Building a small brick outside fireplace requires careful consideration and preparation before beginning the project. To get started, you’ll need to mark the area where the fireplace is to be built, generally with a shovel and some string.
This will help you determine the size and shape of the fireplace. Once the area is marked, start digging a 12–18-inch deep hole and create a 3- or 4-foot wide foundation area, depending on the size of your fireplace.
Once the foundation is constructed, add a layer of crushed gravel and tamp it down to help ensure proper drainage.
Next, begin constructing the outside walls of the fireplace by laying out the bricks. For best results, use fire bricks, which will have greater heat resistance than ordinary bricks. When laying the bricks, use a mason’s string and level to ensure the walls are straight and level.
Once the walls are in place, use a fire-resistant mortar to set the bricks in place.
When the walls are in place and the mortar is dry, it’s time to build the firebox. Using fire brick, build the firebox to the desired size and shape, taking great care to ensure the firebox is insulated and sealed.
Once the firebox is in place, finish the fireplace by adding a chimney and a hearth in front of the firebox, along with any other decorative elements you may want to add.
Finally, before lighting a fire in your new fireplace, check your local building codes to ensure your fireplace meets all requirements, and contact your local fire department to ensure it meets all safety standards.
How do you build an outdoor fireplace with bricks?
Building an outdoor fireplace with bricks is a labor-intensive but rewarding task. The process can take several days, but the results will provide years of warmth and entertainment. Here is a step-by-step guide for building an outdoor fireplace with bricks:
1. Dig a hole to the desired depth, usually about two feet deep. Make sure to clear the area from any debris and create an even surface.
2. Place the firebricks in the hole and lay them out, forming a circular wall in the desired size. Make sure to stack the firebricks with some mortar in between to ensure a sturdy wall.
3. Lay a metal rebar in a crisscross pattern over the top of the firebricks and tie it firmly together with wire mesh. The metal rebar will add strength to the walls and prevent them from collapsing under the heat.
4. Place and secure the outside bricks around the metal rebar. Make sure to mortar them together and create a stable surface.
5. Place firebricks on the inside to create the floor of the fireplace. Make sure to use firebricks to prevent the heat from damaging the foundations.
6. Put in the chimney and make sure it is securely fastened to the bricks. The chimney should be at least 18 inches higher than the roof of the fireplace.
7. Cover the roof of the fireplace with fire-resistant roofing material, such as slate or slate-like material, that can withstand intense heat.
8. Finish the fireplace by laying a fireproof hearth material in front of the fireplace and adding styling elements, such as stone or stucco, for a finished look.
Once your outdoor fireplace is finished, you can enjoy warm and cozy evenings outdoors, as well as the satisfaction of a job well done! Make sure to follow all safety guidelines when starting and maintaining a fire.
Can I build an outdoor fireplace myself?
Yes, it is possible to build your own outdoor fireplace. However, it is important to remember that this type of project should only be attempted if you have prior experience with construction and DIY projects.
This project is generally very complex and can be quite expensive if done wrong. Additionally, it is possible that local codes or regulations may need to be followed when constructing an outdoor fireplace, so it is important to check with your local government to ensure you are meeting all the necessary requirements.
If you decide to tackle this project yourself, you will need a variety of tools and materials, including mortar, bricks, and stones, as well as a variety of other items. Additionally, you should have a detailed plan and a source of reliable instructions.
Building an outdoor fireplace requires a significant amount of time and dedication, so it is important to make sure you have the commitment to complete the project correctly before you begin.
How much does it cost to build an outdoor brick fireplace?
The cost to build an outdoor brick fireplace can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the project. The cost of materials alone can range anywhere from around $400 to more than $2,000, not including the cost of labor to install the structure.
The cost of the bricks themselves will depend on the type of brick you choose, with more expensive bricks and patterns usually costing more. The cost to hire a professional to build the fireplace could range from around $250 to more than $3,000, depending on the scope of the project and the experience the contractor brings to the job.
If you’re installing a complex, large fireplace, the cost could increase significantly, potentially into the tens of thousands of dollars. In addition, costs like transportation and permits may be required and must be factored in.
To get an accurate estimation of what it will cost to build your outdoor brick fireplace, it’s best to consult a experienced contractor and receive a quote.
Does an outdoor fireplace need a chimney?
