6 weeks to an outdoor fireplace, here we go...

Double

As I was headed out the door a couple of weeks ago to buy lumber for a large pergola in the backyard, my wife decided she wanted an outdoor fireplace first.

Back to the drawing board...The first decision was the type of fireplace to build, and after some online searching I settled on a Rumford style.

I scored a good deal on some Acme king size brick; about 1200 for $250. After that I started to plan out the shape and size of the fireplace, and get together a materials list. My goal was to get everything for under $1500.

Friday I started pouring the forms for an L-shaped brick pier bench and the fireplace. We are having a big BBQ on April 28th, so that means it needs to be ready in time. I was able to get all the concrete work done over the weekend and I purchased all of the remaining material on Saturday, to be delivered (hopefully) this Friday.

Hopefully I've got everything that I need, and I came in slightly under budget at about $1451.

This weekend I hope to get the brick for the benches laid, and use that as technique practice for the fireplace itself.

Pictures to follow shortly...

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Doing things almost the right way...

Double

Here is another thread I had that shows the layout and style that I was going for:

http://www.diychatroom.com/f105/outdoor-fireplace-firewood-box-upper-bracing-136037/

(Post 12 is the layout I'm trying for, and post 13 the brick style)

And here we go...


The Brick Pile



Location on the patio



Initial layout



A few markers



Removing and SAVING the dichondra ground cover



Replanted in a less well grown area of the patio

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Doing things almost the right way...

no1hustler

Awesome, I'll be following along!

pwgsx

Good luck, if you need some tips, let me know, I just did mine and had some issues with it venting due to the wind. All fixed now.
At least you have all matching bricks, I had about 4 different types but its more functional than for looks.

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Double

Very nice...a couple more pics.

I was going to get around to removing the fireplace form and tarp last night, but, I had some rotting fence and it is junk pickup week. So instead I spent the evening tearing some fence down, digging out old broken post footings, and getting the new post holes ready to pour new footings this weekend with the new fencing. May post a pic tomorrow.


Form for a bench base


And removing the form


Tarped fireplace base to "wet cure." The tarp comes off tomorrow AM!

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jomama45

I gotta say, you may be pushing the limits on your timeframe, but I do realize that sometimes that's the only way to get things done. Best of luck, and I look forward to the progress pics...........

fixrite

looks like it will be a fun place to enjoy friends and family.

Double

Yeah, jomama, if I don't set a tight goal it will never get done...

This weekend's progress!

Got about 150 brick laid, for the under bench are next to the fireplace. I was side-tracked with repairing a fence, adding a few new sections, setting posts, planting two trees, limbing up another, and clearing some beds for mulch and fabric; and boy does the body ache now...


The only thing that was backordered was the fireclay, so the firebrick will have to wait till next weekend to be set.


Ready to brick...


One under post finished.


All four completed on the underside, the pine will go on top double layer of 2x10 screwed together, and then there will be more brick over top with a concrete 16" square cap.

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pwgsx

Looks great!!!!! If you dont have one already, get a joint tool. After the cement starts to harden a bit, you tool the joints and it makes for a smooth finish and also helps with filling any gaps.

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Double

Good idea, I do have one and boy does it make a nice difference finishing everything off. I was able to get the wood finished for the benches last night, and hope to finish them all together Thursday night. Hope to get a good portion of the firebox laid on Sunday. Spent last night replacing pickets on the fence.

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pwgsx

Fences are always fun.......How do you plan to do the fire box?

jomama45

I hope you ordered exterior rated fireclay, ie: non-water soluable like HeatStop II or the like..............

pwgsx

I cant tell from the pic but you want a pretty deep fire box. From the pic it looks a bit shallow. Reason is its outside and any slight breeze will pull smoke out the front. My box is about 1 1/2 ft in and still have some issues. Just something to think about

Double

I hope so too. I told them at the masonry place that I was building an outdoor fireplace but I'll be sure to check...

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SingleGuy

Looks good! I'm tagging along on this one ...