How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Knowing how to build an outdoor fireplace can help transform your patio into an outdoor room with year-round entertaining potential. Whether it's for heat, ambiance or cooking, an outdoor fireplace will create an impressive presence in your landscape.

How To Build An Outdoor Fireplace That Will Last

An outdoor fireplace is a substantial project that you'll want to plan well in advance. There are many sources for building plans including the Internet, DIY books and your local building supply center. If you're comfortable working with concrete and masonry, you could have your own outdoor fireplace in a couple of weekends. Several things to consider as you proceed are:

• Check first. The construction of a permanent outdoor fireplace is probably governed by local building codes and will require at least one inspection. Check with your local building inspector before you purchase materials or begin construction.
• Location, location. You'll want to locate your outdoor fireplace where it will be well away from your home, trees or outdoor structures. If you're planning on seating in front of your fireplace, allow for three feet of space between the fireplace and any chairs.
• Start at the bottom. The key to a sturdy outdoor fireplace is the foundation. In warm climates, a floating, reinforced concrete slab may be appropriate. In colder climates, a poured concrete foundation that extends 6" below the frost line will provide a solid base for your fireplace.
• Anatomy of a fireplace. Your outdoor fireplace will have some of the same major elements as an indoor fireplace. You'll have a firebox to contain the fire, a chimney to carry away smoke and decorative elements like a hearth and mantel.
• Going pre-made. A manufactured firebox is probably the easiest and safest way to get started. Once the firebox is installed on the foundation, you only have to cover it with a brick, stone or cement block façade.
• Considering brick? If you're going to cover your fireplace with brick, you'll need to use firebrick (made with a low moisture content) and refractory mortar (formulated to resist heat).
• Going up. You'll want to build your chimney as high as possible to carry smoke away from your patio. An outdoor chimney will have to be wider than a traditional chimney, since it will be largely self-supporting. An outdoor chimney doesn't require an internal damper, but will still need a screen to limit sparks and cap to keep rainwater out.