Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Pre-fabricated Fireplace
- Fireplace screen
- Cement
- Bricks and stones
- Tiles
- Paint
- Firewood
Step1
Location: Pick out the spot that you would want the outdoor fireplace to be built. Make sure to find out first if your city has ordinances and codes to follow when building outdoor fireplace. Some communities may have restrictions as to air quality as well as safety. They may require you to obtain a permit so it is important to do your research before buying your materials.
For safety reasons, make sure that the location you pick is as far away as possible from your home, plants and other structures that can be burned. Stray sparks may cause fire so building your fireplace at a safe distance will prevent accidents and fire hazards.
Make sure that if you are planning on placing seating areas that there is enough clearance between the chairs and the fireplace. The seats should be positioned at least three feet away from the fireplace to prevent any fire hazard.
Step2
Shop for Fireplace: It is easier to just buy pre-fabricated fireplaces that have been built with safety in mind. However, if you are confident that you are handy enough to build one from scratch, materials can be bought at your home improvement stores as well as those specializing in garden or outdoor materials.
Step3
Site Preparation: Prepare the area where you will install the fireplace. Remove plantings that may pose some hazard. Build a platform for your fireplace by putting cinder blocks or pouring concrete. Then add tiles along the border to make it look really appealing.
Step4
Installation: Installing a pre-fabricated fireplace is easier and more practical. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer to assemble the fireplace together. Outdoor fireplaces are built just like indoor fireplaces except that you do not need to install a damper.
Build the chimney as tall as you can and build the fireplace opening a little lower to improve draft, this can shelter the fireplace from wind that can cause smoke to breeze in. Adding a chimney pot can increase the effective height of the chimney.
Don’t forget to test the fireplace before finishing it off.
Step5
Finishing Touches: After installing the pre-fabricated fireplace using the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions, you can now add finishing touches to your fireplace. You can add bricks and blocks, then apply cement or stained concrete or paint with any color you like. Add rocks or tiles to finish the look of your fireplace. You can give your fireplace a stucco finish for that Mediterranean look.
Add a fireplace screen to prevent fire hazards. Put firewood inside the hearth to prepare for future use.
Adding an outdoor fireplace can make your outdoor entertaining more enjoyable.
Enthusiast 