How To Build An Outdoor Fireplace | Outdoor Kitchen Part 4

[@elvagabundo4607]

Hey April Great project. A couple of pointers. First would be a "scratch" coat on the cement board. You do that with the flat side of the trowel, it is just a thin layer that helps with adhesion to the cement board, and tends to be a lot cleaner than trowelling with the 1/2" trowel on a vertical surface. Then you do the back buttering on each tile or stone. The cement board can have a layer of dust or be damp and that prevents adhesion. As well this deals with the mudding of taped joints at the same time and you can work with the scratch coat wet or dry. (I tend to let the whole scratch coat dry The same applies when you do floor tiles (which I am sure you will tackle at some point) but the scratch coat goes on the back of the tile and the trowelling on the ground, again it increases adhesion and any dust or moisture is mitigated. With expansion and contraction of the substrate or framing, it can eventually work itself loose and you get a hollow sound. A test that i use to tell if someone hasn't done a scratch coats is to take some change and drop it on the floor tiles, the noise is easy to hear. Try it in a convenience store where you see cracking on the grout lines. I have found that the quality of workmanship is pretty low in a lot of these locations. (and you can play it off as clumsiness like oops i dropped my coins!) Sealing the stone before hand helps with cleanup as any thinset that adheres to the porousness of the stone can be a nightmare to get off if it is allowed to dry. When doing structures around fireplaces, anything above the face of the fireplace in the firebox should probably be done with steel framing. The coefficient of thermal expansion is much lower with steel than wood, and you get less movement of the substrate. You will notice when you have a fire, how hot it can get above the fireplace, and the expansion and contraction of the wood can pop the bond of the thinset. As well for fire safety metal obviously is safer. I have 20 years of experience as a tile setter and have come across most errors both my own and others. If you want a reference for your future tiling endeavours let me know. The most important thing in tiling bathrooms is knowing where every last drop of water is going. Water damage is no bueno. Keep killing it your videos are incredibly "wearthwhile" (haha!) Jacob's explanation was perfect. Having tried to explain the intricacies and inanities of english to non english speakers, has made me realize what a ridiculous language we speak! Ciao

[@amarlakhani973]

That is a lot of words but is helpful!

[@jimmichilton1409]

Fantastic explanation !! Thank you. I'll keep it handy to review when I get to my hearth.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

April, I am watching your outdoor fireplace series again. We’re going to build one soon and you have a lot of great ideas and pointers. Thanks for all you do! Keep on building!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great! Glad you enjoyed it and found it useful. Thanks for always watching.

[@RobertLowery]

I would recommend putting a piece of plywood behind the Durock above the fireplace mantle where you plan to hang a TV. It will make sinking lag bolts for the mounting bracket a lot easier.

[@Cybernetic263]

Good point

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi April, it is lovely to have kneepads that are so flexible; the only problem I can see is that at 70 years old if I went done on one knee I would need a crane to pick me up again. It is nice to see you tackling new projects and it takes me back to my younger days when I built new houses on my own and gutted old one and brought them up to standard selling them for a lot more than I had paid to get to the point where I could own my house and the land around it with no mortgage. Keep up the good work and remember to enjoy yourself at the same time.

[@nazpasfred3]

"Hearth" like "earth" vs. "Hearth" like "Heart" :-). I love it!

[@scrout]

Camera dude is pretty quick...

[@gregbenwell6173]

I thought that was funny too!! Likewise a friend of ours (Nathan) wanted us to give a note to another friend of ours (Beth)! The note (from Nathan) was addressed to "Beeth" because he didn't know how to spell her name correctly, which was a cute mistake!! For years now we ask him if "he has talked to Bee-th lately?" And ALSO because Beth got the note, she even laughs at it when we still to this day call her "Bee-th" as well!! It has become a great inside joke between us all!!

[@csn583]

As if English pronunciation is that logical anyway! Both are from Old English/proto-Germanic, but totally different roots.

[@jackostergaard4624]

your comment at 11:50 that the mortar was drying up. Mortar is one of the few cementitious materials that it's okay to add water to. It's called retempering. But check the instructions in case there are some admixtures that don't allow for this.

[@lynjermey6423]

I love the way you just get straight into unfamiliar projects, your confidence is brilliant and a great example for all us novices. Absolutely love this whole project.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Aw thank you so much. Yes, remember that I started off in 2013 not even knowing how to use a drill. You can achieve so much when you're focused on learning it.

