How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace

First Things First

First of all, do your homework. Check with the city to find out what ordinances and codes are in place that might affect you. Ask what permits will be required and how much they will cost. It is also a good idea to check with your insurance agent to see if the fireplace will change your insurance costs at all. Knowing what to expect can save you a lot of money, stress, and frustration later on.

Next you will want to pick the spot to build the fireplace. It will need to be a safe distance from your home and any other buildings that you may have, such as a detached garage, barn, or shed. You will want the area to be reasonably clear of trees or overhanging branches so that stray sparks do not ignite the dry wood during the hot summer months.

When planning the design of the area around the fireplace, it is a good idea to make sure that there is at least three to four feet of space between your seating area and the fire. You may need to enlarge your existing patio in order to do this. Once you have the design elements in place it is time to consider the design of the actual fireplace. A trip to Home Depot or another home improvement store will provide most of the materials that you need for your project.

Choosing Your Outdoor Fireplace

You can build your outdoor fireplace completely from scratch, or you can choose to buy a prefabricated fireplace and install it. Some sources online for outdoor fireplace kits are:

• DBG has a large selection of prefabricated fireplaces, including Gothic and southwestern designs.
• KitchenSource has a very inexpensive outdoor fireplace.
• Shumock Masonry Fireplaces has some beautiful designs.

Outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of looks and designs.

A fireplace by a pool	An outdoor den with fireplace
An outdoor kitchen with a fireplace	Southwestern style fireplace

It is wise to look at as many outdoor fireplace designs as possible. Concrete Network has an online gallery of outdoor fireplaces to give you more design ideas.

How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Once you have decided on the location and the design it is time to prepare your building site. To prepare the area for your fireplace, remove any landscaping that could be a fire hazard or get in the way of your building project.

You will need to build a platform for the fireplace with cinder-blocks or concrete. Make a form the same size as the base of your fireplace. Prepare the base area with cushioning sand and then pour your concrete. The platform should be at the same level as the deck.

If you are going to use a firebox and flue, now is the time to frame in the fireplace area and chimney. Be sure to follow any height requirements that have been specified by the city. Use 2x4s create the shape of your fireplace and chimney, and cover with plywood.

Add your firebox and flue according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You will then use stucco, brick veneer, or flagstone veneer to cover the plywood and complete your fireplace. There should be at least one inch of non-combustible material between the plywood and the fire.

If you are going to be building with brick, you won’t need to frame in the fireplace. Get heat-proof brick, also known as firebrick, and refractory mortar. Regular brick can explode under the extreme heat produced by a direct fire. Regular mortar will work, and will not combust, but refractory mortar is made to withstand heat and be more durable.

Make a 90-degree angled template from scrap wood and lay the first course of brick along it on the platform. Keeping the brick squared up and working carefully, begin building up the sides. Stop often and check the surface with a level. It is important to keep it square. Be careful to construct the fireplace with enough top venting.

Enjoy Your Outdoor Room

Knowing how to build an outdoor fireplace is only the first step. Once you have the fireplace built, you can begin to decorate and enjoy your new outdoor room. Consider adding solar deck lighting, strategically placed for ambiance. Another option to is to create an entire outdoor kitchen. These projects will add not only value to your home, but long-term satisfaction to you as you enjoy them.