I want to build a fireplace outdoors with a front opening about 8 ft wide and 3 ft high tapering back to 6 ft wide at the back. I need to find some information about the dimensions of the other components required for this size firebox, (slope of back side,flue size, flue opening,flue height, front to back dimensions etc ).
I know all these things have to be in relation to each other for a fireplace to draw properly. Is there a formula they use for fireplace design?.
If someone has this information or knows a source please post a reply.
Replies
http://www.rumford.com has a link (what is a rumford fireplace), at the bottom of the page is "online version", which takes you to an online version of rumford's fireplace design essay.
Are you planning to build it yourself? What is your background?
Just another thought. Eight feet by three high? The proportions seem odd to me. I have seen large fireplaces in old banquet rooms or lodges and if they are eight feet wide they are about 5 feet high. This of course would be massive, but you might consider 6 by 3 and 1/2. ????
The fireplace will be outside at a campsite . It started out as a fire ring on the ground
inside a three sided enclosure which is 3 ft high. The enclosure is supposed to direct the heat in one direction and shield the fire from view in the other direction. The back side of the enclosure is six feet wide with two three foot sides which angle out at about 45 degrees.
This much is done. Now I want to put some kind of screen (1/2" hardware cloth) over the top with a yet to be designed top tapering up to a metal flue in order to control sparks and draw the smoke upward.
The fire ring itself measures three ft. across the back and five ft. across the front ,30 inches wide and 10 inches high.
The enclosure is made using 1/2 " backer board on a two x four frame. I am going to line the inside of this with metal roofing which I will be able to angle as required to get good draft. I need info regarding flue size and slopes required for the inner liner.
Masonry Construction, Fireplace Design, Brick, Block & Stone Renovation & Repair
http://www.heatilator.com
The Heatilator site did'nt help much but the other site seems to have some good information. Thanks for the reply
Edited 10/16/2003 11:45:44 PM ET by ARROWSHOOTER
sounds rather temporary...2x4's with 1/2" backerboard doesn't strike me as something that will last...............I'm glad your not building this inside!
The Foxfire Book (the first one) has a section on chimneys with drawings and dimensions.
I would'nt dare build this inside,but I think the backerboard and framework will be OK for quite a while, especially if I line the inside with metal with an air space between the two.
This is in a heavily wooded area and I am trying to build something that will prevent sparks from flying out and also protect the fire from the wind. The thing is anchored to the ground with 6 ft metal fence posts driven 3 ft into the ground and can be moved or taken down easily.
why not metal studs instead of wood???...should last longer however it would be a fine case study for the use of combustible materials in a fireplace...............
I thought about using metal and may have to later, but I decided to use treated wood. The framework will be behind the backerboard, then an air space, then a metal liner, so I don't think the wood will combust (if the backerboard does'nt self distruct)
Thanks for the reply I'll see what happens when I build the fire.
I sincerely doubt that the backerboard will hold up...however there are some ceramic fiber materials that will....for instance I know that Rais woodstoves uses a baffleplate that is light weight material, similar to vermiculite......
Why not just lay down some cement blocks, even 4" block and cover it with firebrick? Could not be that hard or expensive. Then do our hack tin job on the hood, who would ever know?