Here is a truly economical block fireplace for the “do-it-yourself fan one that you can put together in a few spare hours. Everything you need can be purchased easily, usually from one source such as a local building supply dealer. Some dealers even feature a “kit,” in which all necessary materials, including the Majestic unit, are delivered to your yard at one low price. For details on the Model OF-48 unit, see page58. Caution: Block sizes vary in some localities be sure the blocks you get are the same as those listed here.
Before construction, lay out the blocks loose for the first course. Assemble the metal unit and set it in place to determine the correct width of mortar joints to use to provide proper space for the unit.
Select a suitable spot for the fireplace, giving thought to the notes on “Location” given on page 53. Mark off the desired size with stakes and string. The base should be at least 70″ x 33″, with a projection 17″ deep and 21″ wide centered at the rear, for the chimney. Follow the directions for a floating slab foundation as listed on page 56.
LIST OF MATERIALS
1 Model OF-48 Majestic Metal Unit
30 Full Corner Blocks 8×8x16″
14 Bull Nose Blocks 8×8x16″ 7 Chimney Blocks 17×21″
2 Blocks 4×8x16″
Blocks should be fire resistant blocks.
(Plus necessary sand, gravel, and concrete for foundation, mortar, and two 1″ x 25″ x 32½” cement caps. “Ready-mixed” packages are ideal and usually sized for your requirements. Ask your material supply dealer”
Lay up chimney consisting of seven 17″ x 21″ chimney blocks, including base joint Be certain chimney is plumb by using a level or plumb bob. Using a hammer and cold-chisel, cut a smoke inlet opening about 5 inches square, into the flue, close under top edge of the metal fireplace unit, as illustrated, to insure best draft conditions.
Lay out the first course of blocks as shown in Fig. 2. being certain this course is perfectly level. The six blocks in the center are laved on their sides to form a smooth surface for the ashpit. Cementing this area with a rich mixture will give a smoother cleaning area. Be sure to slope slightly to front of unit for drainage.
Lay one course of blocks on each side to begin the sides of the fireplace. These should also be level and straight at the outside edges. A maximum width of nineteen inches should be maintained in the center section. To do this, it will be necessary to keep the mortar joints on each side of the four inch blocks as thin as possible
Lay two more courses of block on each side, remembering to alternate the vertical joints.
Now you are ready to instill the metal fireplace unit and set the cement caps in place. The caps may be purchased or you can make them yourself by setting up two 1″ x 25″ x 32½” wooden forms these forms are set on tar paper on a smooth solid surface, filled with concrete and toweled smooth. Wire reinforcing, such as chicken wire, should be used in making the caps. After hardening, they should be set in place on a good bed of mortar.
Your fireplace is complete now, but do not fire it until the mortar and concrete have had sufficient time to set and harden at least two days after completion. Use only small fires at first to cure fireplace mortar. If desired, the masonry may be finished in an attractive color, using any good paint recommended for block surfaces.