplaces on higher floors, tight city lots with limited material access, or work that requires scaffolding up several stories can take more time and labor. We factor this into the estimate so there are no surprises later.
Timing is also tied to the weather. Interior brick fireplace work can be done most of the year, but if we need to build or modify the chimney above the roofline, we try to avoid periods of deep freeze and heavy snow because fresh mortar can be damaged by severe cold. During the busy fall season in Pittsburgh, schedules fill quickly as people rush to get ready for winter, so planning a few months ahead gives you better options.
We provide written estimates that break out demolition, structural work, masonry, materials, and optional add-ons so you can see where your money is going. If you have a budget target, we can often suggest material and design changes that keep the core function and safety but reduce cost.
Safety, repairs, and long-term care for your brick fireplace
A brick fireplace that is not built or maintained correctly can be a fire or smoke hazard, especially in a climate like Pittsburgh where fireplaces see heavy seasonal use. Legendary Masonry Pittsburgh not only builds new fireplaces, we also repair and restore existing ones.
Common problems we see include cracked firebrick, loose or missing mortar joints inside the firebox, smoke stains and backdraft issues, and chimney crowns that have failed from years of rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. Inside the home, cracks around the fireplace opening or separation between the brick surround and the wall can signal movement or heat-related expansion that needs attention.
For repairs, we start with a safety assessment. We check the firebox, damper area, smoke chamber, and visible chimney, and we recommend a chimney sweep inspection if there is heavy creosote buildup. Typical repair work might include replacing damaged firebrick, grinding out and repointing loose joints with fresh mortar, rebuilding the firebox throat for better draft, or installing a new chimney cap and crown to keep water out.
Pittsburgh’s damp climate makes water management critical. Even small cracks at the top of the chimney can let in moisture, which then freezes and expands in winter. Over time this chips brick faces and crumbles mortar. We often recommend a proper concrete or masonry chimney crown with drip edges, not just a smear of mortar, and a good quality cap and screen to keep out rain and animals.
For ongoing care, we advise: a yearly chimney inspection if you burn regularly, cleaning out ash when it reaches the bottom of the grate, avoiding harsh chemicals or power washing on interior brick, and watching for any new cracks or stains. If you notice smoke spilling into the room, difficulty lighting fires, or bricks that feel loose to the touch, it is time to call a professional.
When you contact Legendary Masonry Pittsburgh about a new brick fireplace or repair, we will walk you through your options in plain language, explain what is urgent and what can wait, and give you a clear plan for keeping your fireplace safe and working through many more Pittsburgh winters.
