FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

Masonry Fireplace & Chimney Handbook

Words: Dan KamysOne of the most historic icons of masonry construction is the fireplace. Fireplaces have long been a great gathering place in the home for families. The masonry design for fireplaces goes beyond the standard details for walls, openings and parapets. The geometries of the fireplace are of utmost importance to the functionality. Built masonry fireplaces require skill in design and construction.

James E. Amrhein, S.E. was a great masonry engineer who was the Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of America (MIA) in California. He exemplified the skills necessary for masonry design, and shared his knowledge with the design community through numerous educational resources. One of the MIA’s key pieces of educational literature: the Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook Second Edition (1995) and the Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook Third Edition (2004). The handbook discusses the components of fireplaces that homeowners, designers, and construction professionals need to know.

Purchase the Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook online.
 0
Choosing the Best Masonry Brush for the Job
April 2026

In masonry work, whether you are laying brick or block, installing stone veneer, or repairing mortar joints, cleaning up is a big part of the job. It’s easy to focus on the major tools like brick trowels, mixers, and mortar boards, but brushes are just as

Mackenzie Claassen
Technical Talks
Read More
Westminster Abbey Roof Repairs Race To Protect The Masonry Below
April 2026

Westminster Abbey is undergoing long-awaited repairs to its roof, and experts involved in the work say they have discovered hidden secrets along the way. For the masonry industry, the story is less about what's up top and more about what sits beneath it.

The Daily Digest
Read More
Building Stonework That Lasts Beyond the Surface
April 2026

How Today’s Systems Strengthen Traditional Masonry In masonry, longevity has always been the true measure of craftsmanship. Any wall can look impressive the day it’s finished, but the real test comes years later, after the first freeze-thaw cycle, after t

Rob McKay
MAP Partner
Read More
Mastering The Art Of Masonry Repair: The Dos and Don’ts
April 2026

Whether we specialize in repairs and restoration work or new construction, repairs are something that we all must do, at least from time to time. With ever-increasing competition from faster and cheaper building systems, the onus is on us as masonry profe

John Bard
Technical Talks
Read More