Building an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

By Hubert Miles

Constructing an outdoor fireplace or fire pit creates an inviting environment for families and friends to gather. These structures turn your backyard into an outdoor living space which is an extension of your interior living space. Covered porches and screened porches make excellent locations for outdoor fireplaces, while patios make great locations for fire pits and can be situated around the most scenic section of your yard.

When looking to design an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, consider what you will be using the area for. Will you be entertaining friends and family or seeking a more intimate seeking for you and your spouse?

One option you can do is creating a fire pit in a circle large enough to accommodate the number of guests you will be entertaining on a regular basis. Position chairs around the fire pit where you and your guests can sit back and share stories and good times.

You can design your space for a more intimate setting with over-sized outdoor couches and chairs that will allow for you and the one you love to lay back relax while enjoying a quiet evening and a bottle of wine.

Outdoor fireplaces are built much the same way indoor ones are, except the chimney does not need to be as tall. The chimney needs to be tall enough to provide a strong draw. If you are thinking of constructing an outdoor fireplace, especially in a covered or screened porch, it is probably best to hire a professional. If you do have some basic carpentry skills, there are kits available that can be assembled.

Fire pits can vary in size depending on your needs as stated above. Fire pits are built out of fire rated brick veneer over concrete block with a reinforced steel concrete footing. The floor of the fire pit is made out of fire rated brick with a sand base to allow easy leveling. You can add options like a gas fuel line can be added for igniting the fire and a plumbing drain line can be added for easy cleanup with a water hose.

You can always choose to purchase a portable fire pit made of metal. These should be placed on a non flammable area such as a brick paver or concrete patio and clear of any roof overhangs.

Final Remarks

Regardless if you build an outdoor fire pit or fireplace, you can be sure that the addition will provide many years of enjoyment for you and your family in all seasons. - 30228

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