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Firebrick Patterns For Interior Fireplaces

One of the newest trends in home interiors is firebrick patterns. Whether you are adding a new fireplace to your home or renovating an existing fireplace, creating firebrick patterns allows you to add personality and style to your fireplace system.

Safety and firebrick lining

The firebrick lining of the firebox is one of the most important safety features of your fireplace system; not only does it reflect heat back into your home, but it also protects the surrounding building materials from damage from heat transfer. Made of refractory ceramic materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures, firebricks are used in the fireboxes of both manufactured and masonry chimney systems.

Even when creating firebrick patterns, safety standards must be followed. Most fireplaces require ASTM C-27 firebrick lining of 1 ¼” thick or 2 ½” thick. 2 ½” firebricks must be used on the floor of the firebox, but either 1 ¼” or 2 ½” firebricks can be for the sides and walls of the firebox.

Popular firebrick patterns

Customizing your firebrick is an unexpected way to add style to the most utilitarian part of your fireplace. In addition to selecting the firebrick tile color and size, these five firebrick patterns can turn any fireplace into a focal point!

1. Running bond. This easily-recognizable pattern is the standard for most fireplace systems. This simple pattern is created by alternately stacking horizontal firebricks; it is easy to install and creates little waste due to the minimal cutting required. Give this traditional a modern twist by using several different firebrick colors, an unexpected size tile, or even creating a vertical instead of horizontal pattern.
2. Stacked bond. The stacked bond pattern, also known as stand bond, features continuous vertical and horizontal lines. This simplistic pattern can create an understated, modern look; use alternating colors to create a checkerboard pattern or oversized firebricks to add visual interest.
3. Standard herringbone. Standard herringbone is made by laying firebricks in alternating directions to create a “V” pattern. The increased popularity in herringbone in recent years makes this an on-trend design update for your home.
4. Split herringbone. Split herringbone puts a twist on the standard herringbone pattern. Use 2 ½” firebricks in the standard herringbone pattern on the floor, then create the same pattern on the walls and back using the narrower 1 ¼” firebricks.
5. Basket weave. This Old English pattern, once considered old fashioned, has found increased popularity in recent years. Created by alternating horizontal and vertical pairs of firebricks, basket weave firebricks creates a vintage, rustic look in your home.

When building a new fireplace or renovating an existing heating appliance, creating a pattern using firebricks is a unique way to turn your fireplace into the focal point of your home. For more information about creating a firebrick pattern in your interior fireplace, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Firebrick Patterns For Interior Fireplaces

Building a new chimney system or giving an existing fireplace a major facelift? If so, customizing your fireplace allows you to create a focal point unique to your home and style. Many homeowners focus on details such as the masonry or stone of the chimney or the style of the mantle. However, there is another way you can customize your fireplace. The interior lining of the firebox.

Firebrick linings and safety.

The firebrick lining of the firebox is one of the most important safety features of any chimney system. Firebricks are made of refractory ceramic materials that can withstand high temperatures. In addition, they reflect heat back into the room, and prevent heat exposure to surrounding building materials. Firebrick linings are used in hearths for both manufactured and masonry chimney systems; because of this, both types of fireplaces can be customized using firebricks.

Most manufactured fireplaces require ASTM C-27 approved firebrick lining of 1 ¼” thick or 2 ½” thick. This requirement both insulates and protects the fireplace and surrounding building materials. While 2 ½” thick firebrick must be used on the fireplace floor, either 1 ¼” or 2 ½” firebricks can be used on the firebox back wall and sides.

Firebrick patterns.

While safety is the most important part of firebrick installation, there are a number of ways to customize the look of your firebox. In addition to choosing different colors or sizes for your firebricks, different patterns can also be used to turn your ordinary fireplace into a design focal point. The following are five firebrick patterns that can bring your new fireplace to life.

1. Standard herringbone.
   Standard herringbone is created when firebricks are laid in alternating directions, creating a “V” pattern. The strong visual effect of this pattern will turn your fireplace into a design focal point in your home.
2. Split herringbone.
   Split herringbone uses the same pattern as standard herringbone, but uses the narrower 1 ¼” firebricks on the walls and back of the fireplace while keeping 2 ½” firebricks on the floor. This creates a unique, custom, handcrafted appearance to the firebox.
3. Basket weave.
   Basket weave is an Old English pattern that has made a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The alternating horizontal and vertical pairs of firebricks create a vintage look that fits in perfectly in homes with rustic designs. Add additional visual interest by alternating contrasting or complementary colors.
4. Stacked bond.
   Stacked bond, also known as stand bond, is by stacking firebricks in continuous horizontal and vertical lines. While seemingly simplistic, the continuous lines of this pattern create a simple, understated look that is causing stacked bond to become increasingly popular.
5. Running bond.
   The most traditional firebrick pattern, running bond is created by alternately stacked horizontal firebricks. This simple pattern continues to be popular due to its low cost and ease of installation; minimal cutting creates minimal waste when using the running bond pattern. Spice up this traditional firebox pattern by choosing a unique firebrick color or firebrick size.

Contact us!

If you are refurbishing your existing fireplace or preparing to install a new heating appliance, consider creating a firebrick pattern as a way to add design appeal to your fireplace. For more information on adding a firebrick pattern to your fireplace construction or installation, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.