How to Build a Masonry Outdoor Fireplace

Building a masonry outdoor fireplace can be a bit expensive but it’s a expenditure that is well worth the money and effort put into building it.

What Is Needed

First you’ll want to scout your property and find a location suitable to build the masonry fireplace. Remember – this is going to be a permanent fixture so choose carefully. Now you’ll need to gather your materials which include:

• your tools – level, trowel, mixing tool
• bricks
• fire bricks
• Mortar mix
• gravel concrete Mix
• iron rake
• ¼” rebar pieces 2 feet long
• wheelbarrow

Step 1 – Mix the Concrete

Mix your concrete with water making sure to follow the instructions provided on the bag in the wheelbarrow. Make sure the mixture is a spreadable, soft consistency. You’ll then want to spread it on the location that will be the home of the outdoor fireplace. Use the rake to tamp it flat until it’s about 1 inch thick from ground level and then place the rebar on the mixture and push them down until they are covered with concrete. Smooth the area with a trowel.

Step 2 – Mix the Mortar and Lay Your Bricks

Mix the premix mortar in the wheelbarrow. You only want to mix one bag at a time to prevent it from drying out before you’ve had a chance to use it.

• Set the outer bricks first. Spread some mortar out on the outer edge of your concrete base then lay the outer stones. After the first layer of outer stones have been set, and then do the fire bricks behind that.
• Continue the same way with each layer using the level periodically to ensure that the fireplace is staying level. If you find a spot that is a bit out, make it level before starting the next layer.

If you have never set bricks before, you will want to refer to a brick laying guide before you start. It’s important that the masonry fireplace be built taking care to keep everything level as you progress the layers.