How to Build Outdoor Fieldstone Fireplaces
A growing trend over the past decade or so has been the emergence of backyard fireplaces and fire pits. Humans have always used fire as a source of heat and for cooking, but as we've developed technologies for those purposes, outdoor fires have been a tool for social gatherings. Who hasn't wanted to roast marshmallows over a campfire, hang out at a beach bonfire, or just chill out with their friends around a fire in their back yard? So why not build your own backyard fireplace? Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Pick
- Wheelbarrow
- Compacted gravel
- Stone or brick
- Metal fire pit liner
Instructions
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How to Build an Outdoor Fieldstone Fireplace
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1
Check with your local township, county, borough, or fire department to see what the regulations are and if you'll need any permits to build your fireplace.
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2
Pick a location. Taking into account any restrictions placed on where you can build, decide where you want to put your fireplace. While you want to keep it relatively close to the house, you also want to keep it far enough away from the house and any vegetation that could burn. You also want to build it in a spot with good drainage.
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3
Decide whether you want a fireplace or fire pit. How big are the fires you plan on building? If they're small, your best move might be to buy an outdoor fireplace. If you want a bigger fire, you'll probably want to go with a fire pit.
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4
Sketch out the design of the pit. Mark off the area that will make up the pit by measuring out space for the biggest fire you plan on building, along with space for the outer wall of brick or stone, whichever you decide to use.
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5
Build the foundation. Dig up the sod in the pit area, and if you're putting it a little deeper, use the pick and shovel to clear out the land. Fill the pit with gravel to a depth of 4 to 6 inches and compact it to prevent settling. Lay the metal fire pit liner on top of the gravel. While not necessary, the liner can extend the life of the stone or brick.
Completing the Outdoor Fireplace
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6
Lay the brick or stone on top of the liner. If you want, get creative and make a distinctive pattern. When building up the side walls, alternate laying the stone or brick to provide strength.
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7
Test your fire pit by building a few small fires to check out your design. Figure out the best way to build a good fire that will be long-burning in your pit.
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8
Call your friends, build a fire and have a party.
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Tips & Warnings
Get creative with your design. Research different fireplaces and fire pits to see what would go best in your backyard.
Consider putting benches or stones for people to sit on around the fire pit.
Make sure you build your fire pit away from anything that you don't want to set on fire.
If you want to use natural gas or propane to fuel your fire instead of wood, hire a professional.
