How To Build Outdoor Fireplace On Deck

Building an outdoor fireplace on your deck is a great way to extend your living space and enjoy the outdoors year-round. But before you start, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

The first is safety. Any outdoor fireplace should be built at least 10 feet away from any structures, including your house, and should be fitted with a spark arrestor to prevent sparks from escaping. You should also check with your local building code to see if there are any specific requirements for outdoor fireplaces in your area.

Once you've taken care of the safety considerations, you can start planning your fireplace. The size and style of your fireplace will depend on your personal preferences and the space you have available. But there are a few general guidelines you should keep in mind.

Fireplaces should be at least 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep. This will give you enough space to build a fire and provide enough heat to warm you up on a chilly night.

The height of your fireplace will depend on the height of your deck and the size of your firebox. A good rule of thumb is to make the fireplace about 2/3 the height of your deck.

Once you've decided on the size and style of your fireplace, you can start gathering materials.

Materials

* Fire brick * Mortar * Concrete * Flagstone or other paving material for the hearth * Cap stone for the top of the fireplace * Spark arrestor * Vent pipe * Duct tape

Tools

* Shovel * Wheelbarrow * Trowel * Level * Measuring tape * Circular saw * Safety glasses * Dust mask

Instructions

1. Dig a hole for the foundation of your fireplace. The hole should be at least 12 inches deep and 24 inches wide. 2. Pour a 4-inch layer of concrete into the hole and smooth it out with a trowel. 3. Let the concrete cure for at least 24 hours. 4. Build the firebox out of fire brick. Use mortar to hold the bricks together. 5. Build the hearth out of flagstone or other paving material. The hearth should be at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches deep. 6. Install the cap stone on the top of the fireplace. 7. Install the spark arrestor on the top of the chimney. 8. Install the vent pipe on the side of the chimney. 9. Duct tape the joints between the vent pipe and the chimney. 10. Enjoy your new outdoor fireplace!