Quck answer
To make a fireplace with cinder blocks and stucco, follow these steps:
1. Plan the design and location of the fireplace.
2. Lay a solid foundation using concrete blocks or poured concrete.
3. Build the base of the fireplace using cinder blocks, ensuring it is level and sturdy.
4. Construct the walls of the fireplace using additional cinder blocks, leaving space for the firebox and chimney.
5. Apply stucco to the exterior of the cinder blocks, using a trowel to create a smooth finish.
6. Install a firebox and chimney system, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Finish the interior of the fireplace with fire-resistant materials, such as firebrick or refractory cement.
8. Add any desired decorative elements, such as a mantle or hearth.
By following these steps, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing fireplace using cinder blocks and stucco.
By building your own outdoor fireplace, you can save on contracting costs while adding both style and functionality to your outdoor living space. With just a few materials, including fire bricks and a lintel, a skilled DIY homeowner can construct a simple fireplace using cement blocks. By applying stucco to the cement blocks, the exterior of the fireplace can be transformed into a decorative surface.
Preparation
Step 1
Determine the size of the fireplace you want to build. Fireplaces can be built in any size. To get an idea of standard fireplace sizes, measure your indoor fireplace.
Step 2
Using a tape measure, measure the outside perimeter of your fireplace on a flat concrete surface. Outline the perimeter on the surface with chalk.
Step 3
Place a concrete block on the surface so that the inside rim of the block aligns with the outside edge of the chalk outline. Use chalk to draw a line on the outside of the block.
Step 4
Using the chalk line on the outside edge of the cement block as a guide, create a second perimeter around the first perimeter.
Step 5
Clean the concrete surface with a broom.
Setting the Concrete Blocks
Step 1
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix mortar in a bucket. For optimal performance, use mortar specifically designed for concrete blocks.
Step 2
Pour mortar onto the concrete surface so that it fits between the two chalk lines drawn on the floor. Use a trowel to spread the mortar in a thin, even layer across one side of the perimeter.
Step 3
Place cement blocks on top of the mortar until they cover all the mortar on the surface, with the holes in the blocks oriented vertically. Use a circular saw and diamond-tipped saw blade to cut blocks to size if you need partial blocks to fill out the row.
Step 4
Repeat the process until you cover the entire outside perimeter.
Step 5
Fill in the area within the perimeter with concrete blocks, using the same process as before and cutting blocks as necessary to fit.
Step 6
Check the level between each pair of blocks to ensure flatness. If the juncture of two blocks does not create a flat surface, adjust the blocks within the mortar before it dries.
Step 7
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix concrete in a bucket.
Step 8
Fill all the holes in the concrete blocks with the concrete mixture. Use a trowel to flatten the concrete in the holes until it is even with the top of the block.
Step 9
Mix more mortar and apply it in a flat, even row across the top of the concrete blocks. Use a level to check the flatness of the mortar, and install a second layer of concrete blocks on top of the first.
Step 10
Continue adding layers of concrete blocks until you reach a height that is ideal for the bottom of the fireplace, based on your personal preferences.
Step 11
Install the outermost layer of concrete blocks on the back and sides of the fireplace, leaving the front open. Only install this layer to the full height of the fireplace, stopping at the layer for the top of the structure.
Installation of the Fireplace
Step 1
Frame the top layer of concrete blocks with a steel lintel across the front of the fireplace. Ensure the lintel clears the fireplace opening and extends a few extra inches on either side to connect with the row of concrete blocks surrounding the fireplace.
Step 2
Using a drill, masonry drill bit and concrete screws, attach the lintels to the top-layer cinder blocks by drilling through the lintels and into the blocks.
Step 3
Using a level, place a flat, even layer of mortar across the concrete blocks that form the bottom surface of the fireplace’s interior.
