From Dream to Reality: Jim’s Outdoor Kitchen Journey

[Jim White]

Much progress in the last few days. The electricians and plumbers have done their work for the utilities that will be under the slab. We passed the soil compaction test. The termite chemical barrier has been applied. The rebar is in place for the footers. We passed two inspections by the permit folks as this was in progress.




The current plan is to pour the slab on Monday. Then the framers will get to work. It’s my understanding the rafters are scheduled for delivery a week fro today, so we appear to be on the fast track now.

[Jim White]

Now it is time to solicit opinions on a decision we have mostly already made. It turns out that the “chimney” on the roof extends a few more inches out away from the main part of the house than does the brick below the roof line. On that lower part, it is wide because the brick also encompasses built in recessed bookshelves that are on either side of the hearth.

The bottom line is that the rafters are sized to go up high where they would be against the lower brick if it extended higher. That means that the chimney would need to be narrowed. But, it turns out the chimney is more or less fake. Those aren’t real bricks above the roof. It’s thin veneer and there is a simple metal flue passing through it.

Here is a portion of the first picture on post 51 blown up enough so that you can see the naked flue passing up through the attic.


It’s probably not rational, but I’m pretty freaked out about how flimsy the fake chimney is. Further, we’ve lived here over 15 years and I doubt we’ve burned wood in the fireplace more than three times. I hate indoor smoke and don’t want the bother of cleaning up ashes indoors.

Couple that with the complications of new flashing and a new cricket on re-sizing the chimney (if it could even be done leaving enough dead space from the flue to meet code), and the best option is just to remove the chimney above the roof, cap off the flue below that level and go with a simpler uninterrupted roof line with fewer risks of leaks.

I spun my wheels a couple of days looking at electric fireplace inserts but struggled with how they would fit into the existing hearth. Then I found the simple concept of electric log sets. They can actually look very realistic. I’ve found one brand in its own grate that is virtually the same size as our old grate. And it appears meant to be, because I discovered that our hearth has an electric blower for distributing heat into the room and so there’s already a 110 outlet right where the logs need to plug in (I t’s hard to see, but in the second picture below, the cord and plug are just below the blower switch). And, yes, the blower does still work so all we have to do is remove the old grate, drop in the logs and “ash mat” and plug it in. P


We’ve narrowed the choices down to two log sets. I was initially taken in by the set that looks like fresh splits of oak, but my wife has convinced me the logs look too non-burned for the size of the flames. So I’m coming around to her preference of the round ones with the front one appearing burned through with a nice red glow in addition to the flames.

What say you? Are we crazy to nuke the fake chimney? And if we’re doing this, which log set do we go with? I know nobody here likes to express an opinion, but please help me out here.

[Panhead John]

Alright, alright…..we’ll give you our opinion! Damn you’re asking a lot…🥸 I think it sounds like a good plan and definitely the second set with the already burnt logs. The only drawback to removing the real wood burning fireplace would be in the winter, if the lights go out, you’d lose a potential heat source. But, you might already have or plan to get a generator? Also, being in Florida, I’m sure that’s not a big concern for you.

[klflowers]

Is there really anything to discuss? You don't use the fireplace, you are in Florida so you don't need it, and most importantly, your wife has told you what she likes. Case closed.

[Jfrosty27]

Nuke the chimney is my vote. I too am adverse to wood burning indoors. For one, I am also too lazy to deal with it. But to be honest, I have a strong fear of fire. As in burning and death in it. We have a fireplace in our current home of 19+ years and have never used it and never will. I would choose the second option with the burnt look myself.

[Uncle Bob]

The idea of a fully integrated roof without the fakery of that chimney would be the biggest motivator to me to off it and go with the cleaner electric "fire" option as long as any heat coming off it wouldn't cause any issues.

[Jim White]

This one has the option of producing heat or not with remote control. I imagine using it often without heat for the cozy look but letting our very efficient heat pump make the room comfy. The heat would be useful on those very rare times when it is so cold outside the heat pump struggles to keep up.

[Steve B]

Yup. I agree with the aforementioned peeps above. Loose the chimney and have a nice clean roof line.
Also the second option for the logs is the way to go. Think of the yule log thing they show on tv at Christmas. The burnt logs look more realistic.

This sure is shaping up quite nicely Jim. I like. 👍

[CaptainMike]

Wut dis guy sed

[acorgihouse]

I agree with everyone above. I've lived most of my life in places where the wood burning fireplace provided needed substantial heat (along with those blowers like you have.) Now, in Fla also, I would never fool with it, messy, and a woodpile outside would rot in no time. I like the second choice in logs as well. Good ideas!

[ofelles]

Okay you've twisted my are enough! Clean up the roof line and #2 on the electric logs. Man I love spending our peoples money for a change.

[Richard Chrz]

In the lose it group. Now, an outdoor wood burning fireplace that you could cook in also….

[Jim White]

We have that out in our fire pit area.

[Richard Chrz]

So cool!

[HawkerXP]

Knock that thing off the roof.

[DavidNorcross]

Agree with others. Instead of electric logs have you considered ventless propane? We have had them for years and the heat is amazing.

[Jim White]

They got an early start this morning. They were pumping concrete by 7 am and had the slab poured by 8:30. These pics are from indoors because I don’t want to go back into the main part of the yard and possibly entice the dogs back there. We have a plan for excluding them until it dries.

[Michael_in_TX]

With the fog and the lighting, it looks like nothing other than a concrete lake! It really now gives a sense of just how much space you're going to have. My 10'x10' patio is jealous.

[barelfly]

Excellent!!!!!!!

[RiverJeff]

Big area to trowel slick, bet they have ride on power trowels! That would be fun!

[Jim White]

Ask for a power trowel, and you shall receive! It’s a stand-up version, not riding, and looked like a beast to operate.

[RiverJeff]

There is a art to it, watch and learn! 1miss move that trowel will dig to the bottom of your pour! Watch it shine!

[Alan Brice]

Much like a very aggressive buffer. It gets the job done pronto!

[Panhead John]

This is so cool to watch the progression as it happens! 👍

[Jim White]

The dogs have been given the all clear and are reporting for slab inspection duty.

[Donw]

Jim, you may be in hot water with your dogs. Their forlorn looks tell me that your concrete may have covered up their special bone burying area.

[Jim White]

Haha. Donw They are looking directly at where their crates used to be. I hope to put the crates back on the porch tomorrow afternoon. I think the rest of construction can carry on around the crates and the dogs can go back to sleeping right next to the house instead of in the barn.

[tbob4]

This is a fun thread! Thanks

[DavidNorcross]

Really looking great Jim!

[CaptainMike]

Very nice!!