Okay, here’s my story about building that outdoor brick fireplace.
So, I’ve always wanted a nice, cozy spot in my backyard where I could just chill out, maybe roast some marshmallows, you know? I figured, why not build a brick fireplace? It seemed like a cool project, and I’m pretty handy, so I dove right in.
First, I looked up a bunch of designs online, just to get some inspiration. I didn’t want anything too fancy, just a simple, classic brick fireplace. Once I had a general idea, I sketched out a rough plan on some paper. Nothing professional, just something to guide me.
Getting My Hands Dirty
Next, I headed to the local hardware store and loaded up on bricks, mortar, and all the other stuff I needed. I think I made, like, three trips because I kept forgetting things. The guy at the store started to recognize me, which was kind of embarrassing.
The first real step was digging out the foundation. Let me tell you, that was a workout! I dug a rectangular pit, about a foot deep, and then I filled it with gravel and compacted it down. I used a hand tamper, which was basically like a medieval torture device for my back.
Brick by Brick
Once the foundation was solid, I started laying the bricks. This was the fun part, but also the most time-consuming. I mixed the mortar, which is basically like making a really thick, sandy cake batter, and then I spread it on each brick before carefully placing it. I used a level to make sure everything was straight because nobody wants a wonky fireplace.
- Mix mortar to a thick consistency.
- Spread mortar on the base.
- Lay the first course of bricks, ensuring they are level.
- Continue laying bricks, staggering joints for strength.
- Build up the firebox and chimney, following your design.
I worked on it a little bit each day, after work and on weekends. It was slow going, but I could see it starting to take shape. My neighbor kept popping over to “supervise,” which mostly involved him drinking beer and offering unsolicited advice. But hey, at least it was company.
The Final Touches
After a few weeks, the main structure was done. I added a little hearth at the front and a simple mantel on top. I let the whole thing cure for a few days, just to make sure the mortar was completely set. I didn’t want any bricks falling out when I lit the first fire.
Finally, the big moment arrived! I built a small fire in the fireplace, and it worked perfectly! The smoke went up the chimney, the bricks held strong, and it looked amazing. I was so proud of myself. It wasn’t perfect, but I built it with my own two hands, and that’s what matters.
Now, I spend a lot of evenings out there, just enjoying the fire. It’s become the best spot in the house, even if it’s outside. If you’re thinking about building one yourself, I say go for it! It’s a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it in the end. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and maybe invest in a good back brace.
