Saving money on building an outdoor fireplace?

[Marvel2017]

We are doing some landscaping in the yard and want to build an outdoor woodburning fireplace like the one pictured (except ours would be open on two sides instead of one). We are getting quotes of around $10k. From what I've seen online most of these are built with cinder block (which I mostly already have) and the "base structure", mortared, etc, stainless chimney, fire brick, and the outside finished in stone of some kind (we are open to stucco or similar if that will save a significant amount of money). I'm pretty handy and figure I should be able to put one of these together myself with some time. Sooo, any advice on saving some money here with this project? My plan is to have a concrete pad poured as the footing, then build up from there. Thanks!

[Rezdent]

My dad built a similar one when I was a kid.  It was wonderful.  Except he didn't use cinder blocks - he used locally bought rough pink granite for the outer shell and a firebrick interior.  (Scavenged/recycled the brick for free).
He welded the interior metal himself - so if you don't have that ability you may want to source those parts first and build dimensions to them.

IIRC, he used the granite because it held heat and provided even temperature with less fuel.  Man he made some amazing barbecue with it!
So the hollow cinder blocks may not hold as much heat, which may be important if you have visions of bread or pizza. Not so much if you are planning on smoked meats, but would likely still need more fuel.

I wish I could consult him on this one (and a million other things) but sadly, he had dementia for years before he passed.
If you are open to stucco, you might want to check out "Earth Ovens" from the library or just Google that term.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes for you - keep us updated.

[Greg]

Consider getting a kit available at many stone suppliers.  Some suppliers only sell to contractors, so shop around until you find one that will sell it to you retail. The kit will have all the fire brick and stone you need, and you only need mortar and reinforcement.

Doing a mortar exterior is less money but more labor, and requires special high-temp mortar.  Also check your local codes etc. if you live where these things might be regulated.  Also, study your general wind patterns to make sure you won't just be running from the smoke every time you try to use it.