Table of Contents
How much does it cost to build an outdoor fireplace?
An outdoor fireplace will cost anywhere between $1,500 to $20,000. On average, it will run you about $3,000 to have a fireplace built. Pre-made kits and unfinished contractor models usually only run from $1,500 to $9,000. Custom projects typically cost between $8,000 to $20,000 – some even hitting $50,000.
What do you need to build an outdoor fireplace?
Materials Needed: stacked stone. 2X4 pressure-treated lumber. concrete foundation. concrete cinder blocks. backer board. screws. mortar. trowel.
Is an outdoor fireplace worth it?
Chances are it’ll be worth the investment, as outdoor fireplaces tend to be hugely popular elements of outdoor design, providing a natural gathering, entertaining and even cooking space. Whatever you invest, the returns are likely to be hefty in terms of cozy and comfortable quality time spent with friends and family.
Do you need fire brick for an outdoor fireplace?
All fireplaces must be constructed of heat-safe materials, which usually mean brick, block, concrete, or stone for the exterior. The firebox (where the flames actually burn) must be constructed from steel or fire-rated bricks that will withstand extreme heat.
How tall does an outdoor fireplace chimney need to be?
Outdoor fireplaces can be as small as four feet tall, three feet wide and two feet deep. While larger fireplaces, complete with mantel and hearth, built-in seating and wood storage boxes, can be as large as 15 feet tall, 15 feet wide and 4 feet deep.Outdoor Fireplace Size. Firebox Size (inches) Minimum Chimney Height 48x32x18 16.5′.
Can I build my own fireplace?
If you’re not lucky enough to have a fireplace in your house, you can certainly have one installed—but first review the options. In fact, by some estimates, homeowners recoup 130 percent of the amount they invest to build a fireplace, with 78 percent of home buyers rating fireplaces as a desirable amenity.
Can you build an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks?
A cinder block is a type of cement block that contains cinders from incinerated wood. A competent DIY homeowner can build a simple outdoor fireplace from cement blocks and a few extra materials, including fire bricks and a lintel.
Does an outdoor fireplace need a flue?
An outdoor fireplace does not always need a flue liner, but it’s a highly recommended addition. Having a flue liner helps improve draft and makes a stronger fire in an outdoor environment. Whether you need a flue liner or not will be based on overall ventilation and how your fireplace is constructed.
How thick should a concrete slab be for an outdoor fireplace?
The concrete pad for your project should typically be 4-6 inches thick, 3-4 feet deep, and 4-5 feet wide. Here’s a useful guide to help you out with pouring your concrete pad.
Can you frame outdoor fireplace with wood?
“Frame up around a zero clearance and just veneer it”. A wooden frame is built from 2×4’s and a metal prefabricated fireplace is built inside the structure. This too will work, but you have to remember, these fireplaces are made of metal and metal rusts when it is left outside.
How close can an outdoor fireplace be to a house?
Your fire pit should be at least 3 metres away from any structure or combustible surface.
Do outdoor fireplaces keep you warm?
More people are adding outdoor fireplaces to the exterior of their homes so they can enjoy the fresh air while still staying warm during cold days. An outdoor fireplace is a perfect feature to have when you’re hosting events outside. You can create a natural ambient glow to your event and keep your guests warm.
Do people use outdoor fireplaces?
Many of us love the warmth and comfort of a fire on a cool winter night — sitting inside, cozy and content while the thermometer outside creeps ever lower. However, outdoor fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular.
Which gives off more heat fire pit or fireplace?
With the open flame of a fire pit, even the slightest breeze can move warmth out of the space. And because the flame is contained, your logs and brick interior will radiate the heat better – keeping your space warmer. A wood-burning fireplace draws smoke up and out your chimney so it’s not as much a bother.
Do outdoor fireplaces need a smoke shelf?
Outdoors the slightest wind can downdraft your fireplace and force smoke forward of the hearth. To reduce this, a “smoke shelf” must be designed into all wood burning fireplaces, your flue sizing must be calculated properly, and chimney height must be tall enough to encourage proper draw.
Do you need special mortar for fireplaces?
Tools & Materials. The mortar in most brick joints consists of sand, lime, and portland cement. But in a fireplace, that mix just crumbles away when subjected to roaring wood fires. For this application, masons rely on a refractory mortar made of magnesium silicate, which can withstand heat up to 2,000 degrees F.
What can I use instead of firebrick?
Alternatives to Firebrick Ankar Sandstone. A sandstone type, ankar, is material which comes from a volcano. Red Clay Bricks. Simple red clay bricks can be utilized as another option in place of firebrick. Refractory Concrete. Refractory concrete is another choice for heat retention. Soapstone.
What is the 2 10 rule?
If you are farther than 10′ away from the peak, your chimney needs to be 2′ above the highest point within 10′. For example, your chimney is exiting 20′ away from the peak and you have a 6/12 pitch roof.
Does a taller chimney draft better?
The two main things that contribute to draft size are: The reason that a taller chimney creates a better draft is really rather simple as the higher up in the atmosphere the chimney reaches, the greater the differential pressure.
Why my outdoor fireplace is so smoky?
Chimney needs to be cleaned: Creosote build up in the chimney can reduce the the flow of exhaust gasses which can cause fireplace smoke and may also lead to a chimney fire. A shattered chimney flue can also cause drafting problems. Hire a chimney sweep to inspect your fireplace for damage and have the flue cleaned.
What does it cost to build a fireplace?
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,500. Fireplace prices can vary from $1,000 to $4,500, with the price dependent on if it’s electric, wood-burning, or gas. The fireplace unit can come with a price tag of $2,000, and the installation can cost an additional $2,200 for the labour.
