Steps in creating an outdoor hearth with pavers begin by obtaining the permits, then knowing the limitations of pavers, next is prepping the ground, followed by digging a hole on the ground, then placing the bricks, preparing the brick mortar, laying the second layer of bricks, after which is laying the third layer of bricks, and finally placing the pavers.
Fireplaces are relaxing areas inside the house where you can comfortably stay warm with your family. Creating an outdoor fireplace would let you have that same warm and comfy feeling whilst enjoying the environment around you. You can even make your hearth look much more inviting by adorning it with pavers.
Get the permits
Visit the city hall in your location, as well as the fire department to know any stipulations or requirements in building an outdoor fireplace and to acquire the permits. Your building code should also be reviewed, so that you would know if such structure is allowed to be made outside your home.
Know the limitations of pavers
Pavers are not made to withstand extreme temperatures. Thus, these should only be installed as decorations on the exterior surface of the firebox and not to be utilized in building the entire hearth. Additionally, at least an inch of non-combustible material must be installed between the pavers and the firebox.
Prep the ground
Determine where exactly in the exterior of the house you want the hearth to be situated. Then, create a square or round shape on the floor. While you can have any size that you desire for your fireplace, a 3 by 3 feet for a square shape or a 3 feet diameter for a round shape hearth are the most typical dimensions that most homeowners choose for their outdoor fireplaces arizona. Mark the ground with your choice of shape and size of the hearth with the use of a stick.
Dig a hole on the ground
Dig the ground about a foot deep according to the outline of the hearth that you want to build. Then, fill the hole with pea gravel. Pea gravels allow rain water to drain easily. In addition, they make it possible to light a fire even if the ground is very wet.
Place the bricks
On the sides of the hole that is already filled with gravel and on top of it, lay down the bricks in one layer. Make sure that each of the bricks is fitted snugly up against each other. The bricks must be placed above the ground alongside the gravel and not on top of it.
Prep the brick mortar
Prep the brick mortar based on the instructions on the package. Normally, it just involves adding water to the mortar mix in the bucket.
Lay the second layer of bricks
Lay down the second layer of bricks on the first layer. Arrange them in such a way that their ends are laid at the center of the bricks underneath it and not along their ends, as well, or where 2 bricks are joined together. This will help strengthen the wall of the hearth. Then, at the bottom of each brick, put mortar and return the brick in place atop the 1st layer. Make sure that the brick is fitted snugly in place by tapping it gently with the use of the motor handle.
Put the third layer of bricks
With the same process as the second layer, lay the third layer of bricks. However, omit putting every other brick as you go along, for the draft hole. Continue installing more layers of bricks until your fireplace is already about 18 inches tall.
Place the pavers
Start decorating your firebox with the pavers using mortar to bind them in place. Make sure to keep the draft holes uncovered as you put the pavers.
Draft holes are needed for the fire to burn really well.
