FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Fireplace design

arrowshooter | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 15, 2003 05:31am

I want to build a fireplace outdoors with a front opening about 8 ft wide and 3 ft high tapering back to 6 ft wide at the back. I need to find some information about the dimensions of the other components required for this size firebox, (slope of back side,flue size, flue opening,flue height, front to back dimensions etc ).

I know all these things have to be in relation to each other for a fireplace to draw properly. Is there a formula they use for fireplace design?.

If someone has this information or knows a source please post a reply.

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. tenpenny | Oct 15, 2003 03:48pm | #1

    http://www.rumford.com has a link (what is a rumford fireplace), at the bottom of the page is "online version", which takes you to an online version of rumford's fireplace design essay.

  2. Tryit | Oct 15, 2003 07:38pm | #2

    Are you planning to build it yourself?  What is your background?

  3. Tryit | Oct 15, 2003 07:41pm | #3

    Just another thought.  Eight feet by three high?  The proportions seem odd to me.  I have seen large fireplaces in old banquet rooms or lodges and if they are eight feet wide they are about 5 feet high.   This of course would be massive, but you might consider 6 by 3 and 1/2. ????

    1. arrowshooter | Oct 16, 2003 06:23pm | #4

      The fireplace will be outside at a campsite . It started out as a fire ring on the ground

      inside a three sided enclosure which is 3 ft high. The enclosure is supposed to direct the heat in one direction and shield the fire from view in the other direction. The back side of the enclosure is six feet wide with two three foot sides which angle out at about 45 degrees.

      This much is done. Now I want to put some kind of screen (1/2" hardware cloth) over the  top with a yet to be designed top tapering up to a metal flue in order to control sparks and draw the smoke upward.

      The fire ring itself measures three ft. across the back and five ft. across the front ,30 inches wide  and 10 inches high.

      The enclosure is made using 1/2 " backer board on a two x four frame. I am going to line the inside of this with metal roofing which I will be able to angle as required to get good draft. I need info regarding flue size and slopes required for the inner liner.

      1. User avater
        SamT | Oct 17, 2003 02:35am | #5

        Masonry Construction, Fireplace Design, Brick, Block & Stone Renovation & Repair

        http://www.heatilator.com

        "You will do me the justice to remember that I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his opinion, however different that opinion may be to mine. He who denies to another this right, makes a slave of himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of changing it."   Thomas Paine

        1. arrowshooter | Oct 17, 2003 06:12am | #6

           The Heatilator site did'nt help much but the other site seems to have some good information. Thanks for the reply

          Edited 10/16/2003 11:45:44 PM ET by ARROWSHOOTER

      2. fadagiovanni | Oct 17, 2003 04:22pm | #7

        sounds rather temporary...2x4's with 1/2" backerboard doesn't strike me as something that will last...............I'm glad your not building this inside!

        1. jimblodgett | Oct 17, 2003 04:55pm | #8

          The Foxfire Book (the first one) has a section on chimneys with drawings and dimensions. 

        2. arrowshooter | Oct 19, 2003 04:39pm | #9

          I would'nt dare build this inside,but I think the backerboard and framework will be OK for quite a while, especially if I line the inside with metal with an air space between the two.

          This is in a heavily wooded area and I am trying to build something that will prevent sparks from flying out and also protect the fire from the wind. The thing is anchored to the ground with 6 ft metal fence posts driven 3 ft into the ground and can be moved or taken down easily.

          1. fadagiovanni | Oct 20, 2003 06:04am | #10

            why not metal studs instead of wood???...should last longer however it would be a fine case study for the use of combustible materials in a fireplace...............

          2. arrowshooter | Oct 21, 2003 05:59am | #11

            I thought about using metal and may have to later, but I decided to use treated wood. The framework will be behind the backerboard, then an air space, then a metal liner, so I don't think the wood will combust (if the backerboard does'nt self distruct)

            Thanks for the reply I'll see what happens when I build the fire.

          3. fadagiovanni | Oct 21, 2003 07:30am | #12

            I sincerely doubt that the backerboard will hold up...however there are some ceramic fiber materials that will....for instance I know that Rais woodstoves uses a baffleplate that is light weight material, similar to vermiculite......

          4. Tryit | Oct 21, 2003 07:39pm | #13

            Why not just lay down some cement blocks, even 4" block and cover it with firebrick?  Could not be that hard or expensive.  Then do our hack tin job on the hood, who would ever know?

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Making the Move to Multifamily

A high-performance single-family home builder shares tips from his early experience with two apartment buildings.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details
  • A New Approach to Foundations
  • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems
  • Guest Suite With a Garden House

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data