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Drilling into brick or mortar requires the use of a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits appear similar to standard drill bits except for the leading tip of the bit. The tip has a bulky carbide arrow-shaped end slightly larger than the rest of the bit shaft. Standard or high-speed drill bits designed for making holes in wood or metal don’t have the ruggedness or design shape you need to drill into brick. They may not go through the brick at all, and if they do, they’re more likely to overheat, crack, or dull before you finish drilling.

In certain cases, such as when dealing with surfaces like concrete rather than brick, grout can be used instead of mortar. Grout tends to be more convenient to work with on non-masonry surfaces. However, many experts suggest using mortar whenever possible, as it provides stronger adherence to the bricks and results in a more textured appearance.

The best color to paint a brick fireplace comes down to personal taste. However, neutral colors—like white or gray—will open the space and create a bright modern look, making them popular options. However, choosing a bold color can turn your fireplace into a feature piece that will be the talk of all family gatherings. 

Yes, staining a brick home can increase a home’s value, assuming your pro does a good job and you keep up with maintenance tasks. Staining brick is a much better way to increase a home’s value than painting brick, as the latter can cause chipping, warping, and bubbling. Brick stain, on the other hand, gets absorbed by the surface, so it can still breathe.