Okay, folks, let’s talk about my latest project: building a brick fireplace for the backyard. I’ve always wanted a cozy outdoor space, and a fireplace seemed like the perfect centerpiece.
Getting Started
First, I spent a good chunk of time just staring at my backyard, trying to figure out the best spot. I wanted it to be close enough to the house for easy access, but far enough away that smoke wouldn’t be a problem. I also considered the prevailing wind direction – no one wants a face full of smoke while they’re trying to roast marshmallows!
Once I picked the location, I marked it out with some stakes and string. This gave me a visual of the fireplace’s footprint and helped me decide on the overall size. I went with a relatively simple rectangular design, nothing too fancy.
The Foundation
This was probably the least glamorous part, but super important. I dug a hole about a foot deep, a bit bigger than the fireplace’s base. Then, I filled it with gravel and tamped it down really well to create a solid, level base. This is crucial to prevent the fireplace from settling and cracking over time. No fun in that.
Laying the Bricks
Alright, here’s where the real fun began! I mixed up some mortar – basically, brick cement – and started laying the first course of bricks on top of the gravel foundation. I used a level constantly to make sure everything was straight and even. It’s like building with giant, heavy LEGOs, except you can’t easily take them apart if you mess up!
- Use a trowel to apply a generous amount of mortar to the foundation and the bottom of each brick.
- Place the brick firmly, tapping it gently with the trowel handle to settle it into place.
- Check the level constantly – horizontally and vertically.
- Clean away excess mortar and clean the bricks.
I worked my way up, row by row, making sure to stagger the joints for strength. It’s kind of like how you build a LEGO wall – you don’t want all the seams to line up. I also left a space in the front for the firebox opening, and a couple of smaller openings at the bottom for air intake.
The Firebox
For the firebox, I used firebricks, which are designed to withstand high temperatures. Regular bricks can crack or explode when exposed to intense heat, so firebricks are a must. I lined the inside of the fireplace with these, again using mortar to hold them in place.
The Chimney (or Lack Thereof)
I decided to keep things simple and go with a relatively short chimney. I wasn’t aiming for a towering structure, just something to help direct the smoke upwards. I continued the brickwork up a few feet above the firebox, gradually tapering it in to create a chimney-like shape.
Finishing Touches
Once the mortar dried, I went back and filled in any gaps or imperfections with more mortar. Then, I gave the whole thing a good cleaning with a wire brush to remove any excess mortar and give it a nice, finished look. I cleaned all the outside brick!
The Result
It took a few weekends of work, but I finally had my outdoor brick fireplace! It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and I built it with my own two hands. I’ve already enjoyed several evenings sitting around it with friends and family, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. It’s exactly the cozy outdoor space I’ve always wanted.
