How To Build A Outdoor Fireplace

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Building a outdoor fireplace is a do it yourself project the average person can take on. A outdoor fireplace will add value and entertainment to your patio.

These are the basic steps involved in building a outdoor grill:

1. The first step is to build the foundation the fireplace will rest on. Dig out the area to a depth of 4" to "8 inches deep. The length and width of the rectangular foundation is based on the dimensions of the fireplace you intend on building. Install wood forms along the edges. Use a level to achieve a slope of about 1/8" per foot to allow for drainage. Mix the cement according to the manufacturers instructions. Pour the cement to a depth of half of the foundation hole. Lay rebar cut to the width of the foundation on top of the cement, about one foot apart. Pour the remaining cement over the rebar and smooth it out. Use the level again to ensure you've maintained the slope. Allow to completely cure and dry.

2. Determine where your fireplace will sit on the foundation. The easiest way is to lay down the bricks to get a visual idea of the shape and size. Don't use any mortar when doing this. Once you're satisfied with the layout, mark the perimeter of the base of the fireplace with a pen and remove the loose bricks.

3. Cover the bottom course with mortar, keeping it within the perimeter you've marked. Begin building the walls by laying the first layer and clean the sides and edges of the brick. Keep laying the bricks, remembering to stagger them. Use about 1/2" of mortar between each layer. Use a rubber mallet to tap them firmly into place and clean them as you go.

4. When you have reached the point where your grill is to be installed you could lay a sheet of 1/4" to1/3" steel across the top and continue laying the bricks on top of the metal sheet. Another option is to insert metal pins between the bricks to support the grill, leaving each pin exposed about 1".

5. Allow the fireplace to completely cure before attempting to use it.

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