Custom Brick Fireplaces in Murfreesboro, TN

We build and repair brick fireplaces in Murfreesboro, TN that become the centerpiece of your home. Our masons craft fireboxes, hearths, and surrounds that meet safety standards and match your style. Whether you want a new masonry fireplace or updates to an existing unit, we deliver solid, long lasting results.

Premier Masonry Murfreesboro provides professional brick fireplace throughout Murfreesboro, TN and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call (615) 751-0125 or request your free quote.

Custom Brick Fireplaces Built for Murfreesboro Homes

A brick fireplace is more than a feature on a real estate listing. In Murfreesboro, it is often the center of the living room, a backup heat source when the power goes out, and a long-term investment that can outlast most other finishes in your home. At Premier Masonry Murfreesboro, we build and restore brick fireplaces that are meant to handle regular use, local climate swings, and Rutherford County inspection standards.

Instead of using one generic layout for every project, we start with how you actually use your space. Some homeowners want a working wood burning fireplace for cold winter nights. Others want a sealed gas unit with a brick surround that looks traditional but functions with a switch or remote. We design the brickwork, hearth, and mantel around what you already have and what you want to see in your main room every day.

We are familiar with the construction styles in Murfreesboro subdivisions like Blackman, Indian Hills, and The Avenue area, along with older homes near downtown. That matters, because the way your framing, chimney chase, and foundation were built will determine how your new brick fireplace should be supported and tied into the structure. Our crews match the work to your specific house instead of forcing a one size fits all plan.

How We Build a Brick Fireplace Step by Step

Premier Masonry Murfreesboro follows a clear process so you know what is happening at each stage.

1) Site visit and inspection. We check the existing wall, floor structure, and any current fireplace or gas line. We look in the attic or on the roof for an existing chimney, flue, or chase. If there is a wood burning fireplace already in place, we inspect the firebox, smoke chamber, and existing brick for cracks or movement.

2) Design and layout. Based on your room size and ceiling height, we lay out the firebox opening, hearth depth, and surround dimensions. For wood burning units, we follow NFPA and IRC guidelines relating to clearances to combustible framing and finishes. For gas inserts or prefab boxes, we coordinate with the manufacturer specs so the brickwork and mortar joints do not block vents or access panels.

3) Structural prep. A real brick fireplace with a raised hearth is heavy. If we are building new on the main floor, we may need to add a concrete footing, pier blocks, or steel support to carry the load. In slabs, we check thickness and condition, and sometimes cut and pour a thickened area to support the masonry. This structural step is often skipped by low cost installers and is a main cause of sinking hearths and cracking joints over time.

4) Masonry work. We set firebrick in the firebox with high temperature refractory mortar, not standard brick mortar. The smoke shelf and throat are formed to promote good draw and reduce smoke leaving the opening. For the visible surround, we set face brick in your chosen pattern, maintain consistent joint thickness, and tool the joints to the style you select. We anchor the masonry to the framing where required and install lintels over the opening for long term support.

5) Finishing and cleanup. After the brickwork cures, we return to clean the face with the proper solution so mortar stains do not remain, then we install mantel pieces or trim if those are part of the scope. The work area is covered and protected throughout, then vacuumed and swept before we leave.

Brick, Mortar, and Style Options for Your Fireplace

The look and performance of a brick fireplace are controlled by more than just color. Premier Masonry Murfreesboro walks you through the important decisions so you are not stuck with something that clashes with the rest of your home.

Brick types. In Murfreesboro we commonly install wirecut red brick, tumbled brick for a softer, aged look, and smooth face bricks for more modern designs. If you already have exterior brick, we can source a close match or a deliberate contrast. For older homes, we sometimes use reclaimed brick for a more authentic appearance. The brick unit size and texture affect both the final look and the number of joints you will see.

Patterns and layout. Standard running bond keeps the focus simple and clean. Herringbone panels inside the firebox back wall, on the hearth, or above the opening can add a custom feature without making the whole wall too busy. Soldier courses, rowlocks, and corbeling at the mantel line can create shadows and depth that read as custom, not builder basic.

Mortar color and joint profile. Changing the mortar shade can dramatically change your fireplace. A light mortar against darker brick creates contrast and a traditional feel. A closer color match looks more solid and modern. Joint profiles, whether concave, flush, or raked, control shadows and how easily soot and dust will show. We explain the maintenance impact of each choice, not just the look.

Mantels and surrounds. We regularly combine brick with wood mantels, simple stone slabs, or precast concrete shelves. For homes with TVs installed above the fireplace, we can adjust brick height and mantel projection to help manage heat exposure. For gas fireplaces, we also plan for access to control valves and electronics so future repairs do not require breaking brick.

