One of the best things about having ample outdoor space is that you can treat it like an extra room for your house. It has always been something that I advise, too. If you get the opportunity to create an outdoor living space, then try to take full advantage of it. One of the best ways you can do that is by using outdoor fireplaces.
Most people who have an outdoor space use it only in the summer. Then, during the colder months, it gets made redundant. The biggest issue with this is that it is a waste of space during those cold times. The next question that you may face is that you have to take more time in the spring to clear it up and get it ready for the summer.
Well, instead of leaving your garden as a storage area, why not make it into an all year round space to enjoy? The House Wire has been thinking about this for some time, and we felt it was time to tell you about it. Therefore, take a look through our best fireplace ideas that we have come across.
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Outdoor Fireplace Ideas
As I have just said, outdoor fireplace ideas will give you the ability to use your outdoor space for more of the year. While only two of the images in this article include them, I would suggest that you have a roof next to the fireplace so that you don’t get rained on at the same time as warming up!
However, it is certainly not necessary to have one, especially if you are in a part of the world that doesn’t get much rain.
One word of warning though; ensure that the flue is outside and that all of the electrics (if you have them) are suitably adequate and covered for outdoor use!
I find that the image above shows the best use of space as they have had undercover seating areas. And other extras such as a table added into the design of them. However, this is a benefit that you could add to any of the fireplaces in this article.
Large Outdoor Fireplace Idea
If you think that the fireplace above is a little too small, then you could think of having a large outdoor fireplace. Here is an image of a more substantial built fireplace outside.
One of my favorite aspects of this fireplace is that it is more than just a fireplace. You can see that the designer of it decided to add multiple levels to the surround of the fire. Therefore, it allows you to use it for different things suck as flower pots or additional seating.
A few of the images in this article are missing something that I think would be a great advantage, though. In the first image, there is storage for extra firewood, which is a great idea. So if you are planning on building one, I would suggest that you try to incorporate this into the design.
Open Outdoor Fireplace
Perhaps you think that the previous two images are slightly too closed in for your liking? If you often have a large gathering of people in your garden, then you may want to think of an open outdoor fireplace.
As you can see in this image, you can access the heat of the fire from two sides. That can be very advantageous if you have large parties or gatherings in your garden. As a result, more people can get warm at one time.
However, one thing that you need to think about when building one of these is that the fire will have to be more significant. The reason for this is that giving heat out of two openings of that size will need more fuel.
One other observation of this fire is that there seems to be no flue cover. If there is not, then rainwater can get into the fire pit very quickly, causing wet wood and pit area. If this continues, you may end up having black water running down the sides of your lovely bright brickwork!
Cozy Outdoor Fireplaces
If you are unlikely to have a large gathering of people in the garden, but still want to spend time there, consider a cozy outdoor fireplace.
This image is such a beautiful example of an outdoor fireplace that I would love to own it myself. It has built using an array of sizes of dry stone bricks and a small amount of cement. Doing that gives the appearance of it being made without any adhesive at all.
The lack of visible adhesive gives it a very rustic appearance. Contrasting this rustic look is inbuilt lights to give it a modern feel.
A curved base for the fire is a beautiful addition to the design. That curve also allows for it to fit beautifully into round patios. Also, as you can see, the fire is flanked by two high platforms. Thre can be used for flower pots, or as tables.
Metal Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace
While all of the above fireplaces have been wood burning, there are a few different types. The next two images are of metal outdoor wood-burning fireplaces. These types of fires are a great idea if you are looking for something that you can keep closed entirely off while still allowing the heat out. They’re also great for people who will use it less than some of the others in this article.
One thing that you need to remember is that these will not last as long as a stone or brick fireplace. As you can see in the image above, this one is on a stone pedestal. However, my advice here would be to be very careful about doing this.
Even though these fireplaces are wrought iron, they will still rust. You will then have a pedestal that you need to match another fire too.
Freestanding Metal Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace
After looking at the issues with the image above, you may want to think about a free-standing metal outdoor wood burning fireplace. These do have some significant advantages over the others on this page
One of the most significant benefits is the moveability of it. You can change your garden around as much as you like, and there is no issue with where it goes. The second benefit is that if you ever decide that you no longer want a fireplace, you can get rid of it with no residual problems.
