Outdoor Brick Fireplace Plans

If you're considering enhancing your outdoor living space, a brick fireplace plan is a fantastic addition. Not only does it serve as a practical heating source, but it also adds an appealing, rustic charm to your porch, patio, or deck.

A well-designed outdoor fireplace can become the focal point of your backyard, drawing friends and family together for memorable gatherings. In this guide, we'll explore various outdoor brick fireplace plans, walking you through the design, construction, and maintenance processes.

Designing Your Outdoor Brick Fireplace

Before you start building, planning is crucial. Consider not only the size and shape of your fireplace but also its location, surrounding landscape, and complementarity with your home's architecture.

Assess your space – how much room can you dedicate to your fireplace? Popular sizes range from 36 to 48 inches wide and 12 to 18 inches deep, but you can customize these dimensions based on your preferences and needs.

Choosing a Style

Opt for a design that complements your home's architecture and landscape. Here are a few styles to consider:

• Natural Stone or Rustic: Ideal for cottage-style homes or those set in wooded areas, these fireplaces feature stacked or layered stonework and can be built with reclaimed bricks or stones.
• Modern/ Contemporary: Flat, clean lines and smooth surfaces characterize these designs. Often, they're built with standard, uniform bricks and feature sleek, minimalist styling.
• Masonry/Architectural: Inspired by historical architectural styles, these fireplaces may incorporate columns, archways, or decorative accents, such as imbrices or dentils.

Planning Your Layout

Consider the fireplace's placement relative to seating areas, wind direction, and dominant views. For example, if your patio faces a particularly scenic vista, position your fireplace to minimize obstructions.

Also, ensure your fireplace meets local building codes and follows safety guidelines, such as providing adequate clearance from combustible materials and keeping it a safe distance from property lines.

Building Your Brick Fireplace

Once your plans are in place, it's time to gather materials and tools and begin constructing your fireplace. Here's an overview of the process:

You'll need:

• Bricks (calculate approximately 70-80 bricks per square foot of fireplace area)
• Firebrick (for the firebox – costs around $2.50 each)
• Concrete blocks (for the inner support structure)
• Concrete mix (for the footer)
• Mortar (ready-mix or mix your own, ensuring a 3:1 or 4:1 sand-to-cement ratio)
• Fireproofing spray (for enhanced safety)
• Tools: trowel, level, bricklaying trowel, masonry chisel, hammer, tape measure, safety glasses, work gloves

Foundation and Footing

Begin by preparing the site – ensure it's level and free from debris. Dig a 4-6 inch deep by 2-4 inch wide footer and fill it with concrete, smoothing it to create a flat, level surface for your fireplace.

Once the concrete has set, you can begin laying your bricks. Starting with a straight, level bottom row is crucial, as it will impact the entire structure's stability and appearance. Use a mason's line to ensure your bricks remain aligned.

Building the Firebox

The firebox is the interior chamber where the fire burns. Construct it using firebricks, which can withstand high temperatures. Start by laying a layer of firebricks on the footing, using a thicklayer of mortar for adhesion.

Continue laying bricks, staggering vertical joints and ensuring they remain perpendicular and level. Incorporate a smoke shelf (a ledge within the firebox, above the fireplace opening) to support large logs and direct smoke upward.

Insert asheet metal chimney liner through the chimney opening, connecting it tusually with a thimble or elbow. After completing the firebox, apply fireproofing spray to the inner walls for added safety.

Constructing the Chimney

Your fireplace's chimney must be properly sized, well-built, and correctly isolated to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Lay bricks vertically above the firebox, ensuring they align with the back walls. Offset and stagger vertical joints to reinforcing the structure. Create smoke chambers (expanded sections within the chimney) every 6-8 feet to smooth airflow and remove creosote, which can accumulate and cause chimney fires.

Cap the chimney with a rain ENT, ensuring proper ventilation and protection from moisture. An ornate chimney cap can also enhance the design.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Brick Fireplace

Regular maintenance ensures your fireplace remains safe, efficient, and attractive. Some essential upkeep tasks include cleaning, inspecting, and repairing.

Cleaning

Remove soot, creosote, and ash from the firebox, chimney, and surrounding bricks with a chimney brush or scraper, and a damp (not wet) cloth. Inspect the chimney for blockages, cracks, or other damage during this process.

Preventive measures, such as using fireplace inserts or installing a chimney screen, can minimize needed cleaning by keeping out animals and debris.

Inspection and Repairs

Inspect your chimney biannually – once in the spring before using it again, and again in the fall afterburning season. Check for leaks, cracks, or damaged bricks and repair them promptly to keep moisture out and maintain structural integrity.

Reapply fireproofing spray every few years to enhance safety. Address any issues promptly to prevent small problems from becoming costly repairs.

Building an outdoor brick fireplace is a rewarding project, adding value and appeal to your home. With careful planning, high-quality materials, and regular maintenance, your fireplace will become the beating heart of your backyard, inviting you to relax and enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire, surrounded by loved ones.