Okay, here’s my blog post about building an outdoor brick fireplace, written in a casual, personal style:
Man, I’ve always wanted a proper outdoor fireplace. Not one of those flimsy metal things, but a real, solid, brick fireplace. Something that says, “Yeah, I built this, and it’s gonna last.” So, this summer, I finally did it. It was a project, for sure, but totally worth it.
Getting Started
First thing, I picked a spot. It needed to be away from the house, away from any overhanging trees, and on a relatively level surface. I didn’t want to start a forest fire, you know? I also checked the local building codes. Always do that, because getting shut down by the local inspector can be terrible.
Then came the design. I sketched out a few ideas, nothing fancy, just some basic shapes and dimensions. I wanted something classic, not too big, not too small. I looked at some pictures online, got some inspiration, but mostly, I just winged it. I ended up with a simple rectangular design, about 4 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and 5 feet tall.
Laying the Foundation
This part was crucial. A good foundation is everything. I dug a hole about 12 inches deep, and a bit wider than the fireplace footprint. Then, I filled it with gravel, making sure to compact it really well. I used a hand tamper, which was a workout, let me tell you. On top of the gravel, I poured a concrete slab, about 6 inches thick. I used some wooden forms to keep the concrete in place while it cured. I let that sit for a few days, to make sure it was good and solid.
Building the Firebox
Now for the fun part – laying bricks! I’d never done this before, so I watched a bunch of YouTube videos. Seriously, YouTube is a lifesaver. I bought a bunch of firebricks, which are designed to withstand high temperatures, and some regular bricks for the outer walls.
I started with the firebox. I used firebrick and fire-resistant mortar, following my rough design. I made sure to leave enough space for a good-sized fire, and I built a slight slope towards the back to help with the draft. It was slow going, but I took my time, making sure each brick was level and the mortar joints were consistent. Messy, but satisfying.
Building the Chimney
After firebox, I built the chimney. I used regular bricks for this part, since it wouldn’t be exposed to direct flames. I continued the rectangular shape upwards, making sure to maintain a consistent opening for the smoke to escape.
I learned this trick for keeping the rows.
- Take your time
- Make sure each brick was level
Finishing Touches
Once the brickwork was done, I let the mortar cure for a week. I kept it damp by occasionally spraying it with water, which is supposed to help it cure stronger. After that, I cleaned up any excess mortar with a wire brush and a damp sponge. And that was pretty much it!
My first fire was awesome. It felt amazing to sit back, relax, and enjoy the warmth of a fire I built myself. It wasn’t perfect, there are a few wonky bricks here and there, but it’s mine. And it works. If I can do it, you can do it too!
