Patio Life – Building an outdoor fireplace into the side of our garage (Part 2 – Construction)
We enjoy spending time on our patio. What a great place to relax, dine and entertain. Many years ago, in a former home, we built our first outdoor fireplace. It’s amazing how an outdoor fireplace allowed us to extend our patio season into early spring and late fall or even early winter. Want more information on how we started this project? Check out Part 1 – Inspiration & Getting Started.
The picture below provides a ‘before’ image. Does that off center window bother anyone else? Like many of our other projects (guest bath renovation), this one also fell victim to scope-creep. While the project exceeded our original budget, I certainly wasn’t disappointed with the outcome.
An important lesson I have learned is to build a significant safety buffer into any project budget. This allows for changes and who is going to complain about having a little extra money left over when everything is done. Having to scrape up money half-way through a project is stress to be avoided.
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Getting the project started
The big expenses in this project included the stone, fireplace insert and labor. The project took several months to complete due to vacation schedules and using contractors outside their big jobs to save on labor costs. The exterior was covered in Tyvek after removal of the aluminum siding.
The fireplace insert was installed and a box was built around the insert inside the garage. Be sure to follow local building codes if you decide to tackle your own fireplace project. There is a specified clearance between the firebox and combustible materials.
The space remaining on the side of fireplace created a perfect spot for hanging bike storage.
The foundation of our circa 1876 home is local limestone, so we visited a local stone that would tie into the theme of our home. We shopped LaFarge Fox River Decorative Stone for stone siding, the ledge, mantle and hearth.
The chimney was built through the existing roof and installation of wood siding began. Framing was also installed for the stone siding.
Installation of Wood and Stone Siding
In addition to replacing the siding with wood, we also replaced the side door. The new design breaks up the wall on the right and adds extra natural light in the garage. Don’t you think the design of the new door with windows looks better? At this point, we had not yet decide to add the window above the garage door. Yep, there’s that scope creep again.
We purchase natural stone rather than a man-made veneer. It gives it a less modern, more period appropriate look that is more consistent with our stone foundation and mid-1800’s stone houses in our neighborhood. Installation of the stone was like working on a big puzzle.
At this phase of the project, braces were also installed to support the stone mantle piece.
Wile having a few drinks on the patio, my brother suggested adding a window above the garage door. Great idea. More light to brighten up the garage interior and a fantastic connection to the design of our Italianate Victorian home. New window trim mimics the trim on the windows of our home.
Installation of garage window and outdoor fireplace mantle
Following installation of the new window, wood siding and stone installation began on the front of the garage.
The trim and medallion above the window help tie the design of the garage to our home.
Installation of the mantle was quite an undertaking. My brother had to build an elaborate pulley system with ladders to raise the stone and we had to bring in extra help. The next step was to finish up installation of the stone siding.
Perfect time for more scope creep. After enjoying another round of drinks on the patio, my husband had a great idea…installation of dental molding on the garage fascia to match the molding on our house. Molding pieces were individually painted and installed onto the fascia. A perfect, brilliant finishing touch.
Final Touches
Installation of light fixtures and brining in a baby bulldozer to place the the flagstone hearth were the final steps to wrap up this project.
During the last day of work, we had the first snowfall of the season. That didn’t stop us from enjoying our first fire. Scooted the chairs a little closer and put on gloves so my wine glass didn’t chill my fingers.
Look to the elements around you and your experiences for inspiration…..travel, different cultures, other buildings, and nature.
Laura
Stay tuned for Part 3 of this project series, where I will share photos of our patio decor over the seasons. How do you enjoy your patio space or extend your patio season? Have you installed an outdoor fireplace? Any tips or tricks? Look forward to your great ideas. Take care friends.