How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace With Cinder Blocks
Are you looking to create a stunning outdoor feature for your backyard that offers the perfect centerpiece for year-round entertainment and relaxation? Fireplaces are a cozy addition to any home all year round, but with an outdoor fireplace, you can take the comfort and ambiance outdoors, too! Whether you’re looking for something simple or something grand, building your own outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks can be a great way to customize it.
Even if you don’t have any construction experience, this is an easy DIY project that just about anyone can tackle in no time at all. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to build an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks and turn your backyard into the perfect spot for entertaining family and friends. Keep reading for all the tips on how to build an incredible cinder block outdoor fireplace.
The Benefits of Building an Outdoor Fireplace With Cinder Blocks
1. Durable
Building an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks is a great way to customize it and achieve the look you want. Cinder blocks are durable, affordable, easy to work with, and can hold up under extreme weather conditions. Plus, they provide excellent insulation to keep your fireplace burning hot for longer periods of time. Another bonus? You don’t need a lot of tools or materials to get the job done!
2. Customizable
Cinder blocks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you have almost endless possibilities when it comes to customization. You can use cinder blocks for the structure as well as accents around the fireplace, then add stone veneers or other decorative elements to give it the look you want. Plus, if you’re using a gas-burning fireplace, you don’t have to worry about fumes or smoke blowing into your yard.
3. Economical
Building an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks is one of the most economical ways of doing so. Cinder blocks are relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, so you can save money on the project overall. Plus, with cinder blocks, you don’t need to hire a professional to build it for you – it’s something that any homeowner can do in just a few days!
Required Items
Before you start building your outdoor fireplace, there are a few items that you’ll need to have on hand. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
- Cinder blocks
- Masonry adhesive
- Mortar mix
- Fireplace grate
- Bricks or pavers for the hearth
- Steel lintel
- Metal flue pipe
- Brick or stone-facing
- Sandpaper
- Small shovel
- Trowel
- Level
- Safety goggles and gloves
10 Steps on How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace With Cinder Blocks
Step 1: Clean Up
Prep the area by clearing away any vegetation or debris. Also, make sure that the spot you’ve chosen is level and away from your house. While cleaning, don’t forget to put on your safety goggles and gloves.
Step 2: Lay the Foundation
Once the area is cleared, start laying out your cinder blocks for the foundation. Make sure to stack them securely so they won’t topple over. You can also use masonry adhesive or mortar mix for additional stability.
Step 3: Install the Fireplace Grate
Once you’ve laid out the foundation, it’s time to install the fireplace grate. Make sure that it fits securely in place. Installing the grate before you begin building the walls will help keep it in place and prevent any shifting while you work.
Step 4: Build the Walls
Now that your fireplace grate is securely in place start stacking cinder blocks to build up the walls of your outdoor fireplace. Make sure each row is level as you go along – a level will come in handy for this. When you reach the height you want, use a trowel to spread mortar mix between each block to create a secure wall.
Step 5: Install Lintel and Flue Pipe
Once your walls are built, it’s time to install the lintel and flue pipe. Start by installing the steel lintel above the fireplace entrance, then connect the metal flue pipe to it. Use a small shovel to tamp down any dirt or debris around the hole for extra stability.
Step 6: Create Hearth
To create a hearth in front of your fireplace, lay down bricks or pavers on top of the foundation. Make sure they’re level and secure before moving on to the next step.
Step 7: Add Facing
Now it’s time to give your outdoor fireplace some extra pizzazz with a brick or stone facing. You can either purchase pre-cut pieces of brick or stone, or you can cut them yourself with a tile saw. Make sure they fit snugly and securely on the walls before moving on.
Step 8: Install Fireplace Doors
Once your facing is in place, it’s time to install the fireplace doors. Pick out a style that matches your overall design and make sure they fit snugly in the entrance of your outdoor fireplace.
Step 9: Add Finishing Touches
Now it’s time to add some finishing touches to your outdoor fireplace. You can paint the cinder blocks or add decorative elements like plants or stones. Make sure that any plants you place near the fireplace are fire-resistant, as they will need to withstand high temperatures.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once all of your hard work is finished, it’s time to relax and enjoy your outdoor fireplace. Now, you can start hosting cozy fireside gatherings with family and friends all year round!
Building an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks may seem like a daunting task, but as long as you have the right materials and tools, it’s an easy project, even for beginners. Whether you’re looking to create an inviting spot for entertaining or just want to upgrade your backyard, a cinder block outdoor fireplace is sure to make a statement. Follow the steps above, and you’ll soon have a cozy, beautiful outdoor fireplace that will become the centerpiece of your home.
8 Safety Precautions to Follow When Building an Outdoor Fireplace
Building an outdoor fireplace is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while keeping warm and cozy during chilly nights. However, there are some safety precautions you should take into account before beginning construction. To avoid any hazards or accidents from happening, here are 8 essential safety tips to consider when building an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks.
- Check local building codes to avoid any problems. Before starting to build your outdoor fireplace, make sure you understand the regulations in your area and follow them accordingly. This will ensure that your construction is done properly and legally.
- Wear protective clothing to protect yourself from burns and other potential injuries. This includes long sleeves and pants, gloves, safety glasses, a face mask or respirator, and a hard hat.
- Make sure the area is free of overhanging branches or obstacles that could present a fire hazard when using the fireplace. Additionally, it’s important to make sure the area is clear of flammable materials and combustibles such as dry leaves or wood.
- Avoid using wooden frames, as they are not fireproof and can easily catch fire. Also, never build your fireplace close to a building or any other structure that could be damaged by the heat from the fire.
- Use non-combustible materials such as metal or stone when building your fireplace. This will help to prevent any potential fires from spreading.
- When using cinder blocks, make sure they are interlocked firmly together and that the gaps between them are not too large. You may need to use an adhesive sealant for extra stability.
- When constructing a chimney, make sure it is at least a few feet away from your house and other structures. Additionally, the chimney should be constructed of non-combustible materials such as metal or stone.
- Finally, always keep an eye on your fireplace while in use and have an extinguishing tool nearby like a fire extinguisher, sand bucket, or garden hose – just in case you need to put out any sparks.
Following these safety tips before and during the construction of your outdoor fireplace will help ensure that it is safe and free from fire hazards. Have fun and enjoy your new outdoor space!
Conclusion
In conclusion, building an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks is a great way to bring functionality and aesthetics to your backyard gathering space. From selecting the right spot for building the foundation to properly completing the finishing touches, with some careful planning and due diligence, anyone can transform their backyard into an inviting place perfect for roasting marshmallows or hosting a summertime bonfire.
Take time to consider all the factors associated with creating an outdoor fireplace and seek out professional expertise if necessary in order to ensure that it is both safe and effective. Now go forth and get ready to enjoy many nights around the firelight! Follow the steps on how to build an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks, and you’ll have a cozy, beautiful outdoor fireplace that will become the centerpiece of your home.
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
