In the effort to extend time outdoors in Northeast Ohio, more and more homeowners are adding outdoor fireplaces to their back yards. It’s a trend that not only provides quality entertainment space, it increases home value and provides a focal point around which friends and family can congregate. It also is a real benefit to those whose homes are not big enough to accommodate their entertainment plans

Those who have made the investment in a stone fireplace agree it was worth the time, effort and cost. Winter in Northeast Ohio finds many residents feeling cooped up, with some even suffering from depression. An outdoor fireplace can warm a patio enough to extend your season well into fall and allow enjoyment early in the spring, making those cold winter months a bit easier to get through. A crackling fire within a cozy stone setting creates the perfect ambiance for your evening party or for quiet relaxation with family.

With so many styles, colors and sizes of stone, a fireplace, patio, and seating can easily be customized to fit your taste and the look of your home. Whether you hire a professional to build your outdoor space or you tackle the construction yourself, at Ohio Beauty Cut Stone we provide a wide variety of quality options and the direction you need to make the right choices.

Thinking about building your own outdoor fireplace? It is a relatively simple project, but you will need to follow some specific steps.

1. Dig and pour footers to create a solid base that will hold the weight of your fireplace.
2. Use firebrick and refractory cement for your firebox.
3. Stagger, or overhang, your bricks to taper the opening of your firebox to fit the size of your flue. You may choose the height of your flue.
4. Set your exterior stone in the mortar, filling in all spaces. Rake and smooth the joints once the mortar is dry.

Construction of a stone fireplace takes a bit of time. If you want the look of stone in your yard without the work of a full fireplace, consider a small firepit. You can build one directly on the ground if you have a flat level place. Build your circular fire pit using stacked pavers or flat stones in three rings. Tightly stacked, your firepit is usable without mortar. For irregularly shaped stones, fill the gaps with a mortar and allow drying time. Complete the floor of your firepit using pavers and paver sand.

Also simple to construct are patios or walkways using pavers of flagstone. Be sure to plan the size before purchasing supplies

1. Excavate your patio or walkway area and pack about 4 inches of crushed stone to make a level base.
2. Set your pavers or stones in a layer of sand and tamp them.
3. Fill cracks with paver sand and tamp again.

Quality stone is a must if you plan to create the type of environment that invites relaxation. Utilize custom cut stone products from Ohio Beauty Cut Stone for materials and direction you need to safely design and build your outdoor living space.