Build Outdoor Fireplace With Cement Board

Once you know what you want to build lay a concrete foundation put a layer of cinder blocks over that then build the firebox and chimney out of firebrick and use a jointer and brush to remove bubbles from the mortar.

Build outdoor fireplace with cement board.

The door provides access to the burner controls. Add cement board to the entire area you ll be tiling for us that means the floor and all 4 sides of the fireplace leaving room for wood mantle. Just remove the burner and lift out the tank when it needs to be refilled. The concrete also needs steel reinforcement.

Using drill attach cement boards to frame with concrete screws. Use screws to attach metal lath which is a wire mesh over all of the exposed cement board. Cut cement board to size using chop saw. Once your concrete footing has cured for 24 hrs or more you will need to build a level base on which to construct your firebox.

Run a long flat board or concrete screed across the top of the concrete laying it on the board edges to keep the board level. For smaller areas of frame use chop saw to cut cement boards to size. This outdoor fireplace looks like a solid concrete cube but this hollow box holds a standard propane tank and regulator the same components that fuel a typical gas grill. We had a plan of attack.

Nail gun nails drill screws chop saw shovel chimney cap protective gloves screwdriver masonry anchors or bits. Move the board back and forth as you slide it across the concrete adding more concrete to fill in any gaps around the edges. I suggest 4 solid block for this purpose. The metal lath will provide support for the stone that will be placed on top.

Tap the sides with a hammer to release any bubbles that may be trapped in the concrete. On the ground and drywall use thinset and screws to attach the cement board. If you are building on a pre existing concrete pad or one much larger than your fireplace footprint be sure to form or cut expansion joints around the fireplace. Be sure to build it properly according to local codes.

There s a secret inside this outdoor fireplace. You will want a minimum 4 thick up to 8 thick reinforced concrete pad. To build an outdoor fireplace make a detailed plan of what the fireplace will be for where it will go and what will go around it.