Building – Rumford Fireplaces

Building an interior chimney with two Rumford fireplaces is a massive undertaking that requires precision at every stage. We thought you would like to see the process of how these high-efficiency masonry units come together, from the cellar to the finished hearth.

Phase 1: The Foundation and Herringbone Firebox

After blocking up the cellar and pouring concrete into the hearth area, we begin by building the chimney up to the hearth height. It is critical that the firebox floor and the top of the hearth are perfectly level. Once the base is set, we begin the layout for the fireplace side walls. On this project, we are installing a beautiful herringbone firebox, built with the attention to detail that these historic designs deserve.

Phase 2: Arched Openings and Interior Brickwork

Since this is an interior chimney with exposed brick on all four sides, everything is built as we go. We use a specialized brick ruler to ensure proper spacing—this is essential for hitting exact heights and creating a symmetrical arched opening.

The mantle is set and supported overnight to allow the mortar to cure properly. We chose a “light buff” colored mortar to complement the brickwork, adding a subtle, high-end finish to the entire chimney.

Phase 3: The Rumford Throat and Smoke Chamber

For the heart of the fireplace, we are building around a Superior Clay Corp smoke chamber. In my opinion, these are the best components for building a straight-back Rumford. On the second floor, you can see the curved throat system—this is the mechanical “secret” that makes a Rumford fireplace exhaust so perfectly while providing maximum radiant heat.

The Finished Hearth: Glen Gery Heather Rose Brick

The chimney is finished with Glen Gery Heather Rose brick, providing a classic New England aesthetic. We also integrated a custom wood storage box and a special-order stone hearth. Because the stone took months to arrive, we buried an angle iron into the structure to allow the build to continue without delay—a pro-tip for managing long lead times on custom materials.

Expert Rumford Fireplace Contractors in Massachusetts

A double-sided, multi-floor Rumford chimney is a specialized project that requires an artisan’s touch. We specialize in custom chimney construction and historic fireplace designs in Lancaster, Wayland, Concord, and across the MetroWest area.

Ready to build a fireplace that lasts for generations? Call 978-365-6800 or complete our online request form.