[@nica.rivera]

I loved how the stainless steel looks against the stone.💙

[@youtukang]

👍

[@GradyChambless]

This has been a fantastic series to follow! Amazing work April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the Series. :)

[@robnsusan2000]

I am designing an outdoor living space with a fireplace. Some little things I picked up on here. Since you are going to mount a TV, like I am, I would pre run the electrical and put a box. I am also going to hard wire an Ethernet cable for the tv so I don’t have wifi issues. Also, I would ensure the tv mounting was considered in the framing so I could have solid mount framing behind the stone.

[@idlewildsage8088]

That stone is beautiful!! When you first pulled it out I thought it was just like any other "backsplash" style faux stone panels. But as you put it all together, I was really impressed with how the full piece looked. Great job!

[@joexg50]

What A TOOL TIME LADY!!!! Job well done yet again!!! Impressed here !!!

[@stanleykeith6969]

April, a long time ago when I first stated watching your channel, I said that you should be wearing a dust mask. Glad to see that you started wearing one. Stone looks great. Love your channel. It is the Hearth 🥰

[@stanleykeith6969]

Boral Stone Products demonstrate how simple it is to install Versetta Stone.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Oh no, this is not Boral Stone. Glad you've been with me for so long!

[@mikeparker3865]

Love the logo in the cement in front of the fireplace.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! The perfect finishing touch. :)

[@travisceccacci5046]

It's been fun to watch! I would be interested in a cost breakdown of materials on excel sheet.

[@johntotten4872]

April - With the stone work I was intimidated Me - You are such a bad ass I find that hard to believe. Excellent work as always April. When ever someone mentions a wood working project they want to try I always mention you and all your great ideas.

[@LesterSuggs]

3:24 Whut? Thank for for this series. And thank you for all the trouble you go thru to film and present your work. I've been watching you for years and love your imagination and presentation skills.

[@gmtoomey]

You set the standard. If a tiny woman can accomplish so much then I will give it a try.

[@charleyl264]

Since that isn't completely under the roof, I think I would have used treated lumber materials but that's me. I try to build everything "once and forever". Are you planning spotlights above? It would be a nice effect. This project is very impressive. You are doing great. Thanks for the videos.

[@demacherius1]

I can totaly understand you! Everything that isn't build to outlast me isn't built good enough.

[@drhender6943]

I think I would have used pressure treated lumber for the firewood boxes, but I would probably have used steel/tin studs for the fireplace. More fire/heat resistant and no worry of heat/water expansion on the big faces that might create adhesion problems.

[@cabman86]

It's nice to have a Jake around. As long as you aren't stapling his foot.

[@111danish111]

Finally a video with real stone 👏

[@chrish2666]

I did a backsplash once. Made a mess of it and will never attempt again. You did a wonderful job and made it look easy. Looking forward to watching you make the concrete countertops.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! I really appreciate it : )

[@davethepak]

Excellent series! I have been a bit of a diy'er following you and others for years. It has given me education, ideas and inspiration for my own projects. (can also relate to all the weather and temps - fellow Texan...). For the future I am considering an outdoor kitchen for my place - and while I don't think I will do the entire thing on my own - videos like this really give me confidence and ideas for the things I can do. thanks for all your hard work and outstanding videos.

[@kerryevans7413]

I have watched the whole series so far. And it's looking great. With each episode.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying the Series. :)

[@mikecurtis2585]

Have a great memorial day weekend. Thanks 😊!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you. You too!

[@southernblueblood5402]

I have the same kind of knee pads from harbor freight, I have bad knees and with these pads I can kneel for extended periods of time. Your videos are always awesome.

[@ronbernier6377]

April thank you for the information on the knee pads! I bought a set and just finished replacing the flooring on my deck. What a knee saver!

[@AprilWilkerson]

You are so welcome! Yes, they are amazing. I'm glad you liked them. Thanks for watching. :)

[@kevingerlach7517]

April, I love IT! You learned so much but you have never been afraid to give things a try. Keep up the great work and I will continue to enjoy the videos.

[@matthewburns5053]

Wow outdoor kitchen turning out fantastic. We use ours all the time, you will love it. We wish we had a fireplace for the winter months.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! Yes, I won't be able to use the fireplace very often here in Texas, but I'll sure enjoy it when I do. : )

[@tmackie1694]

Aloha & good morning. Starting my Sunday right with a cup of coffee and a new April Wilkerdo video 🙂

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks for watching!

