We design and build custom brick fireplaces in Omaha, NE that become the centerpiece of your living room or outdoor space. Our masons create safe, code compliant fireboxes, attractive surrounds, and detailed mantels tailored to your style. Whether you want a new outdoor brick fireplace or repairs to an existing hearth, we deliver durable, attractive results.
Superior Masonry Omaha provides professional brick fireplace throughout Omaha, NE, Nebraska and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call (531) 541-5741 or request your free quote.
Custom Brick Fireplaces Built for Omaha Homes
A brick fireplace is more than a focal point. In Omaha it is a practical heat source that has to work well in winter and still look timeless for decades. Superior Masonry Omaha designs and builds brick fireplaces that match the way local families actually use their living rooms, basements, and outdoor spaces.
We start by looking at your specific home. Many Omaha houses in neighborhoods like Dundee, Benson, and Millard were built between the 1940s and 1990s, so they often have framed walls that need extra support and fireproofing when a new fireplace is added. In newer West Omaha and Elkhorn builds there may already be a gas line and chase framed in, which affects the design and cost. We review access, floor structure, existing chimney or venting, and local code requirements before we sketch the first layout.
For each project we discuss how you want to use the fireplace. Some homeowners want a traditional wood burning masonry firebox, others prefer a modern gas insert with a full brick surround. Superior Masonry Omaha explains the pros and cons of each, including efficiency, maintenance, and what fits with your existing HVAC and electrical. That way you invest in a brick fireplace that is both beautiful and practical for Nebraska weather.
Design Options: From Classic to Contemporary Brick Fireplaces
Superior Masonry Omaha offers a detailed design process so your brick fireplace does not look like it was copied from a catalog. We combine your ideas with our experience to select the right brick type, pattern, and scale for your room.
Brick choices include smooth face brick for a clean, contemporary look, molded or tumbled brick for a more rustic feel, and clinker or reclaimed style brick for older Midtown or Country Club homes that already have character. We look at your existing brick on the exterior of your house, if any, and suggest complementary colors so the fireplace feels like it belongs.
We also design the surround and hearth. Popular layouts in Omaha include full floor-to-ceiling brick with a simple wood or stone mantel, a brick fireplace with a raised hearth for basement rec rooms, and lower profile designs for smaller ranch homes where wall height is limited. We can run brick in running bond, stacked bond, herringbone accents in the firebox back wall, or soldier-course borders around the opening. For outdoor patios we often recommend larger scale brick and a thicker hearth to stand up to Nebraska freeze-thaw cycles.
If you already have a gas or electric insert from another contractor, we can design the brickwork around it, making sure clearances and venting still meet code. Our goal is a brick fireplace that looks intentional with your flooring, trim, and furniture, not a bulky mass that feels added on.
How We Build a Brick Fireplace: Step-by-Step
A durable brick fireplace depends on proper structure and fire-safe construction behind the visible brick. Superior Masonry Omaha follows a step-by-step process on every project so there are no shortcuts hiding inside your walls.
First we complete a site evaluation. We verify floor framing capacity, wall construction, and chimney or vent path. For wood burning fireplaces we confirm there is a straight or properly offset route for a full masonry chimney or UL listed flue system that can exit through the roof without cutting critical structural members. For gas fireplaces we coordinate vent location with the unit specifications.
Next we layout and frame the opening. If we are building a full masonry firebox, we construct it with firebrick and high temperature refractory mortar, sized correctly for the room and chimney height so it drafts properly. If the project uses a factory-built wood or gas unit, we follow the manufacturer framing dimensions and clearances and then prepare non-combustible sheathing where required.
Then we create the support foundation and hearth. On main floors we often pour a small concrete pad or reinforce joists to carry the masonry weight. In basements on slab we still check for cracks or low spots and correct those before building. The hearth is set with concrete or cement board underlayment, then we lay brick or stone on top with the appropriate mortar mix.
Finally we install the visible brickwork and mantel. We set bricks in courses, constantly checking level, plumb, and joint thickness so the face is crisp and consistent. Joints are tooled to your chosen profile and we clean the wall as we go to prevent mortar smears. Once the brickwork cures, we install any wood mantels or shelves at safe clearances. Before we leave, we test draft on wood burning fireplaces or coordinate gas connection and startup with your plumber or HVAC contractor.
Materials and Techniques That Handle Nebraska’s Climate
Omaha’s freeze-thaw cycles and wind can be tough on masonry, especially outdoor brick fireplaces and chimneys. Superior Masonry Omaha selects materials and techniques that are proven to hold up in our climate, instead of just using whatever is cheapest.
