The Calore Outdoor Fireplace should rest on a reinforced concrete pad. Build a 4" thick, rebar or wire mesh reinforced concrete slab. The slab dimensions should be 8 " wider than the dimensions of your concrete block stand, providing you with 2" for finish material, and a 2" reveal on either side of the stand. You can adjust your foundation dimensions to meet your requirements. The foundation slab will also be used to support forms that you will use during the hearth slab construction. The finished top of the slab should be 2"-3" above ground level.
Excavate your foundation, then frame the slab with 2"x4" stud. Hold the frame in place with wood stakes; make sure the frame is level and square, and that it faces exactly in the direction you want. Lay a 3" base of pea gravel (or crushed rock), compact the rock, and optionally cover it with a layer of 4ml plastic sheeting to stop the slab from wicking water.
Place a sheet of wire mesh inside the foundation frame, and optionally install a two-piece grid using 1/2" rebar (#4) set 4" and 8" inside the foundation frame. Tie the rebar together with tie wire, then set the wire mesh and rebar half way up the pad (2’), using either rebar stand-offs or fragments of brick.
Pour the slab, and allow it to cure.
You are ready to place your Fireplace Stand.
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Hints and Tips
Use a tiller to break up the ground before you excavate. If your ground is hard and/or dry, water it with a sprinkler for a couple of days before you start. Your site should be soft, but not muddy.
Compare both diagonal measurements of your foundation frame to ensure that your foundation is square. Make sure it faces in the direction you want your oven to face.
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