Costs, Timelines, and What Affects Your Brick Fireplace Price

Homeowners usually want clear numbers before starting. While every project is different, Premier Masonry Murfreesboro can explain what actually drives the cost of a brick fireplace.

Scope of work. A basic brick surround around an existing gas insert is the lower end of the range, because we are mainly building a face and a hearth. A full wood burning system with new firebox, chimney, and hearth involves much more masonry and structural work, so it costs more. Removing an old, unsafe unit adds demolition and disposal time.

Material choices. Standard local face brick and gray mortar are cost effective. Upgrading to specialty brick, complex patterns, or custom cut pieces increases both material and labor cost. The same is true if you choose a thick stone slab for the hearth in place of basic brick on edge.

Structural and code requirements. If we find that the existing framing or slab cannot support the weight, or that the old fireplace is not to current clearances, we will recommend proper corrections. This might mean additional blocking, steel lintels, or poured concrete support. It is not the cheapest approach, but it prevents problems like sagging hearths, cracked walls, or worst case fire hazards.

Timeline. Most brick fireplace upgrades run from two to five working days on site, depending on demolition, curing time, and detail level. Full new builds with chimney work can stretch to one to two weeks. We schedule work to limit how long your living area is disrupted and communicate clearly if weather or inspection scheduling affects the timeline.

We provide written estimates that spell out what is included: demolition, materials, labor, cleanup, and any coordination with your HVAC or gas contractor. That way you can compare apples to apples when looking at different bids in Murfreesboro.

Permits, Codes, and Local Requirements in Murfreesboro

Fireplaces are not just decorative. If they burn fuel or tie into your gas system, they are regulated for safety. Premier Masonry Murfreesboro stays current with Murfreesboro Building and Codes Department requirements and the adopted versions of the International Residential Code.

When permits are needed. A cosmetic refacing of an existing, code compliant gas insert, where we only change the facing brick and mantel, often does not require a building permit. However, new fireplace construction, changes to the firebox size, new chimneys, or any new gas line work typically do. For gas, a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor usually pulls the permit, and we coordinate our schedule with theirs.

Clearances and combustibles. Codes specify how close wood framing, trim, and mantels can be to the fireplace opening and the flue. We measure and build to those clearances so an inspector in Murfreesboro will pass the work. This helps you avoid problems when you go to sell the house or update your insurance.

Chimneys and venting. For wood burning fireplaces, proper flue sizing relative to the opening is critical so the fireplace drafts instead of smoking into the room. If you have an existing brick chimney, we evaluate whether it needs relining or repair before tying in a new fireplace. For gas units, we follow the manufacturer instructions on venting, termination caps, and brick spacing around vent covers.

HOA and subdivision rules. Many Murfreesboro neighborhoods have HOA guidelines on exterior chimney appearance and visible additions. If your brick fireplace project involves changing the exterior chimney or adding a new chase, we can provide drawings and brick samples you can submit to the HOA for approval before work starts.

Repairs, Upgrades, and What To Watch For In an Existing Brick Fireplace

Not every project is a full new build. Many Murfreesboro homeowners call Premier Masonry Murfreesboro because their existing brick fireplace is cracking, smoking, or simply outdated.

Common issues. Hairline cracks in mortar joints inside the firebox are common with age and regular burning. Larger cracks, loose bricks, or gaps at the back wall can allow heat to reach framing or let smoke leak into walls. On the exterior, spalling brick, crumbling mortar, and a leaning or separated chimney are signs that water and freeze thaw cycles have taken a toll.

Repair options. For minor interior damage, we can remove loose material and repoint joints with the correct high temperature refractory mortar. For more serious issues, we may rebuild part or all of the firebox, adjust the smoke chamber, or install a new flue liner. On the exterior, we can repoint joints, replace damaged bricks, and improve caps and flashing so water stays out.

Upgrading nonfunctional fireplaces. Some older homes around Murfreesboro have decorative brick fireplaces that were never properly vented or have been capped off. In those cases, we can often convert them to house modern gas inserts with safe venting, while preserving or upgrading the brick surround. This can give you the look and warmth of a working fireplace without a full tear out.

What homeowners should watch for. If smoke regularly rolls out of the opening, bricks feel hot to the touch several feet away from the firebox, or you see cracks wider than a nickel, it is time to have the system checked. It is also smart to have any fireplace inspected before you buy a home, especially one built before the early 2000s when some local building practices were less consistent. We provide honest assessments and will tell you when a repair is sufficient and when full replacement makes more sense for long term safety.