Posts Tagged ‘Rock Fireplace’

The backyard has truly become an extension of the home. More and more people are incorporating it into their entertainment space. Why not start with learning to build a Mexican rock fireplace.

Start by deciding what style of rock fireplace best suits your décor. Are you looking for formal, ranch, contemporary, casual, or perhaps Spanish? A higher fireplace looks better with a formal style while a more causal style looks better lower.

This informal style is a great choice and it’s perfect if you are planning to do some entertaining. The lower height means the children can enjoy it too. Why not let them have some fun roasting marshmallows or roasting hot dogs?

Installation of rock fireplace would cost around $2000 after all it’s a rather difficult install. But if you are at all a handyman you might consider installing it yourself. So let’s get started.

1. Lay The Foundation
Start with excavating the foot. You can use a length of mason line which is attached to a stake in the cent of the circular site of the fireplace to draw the three rings. Mark with spray paint.

The first ring will mark the inside wall of your fireplace, the second marks the outside of the wall, and the third marks the boundary of the inner flagstone.

2. Dig It Out
Now it’s time to dig out the one foot space between the two circles to about a 6 inch depth. This will create a sunken area for your concrete footings.

3. Re-bar
Fit the area you dug out with #4 re-bar which has been bent into two rings. Hold them together with wire that has been twisted tightly. Once you’ve secured them you need to lay them in the area you dug out. This is going to provide the reinforcement for the footings.

4. Fill Er Up
Now it’s time to fill the hole with concrete. Smooth with trowel so that the surface is smooth.

5. Build The Walls
It’s time to begin building your rock wall. You’ll start with the inner wall and work outward. The cost will depend on where you get your rocks and what type of rocks you use. Your stones will need to be fitted snuggly using your concrete mix to hold and support each one. Make sure the top of the stones are perfectly level so that your grill sits nice and level.

6. Do The Grill
Now it’s time to place the grill panel in place. Make sure that the grill is sitting level.

7. Fireplace Wall
Now it’s time to start laying the fireplace wall around the grill panel. The mortar needs to be applied on the outer edge of the rocks. After the mortar is cured you can add your flagstone veneer.

8. Liquid Bonding
Before you add the veneer you need to space properly between the rock wall and the outer ring. Now it is time to add your liquid bonding adhesive which is a concrete mix.

9. Planting Time
Now it’s time to start planting those beautiful exotic plants and herbs. Terra cotta pots work great. Surround the fireplace with these great containers to add a lovely warmth to the area.

10. Patio
All that’s left is to find the perfect patio table and chairs and add it. Use colors that compliment the mortar and rock colors. Situate it close enough to be able to enjoy the warmth of the fire.

That’s it. Well of course that’s the “in a nut shell” version. But if you are handy enough to attempt this project you’ll easily be filling in the blanks.

Your Mexican rock fireplace is going to look spectacular in your backyard and what a great time you and your friends and family will have. And that’s what it’s all about – great food, great drink, and great friends. Enjoy!

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