Building An Outdoor Fireplace With Bricks

Building an Outdoor Fireplace With Bricks: A Comprehensive Guide

An outdoor fireplace can be a great addition to any backyard, providing a cozy and inviting space for entertaining guests or simply relaxing on a cool evening. Building an outdoor fireplace with bricks is a relatively straightforward project that can be completed in a few days by do-it-yourselfers with basic masonry skills.

Materials You'll Need:

Firebricks
Regular bricks
Mortar
Concrete
Gravel
Rebar
Chimney flue
Chimney cap

Step 1: Choose a Location and Prepare the Base

Choose a location for your fireplace that is well-drained and away from any flammable materials. Dig a hole for the fireplace base that is at least 6 inches deep and the size of the fireplace you want to build. Fill the hole with gravel and tamp it down firmly.

Step 2: Build the Firebox

Lay a layer of firebricks on the gravel base to form the floor of the firebox. Use mortar to join the bricks together. Build the walls of the firebox by stacking regular bricks on top of the firebricks, using mortar to join them. The firebox should be about 2 feet wide and 3 feet tall.

Step 3: Build the Chimney

Build the chimney by stacking regular bricks on top of the firebox, using mortar to join them. The chimney should be about 4 feet tall and 1 foot square. Reinforce the chimney with rebar every few courses of bricks.

Step 4: Install the Chimney Flue

Install a chimney flue inside the chimney by sliding it down from the top. Secure the flue in place with mortar.

Step 5: Build the Mantel

Build the mantel by stacking regular bricks on top of the fireplace opening, using mortar to join them. The mantel should be about 4 feet wide and 2 feet tall.

Step 6: Finish the Fireplace

Apply a layer of mortar to the exterior of the fireplace and smooth it out with a trowel. Allow the mortar to cure for several days before using the fireplace.