Outdoor Fireplace Ideas That Your Family Will Love!

**5 Minute Read Time**

An outdoor fireplace has value for a variety of reasons. Here are a few key ones:

1. Aesthetic appeal: An outdoor fireplace can be a beautiful addition to your outdoor living space, providing a focal point that adds character and charm. Exterior fireplace ideas can also be designed in a variety of styles and materials.
2. Increased property value: Like outdoor kitchens, backyard fireplace ideas can increase the value of your property. Fireplaces are a desirable feature for most homebuyers.
3. Cooking options: Some outdoor fireplaces come equipped with a built-in oven or grill, allowing you to cook outdoors and add versatility to your outdoor entertaining.
4. Relaxation: Outdoor fireplaces create a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and reducing stress after a long day. The warmth and glow of the fire creates a peaceful ambiance, perfect for unwinding.

So yes, outside fireplace ideas are definitely worth it. But…

An outdoor fire pit and fireplace are similar in ways, but can have some major differences depending on the quality of the outdoor fireplace idea and creation.

A fireplace is more permanent, usually enclosed and made of brick or stone, or concrete block materials with a chimney that is designed.

A fire pit on the other hand, is a simpler, open freestanding structure or raised bowl that can be made from the same decorative materials.

Firepits are smaller and simpler than a fireplace, and will usually not be covered by any outdoor structures due to not having a chimney. Given the fact that the firepit is an open structure, it is harder to contain the smoke vs a fireplace chimney having the ability to ventilate out of the chimney.

While both fireplaces and firepits can be used for warmth, socializing, and even cooking; fireplaces are the far more elaborate version of the two.

Yes, you can build an outdoor fireplace on an existing patio, but there are some things to keep in mind.

• First, you will need to ensure that the patio is strong enough to support the weight of the fireplace, outdoor fireplaces can be quite heavy, so you may need to reinforce the foundation of the patio so no cracking or settling occurs. Usually a Concrete pad is the best choice as a foundation for your fireplace.
• Next, you will need to decide whether you want to build a standalone fireplace or attach it to an existing structure, such as a house or a pergola. If you choose to do this, make sure the structure can hold the weight and is up to any possible codes or regulations.
• I know it may seem obvious, but be sure to think about what is above the chimney when considering the fireplace placement. Having a chimney under a tree or a structure of any kind is never a good choice and won’t pass inspection. You also might want to consider the location of the fireplace in relation to other outdoor features, such as seating walls and landscaping. This will ensure that the fireplace is positioned in a way that provides a safe and comfortable space for people to gather and that there are no accidental fire disasters.
• Finally, to bring these all together, make sure you are hiring a hardscaping group that is fully experienced and insured. Any special attention that you think of should be properly heeded and taken care of.

So what is the most cost-effective exterior fireplace idea? Especially if a normal fireplace is out of the budget?

Depending on your needs, here are a few ideas:

1. Wood Burning is cheaper than a gas fireplace. A simple but true fact!
2. Use a less expensive material and reduce the size and features of the fireplace. Features like a the hearth, mantel, wood boxes, and walls can add a good deal of cost to any outdoor fireplace
3. Swap out a firepit to a fireplace: Firepits, as we have talked about extensively, can be very flexible while built. This means materials can be mixed or a bit cheaper, and can be wood burning or gas–depending on where you want to spend your money.

Within the firepit category, we recommend using a prefabricated outdoor fireplace kit rather than a custom firepit which could include mortar and chiseled stone. These can get pricey quickly, so, if you are looking to save money–stick with the firepit kits. Fireplace kits typically come with all the materials needed, including bricks, chimneys, and a firebox. The kits can also range in price depending on the size and materials.

In complete conclusion, the best fireplace will come with the best budget–you really do get what you pay for.

However, even if you don’t have elaborate budgets for elaborate outdoor fireplaces, we hope that we have provided you with other good options.

So we’ve talked about a bit of fireplace idea stuff, what does one of these things actually cost?

Well, depending on the sizing and quality of the materials, a fireplace can cost anywhere from a few thousand (5,000 ish) to 18,000. The more you spend, the larger it will likely be and the longer it will last.

However, fireplace ideas don’t have to stop you if that price isn’t worth it. Firepits, like we talked about earlier, can be a more cost effective solution.

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