An outdoor fireplace is an amenity that many homeowners are choosing to add these days, and the beauties that are being built not only enhance the property they're built on, but they also serve a functional purpose in that by providing a heat source, they allow people to use their patios for more months of the year. Although it's common to hire someone with masonry experience to build outdoor fireplaces, it's still a job that you can attempt on your own in order to save on labor costs. There are options for you even if you don't think you have the skills it will take to build a fireplace on your own.
Start by choosing a site for your new outdoor fire feature. This can be important, because, depending on where you live, there may be codes and ordinances you need to adhere to. In addition, you may find that your city has strict safety standards or requires you to purchase a permit before building. The area you select should be as far away from combustible objects, such as your home, vegetation, and other structures, as possible. No fire is exempt from sending out sparks, and you want to take steps to avoid disaster. Make sure that if you have a seating area planned, there's at least a 3-foot space between the fireplace and the seats.
Start by preparing the area you have chosen. You will need to build a platform of cinder blocks or concrete on which to sit your fireplace. It doesn't matter what you use, because you can always cover the platform up with tiles or other materials. Build a chimney that is reasonably high and a firebox that is somewhat lower. This will improve the draft as well as shield the fire from the wind. Before you complete your project, test the fireplace out to make sure that it works properly.
For those of you who don't feel you have what it takes to build your fireplace from scratch, you'll be able to buy pre-built fireplaces in your home improvement store and then just install them. This is a sensible, practical way to add the outdoor fireplace you've been wanting, because commercial fireplaces come already built to code. Once the basic structure is up, there are numerous ways you can embellish your fireplace to make it more attractive and unique. These may include adding a brick, rock, or tile surround or staining and painting the structure. From this point on, all you'll need to do is provide the wood and enjoy.
Start by choosing a site for your new outdoor fire feature. This can be important, because, depending on where you live, there may be codes and ordinances you need to adhere to. In addition, you may find that your city has strict safety standards or requires you to purchase a permit before building. The area you select should be as far away from combustible objects, such as your home, vegetation, and other structures, as possible. No fire is exempt from sending out sparks, and you want to take steps to avoid disaster. Make sure that if you have a seating area planned, there's at least a 3-foot space between the fireplace and the seats.
Start by preparing the area you have chosen. You will need to build a platform of cinder blocks or concrete on which to sit your fireplace. It doesn't matter what you use, because you can always cover the platform up with tiles or other materials. Build a chimney that is reasonably high and a firebox that is somewhat lower. This will improve the draft as well as shield the fire from the wind. Before you complete your project, test the fireplace out to make sure that it works properly.
For those of you who don't feel you have what it takes to build your fireplace from scratch, you'll be able to buy pre-built fireplaces in your home improvement store and then just install them. This is a sensible, practical way to add the outdoor fireplace you've been wanting, because commercial fireplaces come already built to code. Once the basic structure is up, there are numerous ways you can embellish your fireplace to make it more attractive and unique. These may include adding a brick, rock, or tile surround or staining and painting the structure. From this point on, all you'll need to do is provide the wood and enjoy.