Garden Fireplace Kits

Garden fireplace dimensions and weights

Source: Schiedel Isokern Garden Fireplace brochure (April 2023). Heights are for the standard kit; extra chimney blocks increase the height.

What's in a garden fireplace kit?

From the Schiedel brochure and installation manuals, every kit contains:

• the pumice fireplace modules and chimney blocks
• Isokern lip glue for the fireplace and chimney (1 bag with the 500 and 950, 2 with the 1200)
• firebricks and Calderys firebrick mortar (1 bag with the 500 and 950, 2 with the 1200)
• render to seal the joints or give a fully rendered finish (1 bag with the 500, 2 with the 950 and 1200)
• a log retainer kit; the 500 also has a barbecue grill and fixing brackets
• capping on the 950 and 1200 (the 500 capping, code 130710, is an optional extra)

Rain caps, top rings and log stores are optional extras on all models. Each product page lists its exact contents.

Foundations and clearances

The completed build is very heavy, so it needs a firm foundation. Schiedel recommends a minimum 100mm reinforced concrete base; a weak base could sink or slant. Do not build directly onto decking. Leave a gap between the fireplace and any wooden or combustible material: 75mm for the 950 and 1200, and 100mm for the 500. Log stores can be positioned below (950 and 1200) or to the side (500).

How to build an Isokern garden fireplace

In outline, from the Schiedel installation manuals:

1. Lay a level 100mm reinforced concrete base, or set the optional log store.
2. Mix the lip glue as instructed on the bag. Bed the base and build up the fireplace, gather and chimney blocks, applying 15–20mm beads of glue with the supplied application bag. Check each layer is level and wipe off any excess.
3. Glue on the capping (or the optional 500 capping), and fit a top ring and rain cap if you are using them.
4. Burn off the fibres on the outer surface, then apply the render. It is a heat-resistant plaster designed for one coat, applied by a competent person.
5. Line the fire chamber with firebricks bedded on 1–3mm of firebrick mortar, with 8mm gaps, then point the joints and fit the log retainer.
6. Do not use the fireplace for at least 72 hours after completion. Light a small fire first and build it up gradually.

More help: which glue you need for your garden fireplace and our garden fireplace build guide.

Finishes

A garden fireplace can be left unrendered or rendered with the supplied render, and it can be painted. Extra Isokern render plaster 20kg is available if you add chimney blocks or want a thicker finish.

Accessories

• Log stores for each size, extra chimney blocks and more in garden fireplace accessories.
• Top ring and rain cap sets: Garden 500 and Garden 950/1200.
• Grill set for the 950 and 1200: Isokern garden barbecue grill.
• Lip glue 5kg, firebrick grout and render plaster.
• Planning a full outdoor kitchen? See Isokern outdoor kitchens.

What to burn

Schiedel recommends burning only Woodsure Scheme approved wood with a moisture content below 25%; a moisture meter will tell you whether logs are dry enough. Only use dried, seasoned wood, and never burn plastic, waste products or painted or treated wood.

Small garden or big patio?

Because the footprint is relatively small, Schiedel notes a garden fireplace can stand against a wall even in small gardens or yards where space is at a premium. The 500 is 685mm wide and 440mm deep, so it suits courtyards. The 950 is the most popular all-round size, and the 1200's 1180mm opening gives a wide, social fire on a large terrace. Measure your space, allow for the clearance to combustibles, and plan pallet access: the 500 and 950 arrive on one pallet, the 1200 on two.