Anybody Ever build an OUTDOOR fireplace?
I’m in the planning stages for a multi-level paver patio of about 650 sf. Thinking it would be neat to have a wood burning masonry fireplace as part of this plan. Nothing really fancy, just a hearth, firebox, and small chimney. Maybe something made of conc. block with funny stone veneer or the like. Would be +/- 16′ from house. Obviously, I would need to build a suitable firebox lined with firebrick. But I would build from a plan.
I’m an avid DIY’er having recently built a 24 x 36 addition including electrical and plumbing. (turned out nicely too!) Am I crazy to even consider building such a thing? Has anybody ever built one and can anyone offer advice?
Or should I just go this route:
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1366935&cp=2568445.1260326&parentPage=family
I don’t really like the fire tables / chimneas /etc that are commercially available which is why I’m thinking masonry fireplace.
Tell me I’m nuts, or encourage me . . .
Edited 7/6/2008 9:01 pm ET by frontiercc2
Replies
Yes. I have designed/had built several. Basically I did it like any other. However don't expect it to work like one that you have in your house. The draw is/can be effected by the winds. It is more for esthetics than a practical source of heat. But then so is the one built in the house. Still, they look good and extend the use of the patio when the weather gets a little cooler. Makes you think you are warmer. I think it is worth it. However, I would not think you would want to make it look cheap. I can't imagine anyone enjoying cozying up to a bunch of CMU's.
I dunno...
We have friends who do a great deal of entertaining year long. They have some of those attractive firepit thingys that work just fine.
It's nice because they are portable. Your can put them away in the "off" season, and bring them back out when it gets cooler.
On the other hand, I have seen some very cool pictures of outdoor "living spaces" in many magazines. They look really pretty, but I often wonder how functional they are, and how often the actually get used.
I think you would be better off building a nice outdoor kitchen, with an incorperated BBQ, sink, and fridge or stove.
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You need a smoker
http://www.ibiblio.org/lineback/bbq/wdh.htm
:)
I would love to build a grill, smoker, cold smoker combo out of brick. Seen any good plans out there?http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com
I would love to build a grill, smoker, cold smoker combo out of brick. Seen any good plans out there?
I haven't really looked, mostly because I couldn't lay two bricks on top of each other if my life depended on it.
I think there may have been some basic instructions and dimensions somewhere down the rabbit hole of that link I sent.
I've got a smoker . . . http://www.chargriller.com/shop/grills/smokin-pro.htmlI am looking to add ambiance ~ whatever that is. The wife says she wants it. And you know how that goes . .. . . That link does look cool though!
I think the outdoor space calls for an outdoor fire experience, where the fire is central and everyone can gather around. If winds shift, so does the seating.
A masonary fireplace would work if you created a pit area, with walls around that it would be set into... Otherwise I don't see the advantage of enclosing a fire rather than keeping it fully open.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
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Pete that's sweet!
I like the dual levels.
If your going veneer most of what I've seen commercialy built lately amounts to veneer on diamond lathe on tar paper on sheetrock(densheild) or cement board on steel studs built around an outdoor fireplace box(stainless). I guess this is cheaper? saving on the footing that would be required to keep a masonary unit from settling. I suppose height would be an issue with wind though
This is what we ended up with, not quite finished in this pic. It isn't even fire brick, just concrete pavers over block and concrete. 5 Years later still doing fine
Check out this masonry fireplace kit by Mirage Stone.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11101726&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|50126|49238|59070&N=4019877&Mo=8&pos=0&No=8&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=59070&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC20118-Cat49238&topnav=