Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or scanning the night sky for the ISS, a foray into your backyard is one of the best ways to pass the time. Make it even better with a brand-new outdoor fireplace.
Here’s the rundown of outdoor fireplaces available and all the installation possibilities so you can give your outdoor spaces the ambiance they deserve.
Where to Begin?
There are many options for outdoor fireplaces. It can be difficult to know where to begin. Luckily there are three obvious categories when it comes to outdoor fireplaces that make it easier to get started: gas, wood-burning, and electric. Each of these fireplaces make excellent additions to an outdoor space but they offer different features and require a different set up.
Start by determining your fuel source, then the rest will fall into place. Here’s the rundown.
Outdoor Gas Fireplaces
A gas outdoor fireplace is one of the hottest trends for homes and businesses. That’s because they look great, come in several different types, and can be used year-round for cooking, gatherings, ambiance, and all sorts of activities.
So which type is right for you? Read on.
Built-in Fireplaces
These fireplaces look exactly like your traditional indoor fireplace and are perfect for designs that include upscale outdoor living.
Installation
Built-ins, true to their name, do require some construction for installation. They must be housed in a structure. You can use an existing firebox, or build one. Since the built-in is a more permanent fixture, the gas can be piped in during construction or they can be hooked up to a tank.
No venting or chimney is required when a gas fireplace is installed outdoors, however many of the built-in designs include chimneys or false chimneys for aesthetic purposes.
Maintenance & Safety
Because these fireplaces are built-in, there is some protection from the elements, but be sure to cover it when not in use, most especially in wet weather.
Many built-in gas fireplaces come equipped with auto-shutoff systems to increase safety.
Our Favorite Picks
Our Napoleon Galaxy Outdoor Linear Gas Fireplace is one of the best examples of a gas outdoor fireplace. It features both natural gas and propane fueling capabilities, stainless steel construction, a topaz crystalline ember bed, and LED color-changing lights for added ambiance. It has push button ignition and comes with auto-shutoff, a safety screen, and seasonal cover.
Fire pits, Fire Bowls & Fire Tables
Gas fire pits are the contemporary answer to the classic fire pit. You’ll still get a warm fire in a rustic setting, but no irritating smoke and ashes. Gas fire pits come in a variety of types from the fire pit table to a steel or concrete bowl.
Installation
The smaller, more portable nature of fire pits, tables, and bowls allows them to be right at home anywhere in the backyard. No remodeling required.
Some models house the fuel source inside the unit or it can be piped in for a more permanent installation.
Maintenance & Safety
The fire pit is generally a very safe option when installed out in the open with plenty of circulation and no covering over the patio.
Cover when not in use and especially in wet weather. Use an outdoor sealer like our Supercast Sealer to protect against weather and extend the life of your Supercast fire pit (not for use on metal).
Our Favorite Picks
Check out the Tavola 1 Outdoor Fire Pit, a modern concrete fire pit with a stainless-steel burner and pan and a 50 lb. lava rock bed.The Cove 29-In Diameter Gas Fire Bowl gives you additional warmth and decorative flair with a sleek modern display that works just as well as an ambient light source.
With their versatile capabilities and cutting-edge designs, gas outdoor fireplaces are where practicality meets progress. Add one to your outdoor space today.
Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces
It’s hard to beat the classics, and a wood-burning fireplace is as classic as it gets. Wood-burning fire pits and fire bowls are just as iconic, featuring world-class craftsmanship and tasteful designs that are just as inviting as the fires inside them.
Does a classic, wood-burning fireplace sound the most appealing? Here are some of the best we have to offer.
Masonry Fireplace
Mimicking an indoor set up, the outdoor traditional wood-burning set up, complete with stone hearth and surround, is a classic look for high-end outdoor spaces. Opt for one of our fireplace kits and get everything you need to build the fireplace of your dreams.
Installation
A masonry fireplace is a permanent fixture that you build into your backyard design. They can last generations when properly cared for. Our outdoor fireplace kits make it easy to install your fireplace.
Wood burning fireplaces do require a chimney, which helps keep the smoke in your eyes to a minimum when compared to an open wood-burning fire pit.
Maintenance & Safety
Burning wood creates ashes, which will need to be removed once the fire has cooled. An annual cleaning is a good idea too. The cleaner your fireplace, the safer it will be. A firescreen can provide further protection from flying sparks.
Our Favorite Picks
Try the 30-In FireRock Arched Masonry Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace: This DIY outdoor fireplace kit is equal parts entertainment center and your newest statement artwork. Featuring a customizable outward finish and pre-cut concrete blocks, your brand-new fireplace will look twice as good at half the price of a scratch-built model.
Wood-Burning Fire Pits & Fire Bowls
Open, cheery, and fun, a wood-burning fire pit or fire bowl can be a simple steel circle with cutouts or an architectural work of art. Easy to set up, easy to clean, easy to move—these little numbers can do it all.
