How do I Build a Free Form Outdoor Fireplace?

You can make an outdoor fireplace with a few materials.

Adding an outdoor fireplace to your backyard or patio can give the space extra style and drama. Purchasing a fire pit at a home goods store can be expensive. You can easily make a free form outdoor fireplace with a few basic materials and tools found at most building supply stores. With some tips and know-how, you can put together a fire pit in just one afternoon.

Things You'll Need

• 18 bricks
• Spray paint
• Newspaper
• 4 floor tiles
• Caulking
• Caulking gun
• Coal

Instructions

1. Lay 18 regular bricks onto sheets of outstretched newspaper.

2. Spray paint each brick a neutral color like white or cream. Let dry. If needed, paint the bricks with a second coat, then let dry.

3. Lay four ceramic floor tiles in a square on the floor where you want the fireplace to go. You can find these tiles at most building supply stores. The tiles will protect the ground from the fire.

4. Lay six bricks in an octagon shape on top of the tiles, making sure the corners of each brick touch the corners of the bricks they are adjacent to. Place a second layer of six bricks on top of this foundation, and then lay a third layer on top of that. You should now have a rounded structure that makes a pit wall.

5. Spread a line of caulking at the vertical line where each brick meets. Let dry to keep the bricks held in place.

6. Fill the inside of the pit with charcoal pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using dry wood pieces instead of charcoal.

• Don't place the fireplace near any low hanging branches or furniture.

References

• Build a Fire Pit: Firepit and Grilling Guru