Want to build an outdoor fireplace

[Scozz]

I posted this in another forum and got no respose .. figured I'd try my luck here....
I'm beginning the task of building an outdoor stone fireplace (wood burning) with a built in gas bbq grill as soon as the weather breaks. It will be about 20' long when completed (I'm incorporating some counter space and built in wood holders as well as a built in charcoal grill I picked up) . I'm basically new to masonry .. have done some block work in the past but I'm confident I'll suceed so long as I keep my patience. I plan on welding the hearth for the fireplace from plate steel, I think it will ultimately weather better than mortared firebrick any thoughts/comment on this would be appreciated. Any idea of the best way to erect the structure? Should I build out of cinder block first and face w/ stone or just build completly out of stone/mortar and fill voids with sand? I have more stone on my property than I could use in a lifetime even if I were to build stone houses! Anyone know of any masonry forums? Google search only showed a few very inactive ones. Thanks ....Scozz

 

[hunterridgefarm]

I have seen some of these built on DYI Network and HGTV. You should be able to go to there web site and pull up some past projects. DYI also has a program called "Rock Solid" that may offer some tips.

 

[avorancher]

I'm researching for a similar project and have decided to use firebrick for the box, concrete blocks faced with local stone. I also have an abundance of stone, but I'm concerned about the weight of a tall structure of pure stone.

Here is a link that will help get you the proper proportions for a clean burn (you don't need to use their clay precast units). Rumsford Fireplaces

 

[2nstonge]

Here's one from This Old House

I've built & repaired a fair amount of stone walls, steps and patios but never a fireplace. The best advise I can give you is to be sure the ground is properly prepped; drainage & compacted.

Sounds like a neat project, hope you post some pics along the way.

-Norm

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Scozz,
Gee, that sounds like an interesting project for sure, and pretty agressive and involved.

A few years ago I built a small wood/ charcoal fireplace out of brick. Small in comparison to what your planning but fun just the same! I started with a 5' x 5' reinforced concrete slab about 6" deep. Its a three sided affair about 40" high. On the inside walls I outcropped the brick at three different levels, so I could use my grates at different levels depending on if I was cooking with wood or charcoal. I made my own grates out of stainless steel round stock 5/16 dia on 3/4" centers. Quite often I would get a wood fire going in the bottom and use one grate to hold the charcoal and the other grate for cooking. The wood fire would get the charcoal going good plus I would get some wood flavor in the meat.

I will try and get some pictures of it when I get a chance.

scotty