When you're building a fireplace or chimney for your home, there's simply no substitute for genuine, clay brick. Brick is naturally beautiful. It has warmth and human scale. Put into place by hand, one by one, only brick gives that touch of craftsmanship, authenticity, and timeless elegance you want for your home.

Brick comes in a wide range of colors, tones, and textures-from the soft, historic look of a classic handmade, to the clean, precise lines of a wire-cut. And when you consider all the different colored mortars that are available, your design possibilities become practically endless.

A heritage of "hearth and home" that goes back thousands of years. Strength, durability and richness that will make your fireplace the centerpiece of your home. That's the beauty of genuine clay brick.  

Brick Gallery

Photos of brick fireplaces and chimneys are available in the Brick Gallery. 

BIA Rumford Fireplace Plans

Rumford fireplaces were introduced by Count Rumford in the 1790's as a means of improving the heating capabilities of the traditional masonry fireplace. 

A Rumford fireplace is designed to reflect more heat back into the room by decreasing the depth and flaring the sides of the firebox. This results in a higher level of radiant heat directed back into the room. 

Using the drawings and specifications in the BIA Rumford Fireplace Plans, a mason should be able to construct a brick masonry fireplace with minimal materials and effort. Be sure to check compliance with local building codes prior to beginning construction. 

BIA Technical Notes

Several BIA Technical Notes contain more information about brick fireplaces and chimneys. For the entire document (8 - 19 pages each) click on the links below and you can read and print them from this website.

Technical Notes 19 - Residential Fireplace Design
January 1993

Abstract: This Technical Notes covers the components, design and dimensions of residential wood-burning fireplaces. The recommendations are limited to single-face fireplaces. Concepts for increased energy efficiency as a supplemental heating unit are also addressed. Recommendations for the selection of materials as they relate to the construction of fireplaces are included.

Technical Notes 19A - Residential Fireplaces, Details and Construction
Rev [May 1980] (Reissued January 1988)

Abstract: Brick masonry residential fireplaces can be made more energy efficient by providing a source of combustion and draft air drawn from the exterior of the structure. Proper detailing and construction can also contribute to the overall performance of the fireplace regarding both energy efficiency and structural integrity. Building code requirements often control the configuration of the fireplace as well as component sizes.

Technical Notes 19B - Residential Chimneys - Design and Construction
Rev [June 1980] (Reissued April 1988)

Abstract: All residential chimneys, both for fireplaces and appliances, are designed and constructed to serve the same basic functions. They must provide fire protection and safely convey combustion by-products to the exterior of the structure at a rate that does not adversely affect the combustion process. Design, materials selection, construction, and building code requirements all have a significant impact on the chimney's potential to fulfill these functions. Chimney height and flue area are the two most critical factors in chimney design.

Technical Notes 19C - Contemporary Brick Masonry Fireplaces
October 2001

Abstract: Considerations and recommendations necessary for the successful design of fireplaces are addressed. Design and construction recommendations are included for Rumford fireplaces, air-circulating fireplaces and multi-face fireplaces. Concepts for increased energy efficiency are also provided.

Technical Notes 19D - Brick Masonry Fireplaces, Part 1 - Russian-Style Heaters
[January 1983] (Reissued June 1987)

Abstract: Brick masonry heaters may be used instead of conventional fireplaces to provide efficient supplemental heating for residential buildings. The design, detailing and construction of brick masonry fireplaces with baffle systems for combustion gases are discussed. Information regarding building code compliance, operation and the accessories required is presented with the basic principles by which these heaters provide supplemental heat for buildings.

Technical Notes 19E - Brick Masonry Fireplaces, Part 2 - Fountain and Contemporary Style Heaters
[1983] (Reissued February 1988)

Abstract: Brick masonry heaters may be used instead of conventional fireplaces to provide efficient supplemental heating for residential buildings. The design, detailing and construction of brick masonry fireplaces with baffle systems through which combustion gases are circulated are discussed. Information regarding building code compliance, operation and accessories is presented, along with the basic heating principles.

Fireplace Details Poster