How to Build a Fireplace Outdoors
An outdoor fireplace can be a nice touch to any yard or property. You can use it for cooking, ambiance, or both. With resourcefulness and a little elbow grease, you can build an outdoor fireplace in less than a day. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Get your permits in order. Check with your local city hall or fire department to see if you need any permits or safety items before you begin.
-
2
Trace out a square or circular area on the ground. The fireplace can be any size, but a 3-foot diameter circle or a 3-by-3 foot square are popular. Use a stick to mark the area off on the ground. Round fireplaces are easier to dig, but square ones are easier to brick in.
-
-
3
Create the bottom of your fireplace. Dig out the center about 1 foot deep, then pour in the pea gravel. This will allow drainage when it rains, and the pit will always be able to support burning no matter how wet the surrounding area is.
-
4
Lay a layer of bricks along the sides of the area filled with gravel. Make sure the bricks fit tight up against one another. They should be right up against the gravel hole, but not in it.
-
5
Mix up your brick mortar. Usually this involves adding water and the mortar mix to a bucket, but be sure to refer to the directions on the package.
-
6
Lay a second layer of bricks on top of the first ones. Make sure the bricks alternate over the centers where the lower ones join together. This will add strength to the wall as you build. Trowel mortar the bottom of each brick, and place it on the one below. The mortar is your glue, so once you lay your bricks down, tap them lightly with the motor handle to ensure a tight fit.
-
7
Add a third layer of bricks by mortaring and stacking as before. On the third layer in the center of each side, leave every other brick out as you go along. These holes will serve as the fireplace's draft holes. Without draft holes, your fires will not burn properly.
-
8
Continue building the brick wall until it is around 18 inches tall.
-
9
Complete the bricklaying. Remove any mortar that has dripped or oozed from the sides, and then let it set and dry. Quick set mortars generally dry in a few hours, while regular setting mortars might take a day or two.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you want to make this into a part-time grill, there are many grates and accessories that can be added on as needed, or permanently mounted.
Always observe fire safety rules when you use your fireplace. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand, and never leave your fire burning unattended.