Installation
Installing fire pits and bowls is as simple as placing them wherever you’d like: the patio, on the lawn, or in the garden. You can even put smaller versions on table tops. Things can get hot, though, so consider whether the surface is heatproof.
Maintenance & Safety
Disposal of ashes and regular cleaning are enough to keep fire pits and bowls in good condition. Remember that wood-burning fires get hot and you should maintain distance between the fire and other materials.
Our Favorite Picks
Explore the Pacific Coast Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit This wood-burning, weather-resistant fire pit is great for the beach, the backyard, and everywhere in between. Your new solid steel fire pit comes fully assembled, so you can use it right away if the weather’s nice!
The Manta Ray Artisan fire pit by Fire Pit Art is handmade by a skilled craftsperson from solid carbon steel. Each is a one-of-a-kind work of art. It was designed to reflect a giant ray with wings spread wide, gliding through the ocean currents. It comes with a ten year warranty and is one of our best sellers.
Electric Outdoor Fireplaces
Electric outdoor fireplaces offer the same fireplace ambiance with perks you can’t get with any other fuel source. They are a cinch to install, use, and maintain. They can be used with or without heat for year-round enjoyment.
Electric fireplace heating is most effective in enclosed spaces such as sunrooms, conservatories, and enclosed patios. Every electric fireplace should be installed in a space with a cover such as a porch, overhang, or within masonry.
Outdoor electric fireplaces are available in several styles. Take a look.
Fireplace Inserts
The plug and play functionality of the electric fireplace insert plus smart features and remote controls makes this a great choice. Available in classic shapes and sizes or opt for a more modern wide linear.
Installation
Similar to built-ins, these fireplaces can be inserted into an existing fireplace or a structure can be built to house them. Many customers choose to surround them with a decorative material, a hearth, or mantel to make the fireplace a centerpiece of the outdoor space.
Maintenance & Safety
The fireplace insert is somewhat protected from the elements because it is surrounded by a structure. However, it must still be under cover and protected from the elements.
There is no actual flame so no risks of burns. A fireplace insert is an electrical appliance and should be treated as you would other electrical appliances.
Our Favorite Picks
Add this traditional style built-in: Amantii 44 inch Traditional Bespoke model with smart technology and adjustable flames. Comes with speakers for crackling sound. Can be ordered with several different types of media from birch logs to driftwood to crystal media.
Wall Mounted Electric Fireplaces
Just like you would hang a picture on a wall, the wall mounted electric fireplace allows you to hang your fireplace wherever you would like.Depending on the model you may also have the option of partial or full recessing into the wall. These slim profile fireplaces are ultra modern and add ambiance to your patio.
Installation
Wall mount fireplaces are a snap to install since some models can simply be hung on a wall. They can also be fully or partially recessed into a wall. These can be installed at any height and can either be plugged into an outlet or hard-wired.
Maintenance & Safety
Virtually maintenance free, so long as they are installed under cover, the wall mounted electric fireplace offers year round enjoyment (can turn the heat feature on and off). Be sure to check electrical outlets and wiring regularly to decrease risks.
Our Favorite Picks
Try the Touchstone Sideline Outdoor built-in electric fireplace. Linear in shape, get it in from 36” all the way up to 72”. It comes with a log set and glass beads for the ember bed so you can choose your look. Plug it in or wire it in directly.
Shop Outdoor Electric Fireplaces
Portable Electric Fireplaces
Freestanding and easily moveable, a portable electric fireplace might be just the ticket to enhance your outdoor space. They are viewable from three sides and the realistic flames are encased in glass. Choose from several different bases including legs, cabinets, and speakers for music.
Installation
No installation is required for these portable units. You can simply place them where you want them, plug them in, and you’re set to go. They are electrical appliances that need to be protected from the elements, especially wet weather and humidity. But sure to place them under a covered patio or overhang. You could also opt to bring them indoors when you finish using them.
Maintenance & Safety
Electric fireplaces don’t require much maintenance and are very safe to operate (see manufacturer's instructions). Be sure to use portable electric fireplaces as you would other electrical appliances.
Our Favorite Picks
Check out the Amantii TruView Cube freestanding electric fireplace for 13 different ember bed colors and three flame colors. This innovative fireplace will quickly be the center of attention in your backyard.
Still deciding between gas and electric fireplaces or fireplaces vs fire pits? We’ve got you covered.
Other Outdoor Options
Gas, electric, and wood-burning outdoor fireplaces are all excellent choices, but they’re only a fraction of your options for outdoor heating and ambiance. Here are a few other categories for your consideration.
Outdoor Heaters: Looking to heat your industrial space or garage area? Outdoor heaters pack a powerful punch, providing plenty of heat to your guests in a variety of voltages, fuel types, and installation options.
Fire Columns: Fire columns are the slimmer, more cylindrical cousin to the fire bowl and fire table. These American-made heaters are perfectly portable and come in sleek, modern metal and rustic stone styles.
Ready to build the ultimate outdoor hangout space?