How to Build a Fireplace Frame

An outdoor fireplace is not just for heating the air, it warms the conversation of everyone around. Spend a weekend or two building this fireplace frame and you could be enjoying it in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• Post-hole digger
• Cement
• Four post anchors
• Four concrete tubes, 3' long, 8" wide
• Concrete screws
• Screwdriver
• 4x4 lumber
• Level
• Mortar
• Sand
• Water
• Trowel
• Brick

Instructions

1. Contact your local municipality's building permit office to find the restrictions and requirements for building your fireplace frame.

2. Choose a location for your fireplace. The ideal placement for an outdoor fireplace is alongside an existing deck. Alternatively, a stand-alone patio fireplace is equally warm and inviting, not to mention easier to install. If you are using a fireplace insert, make sure you read the requirements to ensure proper framing.

3. Plot your fireplace plans, keeping in mind you will need to allow 14 inches to the width and 14 inches to the depth for the framing and bricking of the fireplace if you are not using an insert. If you are using an insert, adjust your measurements according to manufacturer's instruction.

4. Use a post-hole digger to dig four holes that are at least 3 feet deep and 8 inches in circumference.

5. Mix cement according to manufacturer's directions. Insert concrete tubes into the holes and fill with cement. Once the cement is set, 12 to 48 hours, attach post anchors on the top of each cement post.

6. Measure the distance from the top of the cement post to the top of the fireplace insert, if you are using one, adding 6 inches in height, 6 inches to the depth and the width to allow for brick thickness. If you are not using an insert, measure the distance from the top of the cement post to the top of your fireplace.

7. Cut four 4x4 lumber posts to the height measured. Attach to the post anchors using 3" concrete screws.

8. Add triangular truss supports every 20 inches or less for above-ground fireplaces. Your local building permit department may have stricter requirements.

9. Attach a piece of 5/8" fir plywood, cut to the size of the outer corners of the posts, to the top of the 4x4 posts if using a fireplace insert.

10. Mix mortar to manufacturers specifications. Proper consistency should allow you to create ridges with a mason's trowel that do not fall or soften.

11. Next, you'll frame in and around the wooden posts with bricks. Apply enough mortar for three bricks with a trowel, first smoothing the top to create a level layer of mortar ½ to 1 inch deep; then create ridges with the side of the trowel. Press three bricks in firmly. Place a level on top of the just-laid bricks, overlapping previously laid bricks and make adjustments to the mortar and depth of the brick to ensure a level installation. Continue installing bricks on the inside and outside of each of the posts.

12. Use the same process of laying mortar then bricks, three at a time, to create a rectangular frame and fireplace floor, if not installing an insert. Don't forget to use your level after each installation. Add a second layer of bricks around the frame, taking care to build around the posts, offset by a half-length of brick.

13. 

    Continue to add layers of brick, leaving an opening in the front of the fireplace as well as creating a cone shape for the chimney.

14. Allow at least 72 hours of dry weather for the mortar to cure before building a fire in your new fireplace.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're building on a slope, take care to measure your wood posts separately and accurately. A lopsided fireplace is no fun.

• Local building laws and manufacturer instructions should be followed throughout the fireplace frame building process.