(BPT) – Upgrading an outdoor living area with a fireplace continues to grow in popularity at homes across the country according to the American Society of Landscape Architects. In fact, the latest Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey by the organization identified fireplaces and fire pits as the top outdoor design elements for 2016. Long recognized as an indoor focal point for family gatherings and entertaining friends, the addition of a fireplace can easily extend that same inviting atmosphere outdoors, especially on evenings when a little light and warmth can enhance the ambiance.
The first instinct of most people when considering the prospect of building a substantial outdoor fireplace is to hire a professional. However, constructing a beautiful, grand outdoor fireplace is a realistic DIY weekend project with the assistance of a few friends, a little sweat equity and a foolproof project kit like RumbleStone from Pavestone. The kit replaces the challenge of gathering an assortment of random landscape blocks, stones or pavers with a pre-determined package of three different sized blocks. The blocks fit perfectly together to erect an outdoor fireplace. The kit, which is available in three colors, creates a finished outdoor fireplace that is 38 inches deep by 84 inches wide by 94 inches high and includes a heavy steel firebox insert. The following are directions for successfully building your own outdoor fireplace.
Note – wearing gloves and eye protection is recommended.
Steps for building an outdoor fireplace:
* Outline the size and shape of the outdoor fireplace on the ground with spray paint.
* Dig a hole for a concrete footer and compact paver base rock in the bottom following local frost line guidelines.
* Mix QUIKRETE 5000 Concrete based on instructions on the bag and pour a footer that meets local building codes.
* Assemble the first four rows of block following the kit instructions to construct the foundation; check each layer for level and use a rubber mallet to make any necessary adjustments.
* Assemble the middle section to include the firebox insert following the kit instructions; check each layer for level and use a rubber mallet to make any necessary adjustments.
* Assemble the top section to include the chimney following the kit instructions; check each layer for level and use a rubber mallet to make any necessary adjustments.
QUIKRETE polyurethane construction adhesive should be placed between each layer of block to strengthen the fireplace. The project may also require some shimming and/or grinding of blocks. For more tips, direction and information on building an outdoor fireplace or other home improvement projects with pavers or stone, visit the Pavestone website and Facebook.