[@gorillagoalie23]

Instead of using your knees to hold the bag of mortar when mixing, just flip an unused bucket upside down next to the mixing bucket. Next, put the bag of mortar on the upside down bucket and cut a corner. You can control the flow of mortar into the mixing bucket way better. Or just use a small pale as a measuring bucket then use the same small bucket to fill with water so you get a more consistent mix from batch to batch.

[@pj_fetscher]

Nothing but BIG PROJECTS all 2021. 👏 👏

[@bigbawls81]

Outstanding job, April. I always learn something new with each of your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@melissamcghee5014]

Girl 🎉🎉🎉🎉 your video was so helpful, beautifully done 👍

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Great video April... you do such a GREAT job with the storytelling part of every video! 👍 I need to work on this aspect of my videos big time! Keep CRUSHING it 👊

[@sddiymakeitworthit7512]

Beautiful workpiece anything you can touch you make it perfect 👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you for your kind words. :)

[@adamhausmann3969]

Lights were a nice touch

[@wollinger]

When placing stone or tiles, wiggle the tile a little bit, perpendicular to the groove of the mortar while applying pressure.

[@creuzy]

Hey April, i havent seen Blossom in a while. Love seeing her having her little adventures with you and the dogs. Hope she is still going strong!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Sadly no. My heart is broken and I miss her. But such is the life with free range chickens. At least she had a full and free life with lots of love. Thanks for watching.

[@creuzy]

I am so sorry. I know how it feels to loose a pet that we love so much. I will miss seeing her in your videos. God bless.

[@SybrKnite]

Love the look of that stainless steel fireplace!!! What brand and model is it? Love this series...great work!!!👍❤❤👍

[@alicia8255]

I’d also like to know the brand.

[@112wade]

Always love your videos April, your fearless in the projects you choose.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Thank you so much. I definitely still feel fear, I've just become good at going through my fear to do the things I want. Once you do a few times and come out on the other side, it gets easier to do it the next time.

[@alanblasczyk1779]

What a beautiful space. I love your work April.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much!

[@guybowers9094]

Got to love an outdoor fireplace. Been watching this build from the beginning and really enjoy seeing how it's coming together

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@Sunsetrecordsstudios]

Only thing I would say, is back butter the piece and butter the backer board, that insures max coverage and also a rubber mallet allows you to make sure you make good contact.

[@holmesgirlclassics6664]

This looks great April!!! I love what you are doing and the stone work is awesome! This is encouraging. I wouldn't usually consider stone work, especially seeing as how I've never tried or thought about doing this. But, hey I might build a project just so that I can tried this. Great job, April! Keep up the good work!

[@talladegadude4852]

Looks beautiful! I love the design of it all. This is an awesome outdoor kitchen!

[@dennisschickling5759]

Looks GREAT. #STAYSAFE #PHILLY PHILLY 🇺🇲

[@JozefOtters23]

Love to watch this series and learn a lot while watching. Really curious about the end result!! Great videos April 😊 always makes me wanna go and make/fix something around the house!

[@richardburguillos3118]

It came out looking great! Thanks for sharing the build.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks for watching!

[@rollsroyce7325]

Good Job April and the Wilker's Team🏰👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👌🏼👸❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mlubecke]

Another awesome job April. Love love love this project of the covered deck. It looks amazing 🤩.

[@RoadhogRNA]

That turned out great!!!! Really nice job anyone would be proud to have that setup!!!

[@Atlantismonkey40]

Pretty.

[@masterofnone4951]

Good job, only recommendation I have is that mitreing the outside corners gives the stone a solid, more 3 dimensional appearance. But you would need a wet saw and the associated mess that goes with it. Cheers

[@luzgonzalez2838]

Excellent job, just like a PRO.GBY!

[@BoomerKeith1]

Great choice of stone!! Also, I can't see the seams so maybe April just sees them because she installed the stone tile. I'm not a professional stone mason, but have done several outside projects using stone and sealing the stone before laying it is a great idea, especially if you're going to grout (it makes cleaning the grout so much easier, although make sure to seal the grout once it's done too). Awesome job April. Can't wait to see the next installment.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Well great. I'm glad you can't see the seam. Thank you for the compliments.

[@williammcgowan6687]

That is gorgeous its really lovely the way you done it .

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much 😊

[@jasonmonn8646]

Love watching you work. Amazing and beautiful jobs ❤️❤️❤️

[@markhammnett4892]

That's absolutely stunning April

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I just love it. :)

[@markhammnett4892]

@@AprilWilkerson by the way your folding saw horses were my first project. Super proud of them. Thank you for your inspiration

[@petelinster7093]

Protect your eyes too when cutting dry like you did. Awesome video.

