How to Build a Fireplace
for Your Backyard Retreat
Let’s take a look at how to build a fireplace for cozy backyard entertainment. Choose an outdoor stone fireplace for a rustic design or an outdoor brick fireplace for a country design. If you are interested in a low maintenance fireplace, you may construct an outdoor gas fireplace or a propane outdoor fireplace. On this page, I have included all of the important points to consider before you lay your first brick. So, let’s get started...
What are the design requirements for your outdoor fireplace?
Choose a design that complements your house and fits in well with your backyard. Go to
Outdoor Fireplace Designs
to select a design that will work best in your back yard. What do you plan to do with your fireplace? Is it primarily for cooking? Maybe a wood oven could be built in with the fireplace. Is it for relaxing at the end of the day? Maybe you should include a couple of lounge chairs and side tables. Before you build your fireplace, plan the seating arrangement. You are creating an outdoor living space, so pay attention to the style of furniture that would complement the style of your outdoor fireplace design. Are you planning a rustic garden look or something a little more modern? It’s a good idea to draw everything you plan to have in your outdoor space to scale to see how they will fit together.
How to build a fireplace in accordance with the codes and ordinances governing your outdoor or patio fireplace?
This is probably your most important step. These codes and ordinances spell out the practical considerations for you to build a fireplace. For example, some ordinances specify that the fireplace can be no closer than 15 feet to your house. Others specify that the chimney (for wood burning fireplaces) must be at least 2 feet taller than nearby structures like patio covers. Still, some ordinances restrict wood burning fireplaces in certain areas.
How to build a fireplace foundation
Regardless of how you intend to build your fireplace, you are going to need a sturdy foundation to ensure the stability of your fireplace. There are basically four steps to prepare your outdoor fireplace foundation:
- Dig a hole the same size as your fireplace about 8 to 12 inches deep
- Pour in gravel about 3 to 4 inches deep
- Pour in sand about 3 to 4 inches deep
- Pour in concrete until the hole if filled
- Wait for the concrete to set.
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