How to Make Homemade Outdoor Brick Fireplaces

Determine the area on your property where you will build the fireplace.

Dig out the foundation in the desired shape of your brick fireplace. Use a spade to go at least 1 foot down to ensure a solid footing.

Tamp down the soil along the excavated area with a tamper. Check with a level that the ground is even.

Lay one row of bricks along the inner edge of the hole. Position the bricks end to end in the row as tightly as possible.

Prepare mortar, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, in a bucket.

Scoop out the mortar with a trowel and apply a layer along the top of the first course of bricks. Stack a second row of bricks on top of your first row of bricks, applying mortar to the adjoining sides and tops of the second course of bricks.

Stagger the second row of bricks, which will offset the brick joints and create sturdier brick walls. Repeat this technique, staggering each row, until the walls for your fireplace are at least 1 foot above ground.

Continue stacking the rows of bricks, creating a gap at least 2 feet wide on one side of your fireplace. The opening for your fireplace should span at least 2 feet tall. Install more rows of bricks until the walls of your fireplace reach the desired height.

Place a chimney insert pipe over the opening for your brick fireplace. Have an assistant hold the pipe into position.

Apply a thick layer of mortar around the sides of the pipe with your trowel.

Stack rows of brick over your previous courses around the pipe, which will help secure the pipe in place. Continue stacking the rows until the pipe is hidden from view.

Pour 6 inches of gravel into the bottom of your brick fireplace for drainage. Give the mortar one week to cure fully.