Of course, it still has the benefit of being a wholly enclosed fire, and also a three hundred and sixty-degree heat source. One of the disadvantages of this type of fireplace though, I have found, is that you have no easy way to add more fuel.
If you want to add wood to the fire, you will need to have a heatproof glove or a tool to open the door, as it will be scorching.
Open Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace
While all of the fireplaces are beautiful in their way, what if you want something a little more Vikingesque?
Well, you are in luck. Here is an open-top, basin style fireplace. This open, outdoor wood burning fireplace would look great in a large or small garden (providing you have enough room to maneuver around it). Another benefit of this style is that you can build a massive fire in it, and still keep it contained.
Keep in mind the types of people that you are going to have around it, though. It is probably not the best style if you have children!
Outdoor Gas Fireplace
All of the fireplaces that we have looked at so far have been solid fuel. You may be in an area where it is not readily available, or you may have an aversion to using solid fuels. Therefore, what you may like a bit more is an outdoor gas fireplace.
These gas fireplaces have a few distinct benefits over solid fuel. First of all, gas is often much more available. Secondly, they are a lot cleaner looking. Although I think that they look lovely, I do believe that there is nothing that can beat a log fire.
But, as I said, if you have a reason not to want one, a gas fire may be the thing for you. Ensure to get a weatherproof one though, and not use an indoor appliance. The metal plating will not be as durable for outdoor use.
Outdoor Electric Fireplace
Maybe you have a dislike of solid fuels and no way of getting gas. That is going to bring you to the only real remaining option, an outdoor electric fireplace.
Mind you; these do look wonderful; they also make the outdoor living area look a lot more like an indoor room. You can get them in a variety of styles, with color-changing flames and backgrounds.
You can also get them with built-in mood lighting and other various additions. However, please do remember to use only outdoor certified electrics, and ensure that a qualified electrician installs it!
Outdoor Fireplace With Pizza Oven
There are an awful lot of people who use their outdoor space for events revolving around food. Barbeques and picnics are two of the main things. However, why not take it up a notch with an outdoor fireplace with a pizza oven?
I have always thought of pizza ovens as a thing of dreams. I love pizza, and I love outdoor fireplaces. Therefore, what could be better than both of them in one structure? Possibly nothing. Except for perhaps, the seating that is either side for people to sit and eat!
Outdoor Fireplace Kits
Perhaps you have looked through these images and decided that they are all a little too expensive to have made for you. That’s why we have included a picture of what you can get if you look for an outdoor fireplace kit.
These kits can save a considerable amount of time and money. The primary benefit to them is that they come pre-built so you only have to install them where you want them. The main downside to them, though is that they are not unique. However, manufactured in high volumes, you will only be able to buy what the companies provide.
As for the uniqueness, this will probably not be much of an issue, unless you know a lot of people who have them.
DIY Outdoor Fireplace
If you are feeling more adventurous, then why not try and make a DIY outdoor fireplace?
They can be built entirely to the specification that you want. If you only have a small area for a fireplace, then you can create a small one. If you have a funny shaped area of the garden, build it to fit. DIY fireplaces are a lot cheaper than buying kits or paying someone else to make it for you. However, it will take longer to do yourself.
A huge benefit to doing it yourself though is that you will feel a massive amount of satisfaction when you have done it and are using it!
Conclusion
As I said at the beginning of the article, I sincerely recommend using your outdoor space as an extra room. It will make your home feel more significant, and your garden more accommodating all year round. Making that space better by using outdoor fireplaces is one brilliant idea to incorporate, too.
One more piece of advice that I would like to give you, though is this: Take your time to plan it. As with everything in your home, once you have completed it, it is done. Going back and changing a brick built fireplace will be a challenging task. If you are uncertain as to whether you will use the fire, then why not go for one of the free-standing ones to try it out?
Once you know that you use it, invest some more time and money into having a brick one. You will not be disappointed!