Build a Stone Fireplace
in Your Outdoor Space
Build a stone fireplace in your backyard and create a fun outdoor space for you and your family. On this page, you can learn how to build a stacked stone outdoor fireplace, or the proper way of applying stone to your fireplace or how to lay an outdoor stone fireplace.
Building stacked stone outdoor fireplaces is a fun project for the weekend do-it-yourselfer. This type of fireplace looks as if stones were simply stacked on top of each other to form a fireplace. The fun part of the project is assembling the stones and stone fragments so that there are no gaps between the stones. This is what makes this project very similar to a fun puzzle. This is an activity the entire family can enjoy together. See instructions below to build a stone fireplace.
Build a stone fireplace and create a fun outdoor space for you and your family. Applying stone to your fireplace requires the skills of a mason or a determined do-it-yourselfer. If you want to learn how to lay an outdoor stone fireplace, these are the five steps to applying the stone to your fireplace:
- Assumptions
These steps assume that you are starting with an outdoor fireplace kit. Therefore, you already have your foundation, firebox, and chimney in place. If you want more information on fireplace foundations go back to How to Build a Fireplace.
- Measurements
Obtain the exterior measurements of your firebox and chimney. Measure carefully because you are going to use these values to determine the amount of stone you need to purchase.
- Selections
Select the stone you wish to cover your fireplace with. Natural stones are very heavy and difficult to maneuver when you need to cut them. Cultured stone is significantly lighter and easier to handle. If you want more information on selecting the right stone, go back to Stone Outdoor Fireplaces.
- Arrangement
Select the first section to apply your stone and lay the stone out on the ground. Lay out this section depending on your chosen design.
Stacked Stone Outdoor Fireplace: This type of fireplace does not have mortar that is visible between the stones. Instead the stones are stacked so that every space is filled with stone. In the next section you'll learn how mortar is applied only to the back of the stone in order to create a sturdy surface but maintain a look of stones that have been placed on top of each other.
Stone Outdoor Fireplace (with mortar between stones): For this type of fireplace, the stones are laid out with a small quarter inch gap between the stones. This layout allows you to place the stones at regular intervals and makes attaching the stones very straightforward.
Note that if you are working with natural stone, you will need to seal it before mortaring it in place.
- Mortar
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix your mortar. Carefully apply mortar so that it fits in with your desired design. Apply it only to the back of the stone if you are creating a stacked stone fireplace. If you want the mortar to show between the stones, then apply it also to the sides of each stone.
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