[@brycekpalmer]

As a tip, you are tying your boots with a granny knot. 13:56 . You can tell it is since the bows don't naturally lay across the boot. If you tie the first knot opposite to what you normally do (eg. right over left instead of left over right) it will be a square knot and will be much more secure. No more laces coming untied and no need to ever double knot. Great series. I look forward to the next one.

[@tommyboydiy1484]

Thanks April, was just researching a similar project I want to do on my covered patio. Looks amazing

[@davidbeetham8481]

TJ.. Thank-you for correcting April on the correct pronunciation of the Fire Hearth !!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Meh, I talk the way I talk. Thanks for watching.

[@wiggledytoes]

3.40 hes a quick thinker, good teacher

[@robertjosephmurphyii4947]

Wow that came out amazingly gorgeous April nice job.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much 😊

[@georgeeads8689]

Awesome. You did great April.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@lovejones7545]

You're amazing April!! Great looking outdoor fireplace!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much!

[@augustreil]

Looks so nice April ! Thumbs up.

[@walterleon6037]

It looks beautiful

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job with the outdoors kitchen April. Really looks awesome. Thanks for sharing with us, Fred. 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👋👋

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Beautiful

[@chekymonkey4452]

that was a great job done nice one April

[@rusnsc7622]

Looks Great April! A nice Hill Country motif…Be well.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you kindly

[@Batzy2611]

G'Day April, I absolutely love this build and I want to tackle this project - can you please share the supplier of the fire insert- we just don't seem to have them in Western Australia,! (mostly fire pits) thanks Nick .

[@QaziHamayun]

Hi April, I am one of the very old Follower (from the time when you have 250k subscriber). Well, Being a software engineer, I have learned(and build like full room wardrobe, bar tool, computer table and many more) so many things from your videos, you are amazing. keep it up

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks for hanging around!

[@phillipackerman2617]

great job April it looks really nice

[@billyshumate853]

April everything's looking great can't wait for your next video.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@abbayhvhreigns7iloveyeshua650]

Wow as always Amazing & Also Beautiful to look at. The design, planning, teaching & execution of work is also good.

[@demonknight7965]

It looks very rustic and i love it. It looks great :)

[@nicholascox4545]

LOL! “I’ve never worked with stone” holy crap it looks AMAZING! Super impressive

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Well thank you. I'm very happy with it as well.

[@GrandpasWorkbench]

Well I finally went ahead and got me a pair of isotunes earmuffs, used your code to save 10 bucks! Thanks April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome to hear! You'll enjoy them.

[@ellieboa]

looks fantastic! love this series!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@keithgowans6914]

What's the fireplace brand you used. The stainless looks great!

super travail, bonne continuation.

[@mikecurtis2585]

Looking great nice job 👍. Can't wait to see it done. Thanks 😊!!

[@Jones572]

Very cool April🤙🏾💯..Always fun watching you work⭐️. You’re an amazing woman❤️

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@robertbass5283]

Beautiful, Love it …Great work April !

[@saxguy1314]

Love your videos. I’ve been waiting for you to tackle an outdoor fireplace! So educational. Thanks.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@gregking4395]

Looks great 👍🏿

[@donnawest866]

Great job April! Looks like stellar stonework to me!

[@niknikolaeff7620]

What a amazing talented woman you are 💕

[@FredMcIntyre]

It looks great April, awesome job! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@chrisshannonmoeller781]

Looks great!! Lots of progress in this video!

[@mikencrew8885]

Man it’s really looking awesome! Great job April and team !

[@hansangb]

@3:35....quick thinking to combat the "earth with H in front of it!" 😂 That's the beauty of a Romance language with even more variations mixed in. English is my second language, but imagine this. Tomb is Tooomb, but Comb is, well, comb. But home is spelled with O.M.E and Come is spelled the same but sounds different.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Wonderful examples! Haha, thank you for sharing.

[@VTGoPro]

on the corners instead of using a grinder to make the cuts, you can use a cold chisel and a hammer on the backside of the stone to make it look better. the chiseled edge will match the fronts as opposed to having a smooth cut edge.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great tip, thanks!

[@davecurda2350]

Man I love this build

[@rongrose3746]

Beautiful!

[@MR619Can]

that turned out awesome!

[@mattdarbyshire4962]

Incredible job

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!