For exterior brick fireplaces and chimneys, we use face brick rated for severe weather exposure, with low absorption and high compressive strength. Mortar is mixed to the right type and consistency so joints are dense rather than sandy, which helps resist water penetration during winter. We slope hearths and chimney caps so water sheds away from vertical surfaces instead of sitting and soaking in.
On indoor brick fireplaces installed against exterior walls, we still think about condensation and temperature swings. We include proper air gaps and non-combustible insulation where needed so you do not get cold spots or cracking between the brick surround and the framing. We also allow for thermal movement with the right joint design so the brickwork does not push against framing as temperatures change.
When needed, we apply breathable masonry sealers to high exposure areas. We only use products that let trapped moisture escape, which is important in Nebraska, where rapid weather shifts can otherwise push moisture out through the face of the brick and cause spalling.
Cost Factors for a Brick Fireplace in Omaha
The price of a brick fireplace in Omaha can vary widely, and Superior Masonry Omaha is clear about what drives the cost so you can make informed choices.
Major cost factors include whether you are building new or modifying an existing fireplace, whether it is wood burning or gas, and whether it is interior or exterior. A full masonry wood burning fireplace with a new chimney is typically the most expensive because of the structural support, firebrick, and chimney materials involved. A decorative brick surround built around an existing gas insert, with no new chimney work, is usually more budget friendly.
Size and complexity matter. Floor-to-ceiling brick with built-in shelving or an extended raised hearth will use more material and labor than a simple mid-height surround. Specialty brick, such as reclaimed or custom colored units, can also raise costs compared to standard stock brick that is readily available from local Omaha suppliers.
Access also plays a role. In finished basements with narrow stairways, bringing in materials takes more time. For rooftops that are steep or high, chimney work requires extra safety setup and sometimes lift equipment. We factor these practical conditions into our estimates so you do not face surprise charges later.
Superior Masonry Omaha typically provides a written proposal that breaks down labor, materials, and any coordination with other trades. This lets you see where adjustments can be made, such as simplifying the mantel or choosing a different brick, without guessing in the dark.
Common Brick Fireplace Problems and How We Fix Them
Many of our brick fireplace projects in Omaha start as repair or remodel calls. Superior Masonry Omaha is experienced in diagnosing and correcting the specific issues we see in local homes.
Older wood burning fireplaces often suffer from smoke spillage into the room, cracked firebrick, or loose mortar joints. We evaluate the firebox size and chimney height to make sure they are properly matched, then recommend either rebuilding the firebox, adding a smoke chamber modification, or installing a correctly sized insert to improve draft. Damaged firebrick and refractory mortar are removed and replaced, not just coated over.
Cosmetic problems are also common. White staining (efflorescence) on interior brick faces often comes from moisture migration. Rather than just cleaning it off, we check for exterior leaks or missing chimney caps that might be letting water in. Discolored or dated brick can be updated with selective replacement, resurfacing techniques, or carefully applied limewash or staining products that maintain breathability.
On outdoor brick fireplaces and chimneys, we frequently repair spalled bricks, deteriorated crowns, and loose or missing mortar joints. We cut out damaged material, install compatible brick, and tuckpoint joints with mortar matched for color and hardness. We also recommend and install proper metal caps and screens to keep out water and animals, which reduces future deterioration.
What to Know Before You Hire a Brick Fireplace Contractor
Choosing a contractor for a brick fireplace in Omaha should involve more than comparing prices. Superior Masonry Omaha encourages homeowners to ask specific questions so they can judge real expertise.
Ask whether the contractor has experience with both structural masonry fireplaces and decorative surrounds, and request photos of projects similar to your home type, whether it is a 1960s ranch in Ralston or a newer two story in Papillion. Confirm that they understand Omaha building codes, clearances to combustibles, and venting requirements for the appliance you plan to use.
Request details about the materials they plan to install, including brick manufacturer, mortar type, and any sealers or liners. A knowledgeable mason will explain why those choices make sense for your project instead of responding with vague descriptions. Also ask how they will protect your home during construction. We typically use floor coverings, dust control measures, and daily cleanup so your living areas stay usable.
Finally, clarify the scope and timeline. A full interior brick fireplace project often takes several days to two weeks, depending on complexity and coordination with gas or HVAC contractors. Outdoor brick fireplace builds can be weather dependent, especially in early spring or late fall in Nebraska. A written schedule and clear communication about inspection stages and curing times help prevent frustration.
When you contact Superior Masonry Omaha, we walk you through these points from the start so you know exactly what to expect from design through the first fire.