Yes, an outdoor fireplace does need a chimney in order to work safely and properly. A chimney helps to ensure that smoke and other particulates are vented away from the living space, and that the air is cleared of smoke and fumes so it can be smelled and enjoyed.
The chimney helps to keep the fire burning evenly, which can help to prevent accidental fires. Additionally, a chimney helps to contain sparks and embers, ensuring that a fire outside does not spread flames and smoke around the property.
It’s important that the chimney is made of a fireproof material, to protect the structure from the flames, and to ensure that it will not become a fire hazard itself. In cases where the height of the chimney is limited, a spark arrestor may also be needed, to help contain any errant sparks.
Do I need fire bricks in my outdoor fireplace?
It depends on what type of outdoor fireplace you have. If it’s a traditional masonry fireplace, you will likely need firebricks to help shield the inner walls from the high temperatures of the fire. Firebricks do not conduct heat as quickly as other stone types, which means they can help absorb the heat of the fire, protecting your fireplace from deterioration or cracking.
Firebricks are specially designed for high temperature applications and also contain special insulating properties, making them an ideal choice for lining fireplaces. On the other hand, if you have a metal-type outdoor fireplace, it may not require firebricks to protect its walls from the heat.
In this case, it would be up to you to decide if the installation of firebricks would enhance your outdoor fireplace.
How thick should a concrete slab be for an outdoor fireplace?
The thickness of a concrete slab for an outdoor fireplace will depend on several factors, including the location of the fireplace, the size of the fireplace, and any weight the fireplace will support.
Generally, it is best to err on the side of caution and use a thicker concrete slab than recommended.
For a standard outdoor fireplace, concrete at least 4” thick should be used. If the fireplace is large or will support a significant amount of weight, such as a chimney or chimney-like structure, then it is recommended to use concrete 6” thick or greater.
Additionally, if the fireplace is near a tree or other object that could cause shifting in the ground, concrete at least 8” thick should be used.
Also, if the fireplace is located in a geographic area that experiences frequent freezing and thawing, the concrete should be 4” thick for every 10-15 feet above the level of the local water table. An even thicker slab should be used if the local water table is much higher.
Finally, it’s best to consult a qualified professional before beginning a project involving an outdoor fireplace. A professional can help determine the correct thickness of concrete that is necessary and can help ensure the success of the project.
How high does an outdoor fireplace chimney need to be?
The height of a chimney for an outdoor fireplace should be at least 2 feet taller than any part of the structure or combustible material situated within 10 feet of the chimney. For example, if the peak of the structure near the fireplace is 10 feet high, the chimney should be 12 feet high.
Additionally, the chimney should also be at least 3 feet higher than any nearby trees or buildings. Further, all chimneys should be at least 10 feet away from combustible materials and have a minimum clearance from combustibles of 2 feet.
For residential chimneys, it is also recommended to extend the height above the ridge line. Finally, all outdoor fireplaces must meet local codes and ordinances; be sure to check with your local fire and building department for their requirements.
What kind of brick do you use for an outdoor fireplace?
When selecting a type of brick for an outdoor fireplace, you’ll want to choose something that is strong and durable because of the extreme temperatures that the brick will be subjected to and the potential wear and tear from inclement weather.
A popular choice is refractory brick, which is made from a dense ceramic material capable of withstanding high temperatures. These bricks can withstand temperatures of up to 2800°F, making them ideal for an outdoor fireplace.
Additionally, they are much more resistant to moisture than regular bricks, meaning they won’t crack and chip due to rain or snow. Another great option is fire clay brick, which is a natural clay brick with a low-porosity that makes it resistant to chemicals and able tolerate intense heat.
Although fire clay brick is generally more expensive than refractory brick, it is one of the longest lasting brick types and, if properly maintained, can last a lifetime. Ultimately, it is important to carefully consider which type of brick is best for an outdoor fireplace as the wrong material could lead to deterioration or damage to the structure.
How many bricks do I need to build a fireplace?
The amount of bricks you need to build a fireplace will depend on the size and design you are looking for. Generally, you’ll need around 2500-3000 fire bricks (also known as refractory bricks) for the fireplace’s inner wall.
Depending on the fireplace design, you may also need additional regular bricks for the outer walls. It is best to seek advice from a professional who will be able to assess the size and structural details of your fireplace design and provide you with an accurate assessment of the number of bricks you’ll need.
