The 5 components you'll need for an outdoor fireplace

Before you have a plan for a DIY outdoor fireplace, here are the basic components you'll need in the structure:

Foundation - Outdoor fireplaces can take up a lot of space, and in order for them to be stable - you'll need a level, sturdy foundation. A concrete foundation is one of the best and easiest options for a homemade fireplace. You'll have great support, and you won't need any special skills or expensive tools.
A firebox is a chamber inside the fireplace that is most often fireproof and connected to the chimney and hearth (floor of the fireplace). The firebox can be located directly on the foundation or be slightly elevated above the ground (at about knee level).
Chimney and parts associated with it. The chimney is the ventilation duct on top of the firebox, which is responsible for creating the air flow. It feeds the fire and allows toxins and smoke to escape. There is a hood on top of the chimney that protects the chimney from atmospheric damage. Some designs have an interior chimney liner that protects the chimney from excessive heat or soot buildup, although most DIY designs don't really require this. Complex designs have flaps at the base of the chimney that can be closed or opened if desired to keep cold air from entering the house through the chimney when you are not using your fireplace.
Shields and doors - Another common element of a fireplace is a fireproof screen, which helps get rid of soot from the firebox and prevents sparks from flying out.
Decorative parts - if you make your fireplace yourself, you can make it more minimalist, or you can decorate as you wish. There are different options - for example, a stone bench, a wooden mantle, or a brick that is used for decoration. There are also various side structures that are used for tools or firewood storage.

What will you need to build an outdoor fireplace?

Here's a list of basic tools you may need to build your own fireplace:

Accents - Most designs for these fireplaces use multiple metal or stone accents, to enhance aesthetics and functionality. A chimney hood (stone or metal) keeps snow and rain out of the firebox and chimney, and holes or screens allow smoke to escape properly even when the hood is on. Metal doors or screens in front of the firebox prevent sparks from escaping.
Fireproof material - If you are choosing the right material for your fireplace, choose something sturdy and with good enough fire retardant properties. It's important that the fireplace is well protected from the weather (rain and wind). The materials you should look at are paving, concrete, cinder block, stucco, tile, brick, and stone.
Foundation materials - an outdoor fireplace is a large structure, and you need a level and solid foundation. A concrete foundation will be the easiest option. You will get excellent support without any special tools or technical skills. To make a concrete slab foundation - you will need a shovel, a wooden frame and concrete mix. You can also use gravel (bedding layer) if you wish.
Mortar - Mortar is a flowing paste that will become hard as it dries. It serves as the glue for all the materials you work with during construction. You will also need a trowel to apply the mortar.

Building an outdoor fireplace

Below will be the step-by-step instructions for building a stacked stone fireplace:

Know all about local rules and regulations. Before you decide to use your backyard to build a fireplace - research any zoning restrictions to learn about the rules for standing structures in the backyard as well as outdoor fireplaces.
Draw your design. First, outline the shape of the fireplace, with all the necessary comonents (foundation, closed top chimney for smoke escape, and firebox). Also, don't forget to specify additional structures, like stone shelves, stone benches, or places where you will store tools and firewood for the firebox. If you're having a hard time choosing a basic shape for your fireplace, research various designs online to see what works best for you. Once you have an idea of what you want to see - put everything on your plan, take measurements to see how much material you will need to order and how much you will have to spend.
Choose a good location for your fireplace. many homeowners use some place that will take more attention. For example, the center of your grounds, or you can choose a spot near your gazebo or any other existing outdoor seating area. You can also place the fireplace in some open, secluded spot, or position it to obscure some not-so-pretty functional object (such as a pole). You can also place a fireplace between your own yard and your neighbor's yard to make your outdoor living space even more private.
Foundation. Once you've decided on a location, it's time for a concrete foundation. use a shovel and dig a rectangular hole the size of the base of your fireplace (use a level to make sure everything is accurate). Insert a wooden frame - it will be the forming link in your structure. If you want, you can place a layer of gravel on the bottom of the hole, then mix everything up and pour the concrete according to how it's listed on the package. Let it harden before you decide to build the firebox.
Furnace. Once everything is dry, start building the firebox. The first layer (bricks or stone) should be laid to the shape of the base of the fireplace, and it should be level. Each stone is secured with a layer of mortar. After that, lay out the back and sides of the firebox. After you have set the back and side walls at a comfortable height, place a few temporary supporting stones in the front open area and create a front overhang - also called a lintel. Let the mortar for the firebox dry.
Lay the chimney. Once your firebox is ready, continue to build up your structure, placing additional layers on the firebox. Usually taper the layers so that you have a thin chimney on top of the sturdy firebox.
Final touches. Once you've gotten to the top - keep doing whatever you have in mind to make the chimney roof (metal steam or metal screens).
Let the chimney cure. After you've completed all the basic work - let the structure cure. Leave it for at least 72 hours. Curing is a continuation of the drying process. The chemicals complete their reactions and become solid. After all these points, your fireplace is ready!

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