Okay, so I’ve always wanted a nice outdoor fireplace, something simple, not too fancy. I finally decided to just go for it and build one myself using bricks. Let me tell you, it was a bit of a journey, but totally worth it!
Getting Started
First, I picked a spot in my backyard. I made sure it was far enough away from the house, trees, anything that could catch fire. Safety first, folks!
Then, I gathered my materials. I went with simple red bricks – nothing special, just the regular kind you find at the hardware store. I also got some mortar mix, a trowel, a level, a shovel, and a rubber mallet. Oh, and some gravel for the base.
Laying the Foundation
I dug a shallow pit, maybe 6 inches deep, and made it a little wider than the fireplace I planned to build. I dumped in the gravel and spread it evenly. This gives the fireplace a solid, level base to sit on.
Building the Walls
This is where the real work began. I mixed the mortar according to the instructions on the bag – it’s basically like making cement. Then, I started laying the bricks.
- I spread a layer of mortar on the gravel.
- I placed the first brick, tapped it gently with the rubber mallet to settle it in.
- I checked it with the level to make sure it was straight.
- I did the same for all the other bricks.
I kept going, row by row, making sure to stagger the joints – you know, like a real brick wall. I used the trowel to scrape off any excess mortar that squeezed out. It was messy, but kind of fun!
Slowly but surely, the walls started to take shape. I built a simple rectangular box, leaving the front open for the fire, of course.
The Finishing Touches
Once the walls were high enough (I went for about waist-high), I let the mortar dry for a couple of days. I wanted to make sure everything was good and solid.
And that’s pretty much it! I now have a simple, functional brick outdoor fireplace. It’s not perfect, a few bricks are a little crooked, but I built it myself, and that’s what matters.
I’ve already used it a few times to roast marshmallows with the kids. It’s a great addition to the backyard, and I’m pretty proud of my handiwork. If I can do it, anyone can!
