Construction of the outdoor fireplace is much the same as that of an indoor one except that the chimney and flue are not carried to such a height. Nor does the footing need to be as thick unless your fireplace is very heavy. A concrete base eight inches thick with four inches of this above ground is usually ample. You may use the chimney of your cabin fireplace for your outdoor fireplace or grill but be sure to provide a separate flue.
[Illustration: Here is a combination outdoor fireplace and grill large enough to cook for the neighborhood. After the steaks are broiled, large logs can be rolled in to provide a roaring fire for the evening. The grill can be supported by a three-sided frame of firebricks built up to the proper height.]
[Illustration: The feature of this barbecue and oven is a sliding fire pan. The fire may be used to heat the oven until the coals are ready and then slid across under the grill, or with two pans both grill and oven may be heated at the same time.]
[Illustration: To make this barbecue pit, a framework was built up of an old barrel and scrap lumber and then covered with concrete. A slow fire burned out the wood when the concrete had hardened. It is set on a platform of concrete and bricks against a rough chimney of rock.]
[Illustration: This barbecue of stone is built with the firebox and grill at a convenient height. A chimney is desirable but not necessary. Note the device for raising and lowering the grill.]
There are several methods of adapting the outdoor fireplace to cooking. The simplest is to provide yourself with a pair of rather high andirons and a grill to lay over the top of them. The grill may also be hinged to rear of the fireplace or you may install sliding adjustable grill as illustrated. A pot and crane adds to the appearance as well as the utility of the outdoor fireplace.
The design of the barbecue grill or outdoor stove is a matter for your own taste. For comfort’s sake you will want to have the grill top about the height of your kitchen stove. Build up the firebox so that when the coals are glowing, they will be about eight inches below the grill, which should be made of ³/₁₆-inch steel rods spaced about one inch apart in a metal frame. A groove or seat for the grill may be made in the masonry, or you may provide supports by imbedding projecting pieces of iron in the firebox walls. A piece of sheet steel laid over the grill will provide a fry plate when one is needed.