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Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.

Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.

Yes, an outdoor fireplace should use fire bricks. Fire bricks are specially designed to withstand high levels of heat and thus won’t crack as easily as regular bricks when exposed to the intense heat inside a fireplace.

Drilling into brick doesn’t have to be a dangerous project if you prep and approach it with the right tools and techniques, but it does come with risks if it’s not done correctly. It can lead to significant issues, such as damaging the brick or affecting the wall’s structural integrity. Applying too much force can crack or chip the brick, while incorrect placement might compromise its load-bearing strength. 

Cobblestone fell out of favor with the advent of motor vehicles. Asphalt and concrete are both much smoother surfaces allowing for a smoother ride. Asphalt is also much cheaper, especially for driveways. However, we didn’t stop using cobblestone altogether, and you can still see it as a decorative option in both homes, in parks, and in pedestrianized areas of cities.