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Mantel, breast, hearth and flue — internal or external, traditional or modern brick fireplace builds.
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Wrong flue size
— stove won't draw properly.
Inadequate hearth
— combustible clearance not met.
Poor flue lining
— tar buildup, eventual chimney fire risk.
Failed HETAS certification
— non-compliant install can void home insurance.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Brick surround + hearth onlyBuilt-in masonry feature
£1k–£2.5k
Open hearth installationTraditional open fire
£1.5k–£3.5k
Stove + simple brick surroundHETAS certified install
£2.5k–£5.5k
Stove + premium brick feature wallStatement design
£4k–£9k
Flue lining (additional)Twin-wall or flexible liner
£400–£1.2k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
InfographicThe Bricklayer briefing.
Infographic
Bricklayer quick-view
A brick fireplace is one of the most visually impactful renovations in a UK home — turning a generic room into a focal point. Whether you're building from scratch, opening up a blocked chimney, or installing a wood-burning stove, the bricklayer's role is critical. This guide covers what brick fireplaces actually cost in 2026, the design choices, and the HETAS certification requirements for working with solid-fuel appliances.
Most modern UK installs combine brick or stone surrounds with a high-efficiency wood-burning stove rather than open hearths.
What Does the Work Involve?
- Inspection of existing chimney and flue.
- Opening up or rebuilding the chimney breast if needed.
- Hearth construction — typically 600 mm deep, fire-rated.
- Brick surround or feature brickwork.
- Flue lining (stainless steel for wood-burning stoves).
- Stove installation by HETAS-registered installer.
- Certificate of compliance.
Typical Costs
| Configuration | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick surround + hearth only | 1,000 | 2,500 | Built-in masonry feature |
| Open hearth installation | 1,500 | 3,500 | Traditional open fire |
| Stove + simple brick surround | 2,500 | 5,500 | HETAS certified install |
| Stove + premium brick feature wall | 4,000 | 9,000 | Statement design |
| Flue lining (additional) | 400 | 1,200 | Twin-wall or flexible liner |
| HETAS certification | included | 250 | Sometimes separate |
Most cost goes into the stove itself (£600–£3,000) and the chimney lining. Brickwork is typically 25–40% of total.
How Long Does It Take?
- Brick surround only: 2–3 days.
- Open hearth + chimney work: 4–6 days.
- Stove install + brick feature: 3–5 days.
- Major feature wall: 1–2 weeks.
DIY or Professional?
Brickwork can be DIY for capable masons. Stove installation MUST be HETAS-registered installer — non-negotiable for safety and legal compliance.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
- HETAS-registered installer for stove and flue work.
- Brickwork portfolio with fireplaces specifically.
- Discuss flue type (stainless steel vs flexible liner).
- Confirm hearth dimensions meet building regs.
- Certificate of compliance after installation.
UK Regulations
- HETAS-registered installer for any solid-fuel appliance.
- Building Regulations apply to fireplaces and flues.
- Smoke Control Areas require DEFRA-approved stoves.
- Hearth and combustible clearance distances strict.
- Carbon monoxide detector required by law in installation areas.
Common Problems
- Wrong flue size — stove won't draw properly.
- Inadequate hearth — combustible clearance not met.
- Poor flue lining — tar buildup, eventual chimney fire risk.
- Failed HETAS certification — non-compliant install can void home insurance.
- Heat damage to nearby surfaces — clearance from combustibles inadequate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a HETAS installer?
Yes for any solid-fuel appliance. Without HETAS certification, home insurance may be void and Building Regs are breached.
Can I have an open fire in a smoke control area?
Only with DEFRA-approved appliances. Open wood fires usually prohibited; only certified stoves allowed.
How efficient is a wood-burning stove vs open fire?
Modern stoves 70–85% efficient; open fires under 25%. Stoves use much less wood for same heat output.
What's the minimum hearth size?
For most stoves, 840×600 mm minimum, extending 300 mm in front. Each stove has specific requirements — check manufacturer specs.
Do I need to line the existing chimney?
Almost always — modern stoves generate less flue gas and lower temperatures than open fires, so chimney needs reducing in size with a stainless or flexible liner.
Will it add value?
Yes for well-designed installations — fireplaces are valued by buyers, especially in period properties.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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