Masonry Outdoor Fireplace Question

[amarillopulm]

We are building a new home and have generally been happy with our contractor. We elected for a masonry outdoor fireplace and it is partially constructed (see photos). An independent inspector evaluated it and noted that it appeared "shoddy" (no argument from me). I'm not educated enough regarding outdoor fireplaces to know the importance of the interior construction. Any insight would be appreciated!

 

[KDubU]

I can only say it looks odd…what is all the grey things on top? Are those concrete bricks or something? Looks very haphazard.

 

[amarillopulm]

I can only say it looks odd…what is all the grey things on top? Are those concrete bricks or something? Looks very haphazard.

I agree that it looks haphazard (and communicated this with our contractor). Our contractor told us that it is all firebrick regarding both the red material at the bottom and grey brick material on top.

 

[bholler]

I agree that it looks haphazard (and communicated this with our contractor). Our contractor told us that it is all firebrick regarding both the red material at the bottom and grey brick material on top.

It is not they are lying to you. But in reality it doesn't need to be firebrick. But the construction looks very poor

 

[Eman85]

I know much of that will be hidden when finished but that is very sloppy. The smeared mortar on brick face is not acceptable and a good mason wouldn't have that.

 

[amarillopulm]

I know much of that will be hidden when finished but that is very sloppy. The smeared mortar on brick face is not acceptable and a good mason wouldn't have that.

Thank you for the feedback, all. I'm planning on discussing with our contractor - I had previously received a response of "this is the correct installation technique" for the outdoor fireplace. It seems that it is probably appropriate to force the issue more regarding the quality of the masonry. Thank you for the feedback on the quality from all who responded.

 

[Eman85]

Thank you for the feedback, all. I'm planning on discussing with our contractor - I had previously received a response of "this is the correct installation technique" for the outdoor fireplace. It seems that it is probably appropriate to force the issue more regarding the quality of the masonry. Thank you for the feedback on the quality from all who responded.

My Dad was a mason, and though I didn't realize it at the time a really good one. He worked me like a rented mule so I ran away from the trade, but I do know good work when I see it. I have had to hire a mason in the past to lay brick and block and I have gotten lucky and hired good, then I have hired bad where I had to send them home.

 

[TomMcDonald]

I'm no expert but...