Creating an area where people love to gather transforms your backyard into a favored spot for family and visitors.

But the secret is that its superstructure is constructed of inexpensive 16-inch and 8-inch concrete cinder blocks.

Cinder blocks can withstand extreme heat and they are fire-resistant, but they are not completely fireproof.

Outdoor Fireplace

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Consider using refractory mortar for even more heat resistance.

Foundation and Firebox

Apoured concrete slabprovides a sturdy, level pad to build this simple outdoor fireplace.

Atop this base is an open-front box of cinder blocks for storing firewood.

Pea gravel perimter being measured on lawn with yellow twine

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

On top of this box are hearth blocks.

This is where a second boxthe fireboxis located.

Besides providing room for the wood, this arrangement elevates the fire so it is easier to maintain.

Shovel removing vegetation, rocks, debris for excavation of patio area

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Plus, it raises the fire to a more comfortable viewing height for sitting around it.

Quarter-inch-thickcement boardfaces the concrete cinder blocks.

Light-weight manufacturedveneer stonethen faces the cement board.

Concrete pouring from cement mixer.

The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe

Your community may require a building permit.

Air quality measures may prohibit wood-burning fireplaces in your area when air quality conditions are poor.

Place it across the front of the wood box as a lintel for support.

A person using a float tool to smooth out wet concrete slab.

The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe

Build an outdoor brick fireplace with a reinforced concrete slab as the foundation.

The concrete slab should be about 4to 6-inches thick with plenty of space around the structure.

But those dimensions depend on the size of your outdoor fireplace.

Hiring a contractor to build an outdoor fireplace can range from $1,500 to $8,000.

How Much Does an Outdoor Fireplace Cost?Angi.