DIY Outdoor Fireplace

DIY Outdoor Fireplace
Outdoor fireplaces are a romantic way to enjoy the backyard at night. They can be enjoyable in during the cool summer nights and even during the chilly winter nights. It has never been more easy and affordable to build your own fireplace out back and sometimes they can be done over the weekend.

Friendly Reminder

There are a few things to consider before building and a little homework will need to be done to save you from stress and frustration later on. You should always check with the city, before you do any building or digging, to find out what ordinances and codes are in place that might affect you. You need to find out what permits are needed and how much they will costs to factor them into your budget. Also, it might not be a bad idea to check with your insurance agent to see if the fireplace will change your home insurance premiums. Knowing all of this ahead of time will save you a headache and money.

Materials Needed:

  • stacked stone
  • 2X4 pressure-treated lumber
  • concrete foundation
  • concrete cinder blocks
  • backer board
  • screws
  • mortar
  • trowel
  • tape measure
  • pencil
  • notepad
  • nail gun
  • nails
  • drill
  • screws
  • chop saw
  • shovel
  • chimney cap
  • protective gloves
  • screwdriver
  • masonry anchors or bits

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Your Design
You need to create a design. Figure out the dimensions you want, but also consider the amount of space you have in your backyard. Jot everything down. Also, consider the type of material you want to use. Do you want to go with brick for a more traditional aesthetic or man-made stacked stone for a contemporary look? You could also tie it in with the exterior of your home as well. You should also decide if your fireplace will be wood burning or gas-lit.

Step 2: Foundation

You will need to lay down a foundation if your home does not already have a flat area with a concrete slab. Create one by digging a ditch, and mixing and pouring the mixture. Work it all in and smooth out the concrete and give it time to set.

Step 3: Lay Concrete

When it comes to the design you decided, lay cinder blocks adding a layer of mortar between each one. Leave an opening at the top for ventilation.

Step 4: Building a Façade Frame

Referring to the dimensions you came up with, cut your 2x4’s to size and assemble each one using a nail gun or with screws using a drill.

Step 5: Attach the Cement Board

After you have your frame in place, cut the cement board to size using a chop saw. Attach to the frame with concrete screws.

Step 6: Add Mortar

Following directions on the packaging, mix mortar. Use a trowel and scoop mortar from the bucket and add it to predetermined cement boards. You will want to add the mortar in sections to keep it from drying out before you can add the stone.

Step 7: Adding the Stone

Press the stone into the mortar and hold it in place until self-supported. Continue placement of stones, ensuring no space is left between them.

Step 8: Attach Chimney Cap

Because most chimney caps are made of metal, you should wear protective gloves before installing. If you have a single-flue chimney cap, slip it over the flue, firmly tightening the screws on all sides of the chimney cap. Inside-mount chimney caps require a firm push directly into the flue. If your cap requires masonry anchors or bits, attach using a drill.

Finished Project

There you have it. It is not as scary or time-consuming as you might think. It does, however, take patience and the right tools. It is possible you have all the tools needed for this project in your shed, but you might not have all the tools need to make the job easier. Check out United Rentals for all your big and small jobs on your to-do list this year. Come by or check us out at www.unitedrental.com for all your affordable construction equipment in Abilene.

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