Okay, so I’ve always wanted a cool outdoor space, you know, somewhere to chill with friends, roast marshmallows, the whole deal. And what’s cooler than a brick fireplace? Nothing, that’s what. So, I decided to build one myself. Yeah, you heard that right, DIY style.
First things first, I picked a spot in my backyard. Made sure it was away from trees, the house, anything that could catch fire, obviously. Safety first, people!
Then came the fun part – digging! I marked out the area for the base and started digging. It was a workout, let me tell you. I went down about six inches, making sure the ground was level. No one wants a leaning fireplace, right?
Building the base
- I mixed up some concrete. If I am being honest, this was the hardest part I think. I tried to get the right consistency, and it was tough.
- Then I poured the wet concrete and made the base.
- I let that dry for a few days. Patience is key, my friends, even though it’s tough.
Once the base was solid, it was brick-laying time! I’d never done this before, so it was a learning curve. I started with a layer of mortar (that’s the sticky stuff that holds the bricks together), then placed the first row of bricks.
I used a level to make sure everything was straight. Gotta keep those lines clean! Slowly but surely, I built up the walls, row by row. It was like a giant puzzle, but with heavy pieces. My back definitely felt it the next day.
The inside of the fireplace, the firebox, I lined with firebricks. These can handle the heat, unlike regular bricks. Safety again, people! I built that up, leaving a space at the back for the chimney.
For the chimney, I just kept stacking bricks, making it narrower as it went up. Think of it like an upside-down funnel. This part took some figuring out, but I got there in the end.
Finally, I added a little hearth at the front, just a small brick platform. Somewhere to put my drink while I’m enjoying the fire, you know?
And that was it! My very own, handmade, outdoor brick fireplace. It’s not perfect, a little rough around the edges, but I built it. And let me tell you, the first fire I lit in that thing? Best feeling ever. Sitting back, watching the flames, knowing I made that? Priceless.
