How To Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Your patio or deck is a special place, and perhaps it’s time to add the most impressive piece of garden décor, an outdoor fireplace. An outdoor fireplace offers warmth and comfort in all seasons, but is obviously used most in the fall and winter. Regardless of climate or personal use, here’s how to build an outdoor fireplace. There are many styles of outdoor fireplaces.

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces

The most simple (and least expensive) options are self contained fire pits or chimneys. A clay chimenea available from most garden centers or design centers can make a festive addition to a small patio, especially if it won’t get much use. A portable fire pit or brazier is another option perfect for smaller budgets or small patios.

Built-in Fire Pits and Ovens

The most simple built-in options are permanent fire pits, which are essentially a ring of well laid stones perhaps with built-in seating, or a cooking fireplace that closely resembles a brick oven.

Elaborate Outdoor Fireplaces

Custom outdoor fireplaces can rival indoor fireplaces with gas logs, mantles and designs. These are best designed and built by professionals or with careful study and design research.

Create a Layout

If you’re opting for a portable fireplace, you simply need to purchase one and find it a good home on your patio. You might also consider new seating or an appropriate (nonflammable) patio cover to complete your new outdoor lounge.

Elaborate designs are best left to professionals, but it is possible to build the more simply designed fire pits or ovens. Fire pits are the least expensive design and can be used for basic cooking. Ovens are more complex, but can be used for many forms of entertainment and baking.

In your layout, select a location for your fireplace. Be sure to keep it a good distance away from existing buildings, wooden structures and other garden elements. Also be sure there is enough room for guests about three feet away from the fire. Circular fire pits are best for entertaining, so be sure to leave room for seating all the way around.

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Buy Materials

If you’re interested in an oven, consider buying a prefabricated unit to install yourself or get the assistance of an experienced contractor. Fireplaces must draw correctly and regulations in your area may be strict on outdoor fire structures.

If you’re creating a fire pit, purchase bricks suitable for flames or use stones to create a fire circle.

Create the Fireplace

Assemble the oven style fireplace exactly according to instructions to ensure it works properly. To create a fire pit, dig a pit at your desired depth. Line it with stones, brick or gravel as you see fit. You can also leave it bare dirt.

Line the perimeter of your pit with closely laid rocks or bricks. Clear away any surrounding grass or overhanging limbs. Arrange seating, or build custom seating around the fire pit and your work is done! Sit back and enjoy.

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