Step 4
Place a layer of fire bricks across the top of the mortar, starting by lining the outside perimeter of the fireplace with bricks, then working inward from the perimeter, as done with the cement blocks. Cut bricks to size with a circular saw if necessary. Fire bricks are resistant to high temperatures found in fireplaces and can prevent damage to concrete blocks.
Step 5
Stack rows of fire bricks in a single vertical layer around all sides of the fireplace to line the walls. Apply mortar between bricks as done between the concrete blocks. Check the level of each row and adjust accordingly.
Step 6
Place a layer of concrete blocks across the flat surface of the lintel, after applying mortar across it.
Step 7
Place a clay flue liner across the top of the fire brick rows installed at the outside perimeter of the fireplace, ensuring to purchase flue liners that match the inside dimensions of the fireplace. The liners should sit across the layer of bricks.
Step 8
Stack two or three flue liners on top of one another to create a chimney.
Step 9
Install more layers of concrete blocks, as done in previous steps, until they reach the top of the chimney.
Step 10
Allow time for all mortar and concrete poured in spaces between blocks to dry before starting stucco installation. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
Stucco Application
Step 1
Mix stucco in a bucket or wheelbarrow. Stucco can be applied directly to concrete blocks.
Step 2
Place a large amount of stucco on a hawk, which is a wood block with a small handle.
Step 3
Using a trowel, transfer small amounts of stucco from the hawk to the fireplace structure. Apply the stucco in a flat, smooth layer.
Step 4
Continue transferring stucco from the bucket to the hawk and then to the fireplace structure until the entire surface is covered in a layer of stucco. Apply the stucco in a ВЅ- to Вј-inch-thick layer.
Step 5
Use a scarifier to create ridges in the first coat of stucco, which will help the top coat bind with the bottom coat. To make a scarifier, drive nails at ВЅ inch intervals through a 6-inch-long piece of wood.
Step 6
To apply the second layer of stucco, follow the same process as the first layer. The thickness of the second layer should be around Вј inch.
Step 7
Let the stucco dry completely before using the fireplace.
FAQ
1. Can I use cinder blocks to build a fireplace?
Yes, cinder blocks can be used to build a fireplace. Cinder blocks are affordable, durable, and provide excellent heat resistance. To make a fireplace with cinder blocks, start by measuring and marking the desired size and shape of the fireplace on the ground. Dig a shallow foundation, ensuring it is level and compacted. Lay the first row of cinder blocks using mortar, making sure they are level and plumb. Continue building up the walls, adding reinforcement bars and filling the cavities with concrete. Finish the exterior with stucco or any other desired finishing material. Finally, install a firebox and chimney liner, and your cinder block fireplace is ready to use.
2. What materials do I need to make a fireplace with cinder blocks and stucco?
To make a fireplace with cinder blocks and stucco, you will need the following materials:
– Cinder blocks: These will form the structure of the fireplace.
– Mortar: Used to bond the cinder blocks together.
– Concrete: Fills the cavities of the cinder blocks for added strength.
– Reinforcement bars: Provide extra support to the walls of the fireplace.
– Stucco mix: Used to apply a smooth and decorative finish to the exterior of the fireplace.
– Firebox: Holds the fire and directs the heat into the room.
– Chimney liner: Ensures proper ventilation and directs smoke out of the house.
These materials can be easily sourced from a local home improvement store.
3. Are there any safety precautions I need to take when building a fireplace with cinder blocks and stucco?
Yes, there are several safety precautions to consider when building a fireplace with cinder blocks and stucco:
– Ensure the foundation is properly constructed and level to provide a stable base for the fireplace.
– Use a firebox made of fire-resistant materials to prevent the risk of fire spreading to surrounding structures.
– Install a chimney liner to ensure proper ventilation and avoid the buildup of smoke and harmful gases.
– Follow local building codes and regulations to ensure the fireplace is built safely and meets all necessary requirements.
– Consider consulting a professional or experienced builder to ensure the fireplace is constructed correctly and safely.
By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy your fireplace with peace of mind.