Okay, folks, let’s dive into my little backyard adventure – building an outdoor fireplace with bricks! I’ve always wanted a cozy spot to chill outside, even when it’s a bit nippy, so I figured, why not build one myself?
Getting Started
First things first, I gathered all my materials. This meant a trip to the home improvement store for a TON of bricks (I ended up getting way more than I needed, just in case!), some mortar mix, and a few basic tools. I already had a shovel, a trowel, and a level, so I was good to go there.
The Base
Next up, I dug out a shallow pit where I wanted the fireplace to be. I made sure the ground was pretty level, then I laid down a layer of gravel for drainage. I got some concrete pavers and placed the pavers on the ground, On top of that, I started laying the first course of bricks, making sure they were nice and level.
Building it Up
This is where the real work began. I mixed up the mortar according to the instructions on the bag (it’s basically like making cement). Then, I started spreading the mortar on the bricks and stacking them up, one row at a time. I used the trowel to smear the mortar on, and I made sure to check the level every few bricks to keep things straight. It’s kind of like building with giant, heavy LEGOs!
- Mixing the mortar: Get the consistency right! Not too runny, not too stiff.
- Spreading it on: A nice, even layer is key.
- Sticking the bricks: Press them down firmly.
- Checking the level: Constantly!
- Taking breaksBecause bricks are heavy
The Firebox
As the walls went up, I needed a firebox, a space where to put and burn wood. I had prepared some fire-resistant bricks at the early beginning, and I built the inner box part with these bricks.
Finishing Touches
Once I got the walls to the height I wanted, I added a little capstone on top, just to make it look a bit nicer. Then, I let the whole thing dry for a few days. I had to keep spraying it with water every now and then to help the mortar cure properly. You don’t want it to dry out too fast, or it’ll crack.
The First Fire!
Finally, the moment of truth! After letting it cure, I built a small fire in the fireplace, and it worked perfectly! It was so satisfying to sit back and enjoy the warmth, knowing I built the whole thing myself. It’s not perfect, mind you, but it’s mine, and it’s awesome.
Total cost? All the meterials cost me about 200 dollars, plus countless sweat. I think it’s totally worthy.
