How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Sitting outdoors in the evening, sipping a hot cuppa and reading your favorite book, is just the perfect way to relax, whether it is summers or winters. The only problem in winters is that it is a bit too cold to enjoy that hot cuppa. Instead of avoiding your favorite habit during winters, why don’t you go for an outdoor patio fireplace? If you are thinking as to what it is, we can tell you that it is a just a normal fireplace, which is installed outside, in your patio/garden, rather than indoors. Imagine, sitting under the blue sky, surrounded with natural splendor, and basking in the warmth of the fireplace. If you find the idea appealing and want to know how to build an outdoor fireplace, make use of the instructions given below.

How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Items Needed

Pre-fabricated Fireplace
Fireplace Screen
Cement
Bricks and Stones
Tiles
Paint
Firewood

Instructions

First of all, decide on the exact spot where you want the outdoor fireplace to be built. The location should be as far way from the home, plants and other inflammable structures, as possible.
The seating near the fireplace should be designed in such a way that there is enough clearance between the chairs and the fireplace. The minimum distance between the chairs/sofas and the fireplace should be three feet.
Buy a prefabricated fireplace from the nearest home store. The size of the fireplace will depend upon the size of your patio/ lawn. If you want, you can also construct the entire fireplace on your own. However, it will require much time and effort on your part and should be undertaken only if you are an expert at building.
Next, you will be required to prepare the site where you want to install the fireplace. Clean the entire area of any plantation that might lead to a fire hazard later on.
You will be required to build a platform for the fireplace. For the purpose, you will be required to put cinder blocks or pour concrete. To make your fireplace look more appealing, add tiles along the border of the platform. It will also make the platform easier to clean.
For installing the fireplace, completely stick to the instructions from the manufacturer. The only difference between a normal fireplace and an outdoor fireplace is that you do not need to install a damper for the latter.
The chimney of the fireplace should be built as high as possible, so that the people sitting around do not face any problems with the smoke. For increasing the height of the chimney, you can also add a chimney pot.
The fireplace opening should always be a little lower, so as to improve draft. At the same time, this will help shelter the fireplace from wind that can cause smoke to breeze in.
For adding some finishing touches to the fireplace, apply cement or stained concrete or paint it with a color of your choice. You can also add rocks or tiles to make it look more stylish.
Finally, add a fireplace screen to the fireplace, in order to prevent fire hazards. Put some firewood inside the hearth, light a fire and spend some cozy moments lazing around in your patio/lawn.

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