How to build a base for a chimenea?

[David12]

    

I bought a chimenea that does not sell the tiles for this product. I have the sand for the base but I need a tile base and I dont know what to buy and how to cut without buying more tools. Any suggestions?

[EricL]

Hello @David12 

We use to sell a similar chimenea at one point, but I have not seen it in the store for a while. I'm currently not aware where you might source the firebase tile set. I suspect that these are not ordinary tiles but are fire/heat rated tiles that you need to use inside the chimenea to prevent it from overheating. The closest item the store carries is the Scandia Replacement Firebrick Set, but these bricks are designed for use in a fireplace and may prove to be too big to fit in your chimenea.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @David12 

as long at the actual chimena os off the ground, standard 40mm pavers of what ever you choose will be fine. My steel one gets regular use and is about 3yrs old with no sign of any damage to my 40mm pavers it sits on surrounded by river pebbles. 

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @David12 

I have wanted one of these for years I think they would look pretty nice to sit around in the evening.

I just went looking for the interior tiles, seems crazy that the chimenea dosnt sell with them lol but thats how they do it.

So my search path went

"9-piece firebase tiles"

"Charmate Fuego Chiminea Clay 990mm"

and then eventually I came to the model number of the tiles

"FIREBASE TILE 17 – CA1002"

If you google the last there are a few different suppliers that might have what you chimena is for around $25-$30 by the look of it.

Im filing the info away just in case I come across one for myself

Dave

[Noyade]

I just got some scrap metal, which included the top of an old gas cylinder and welded them together.

Placed at the bottom.

On top of it - old Weber grills.

I only use barbecue briquettes @David12 - what I found is/was as the debris of the briquettes built up to around 75 mm - there was no need for the supporting structure - there is enough protective insulation with the 'dirt.'

My neighbour bought the same chiminea but fired it with wood - and it shattered into pieces.

Cheers.

[EricL]

Hi @Noyade 

That is a great tip, thank you for sharing that bit of information, using barbecue briquettes prevents extreme heat from being generated inside the chimenea.

Eric

[David12]

So I should put the sand fire up some brickettes to cure it more which also builds an insulation to prevent over heating and cracking once I start using firewood?

[David12]

Would lava rocks do the same as briquettes or would it make it even hotter

[EricL]

Hello @David12 

Lava rocks actually enhance the spread of heat distribution so it would not be ideal for your Chimenea. 

Briquettes are manufactured from compressed charcoal dust, starch binders, and other additives. Because of their uniform size, shape, and composition, they burn at a consistent temperature over a longer period. This makes them ideal for slow cooking, grilling, and smoking, where even heat control is essential. They are also easier to stack and manage in terms of airflow, which supports stable combustion. I only suggest this because the briquettes provide even heat and will not create hot spots and fluctuating temperatures like timber.

Will it insulate against firewood? I'm afraid I don't have enough information to give you a proper answer. Fire bricks are necessary when you need a heat-resistant, stable lining that can handle intense, prolonged direct heat and support weight. I advise trying to source the firebase for the proper operation of your chimenea.

Eric

[Noyade]

G'day Eric @EricL and @David12 

We both bought our chimineas from a dying Masters on clearance. They were supposed to be pizza makers.

I cannot remember the instruction sheet but vaguely remember the boxing had a photo (CGI?) of wood being burned.

My neighbours shattered - mostly the top component - using wood. I think he put house bricks on the bottom.

I learnt from that and have just been using briquettes since. My experience is with the 'dirt' barrier in place, it's not the extreme external bottom that gets hot - it's the sides and funnel area. Remembering this was meant for pizzas - with the lid kept insitu. 

These days I sometimes cook with the top removed with a very large pan above the heat.

I also installed wheels on the frame.

For warmth on an extremely cold night - useless.

Cooking pizza - even more useless.

If it's for warmth - I'd be looking at metal - something like @Nailbag has above.

I wish you better success.

Cheers.