Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for Your Backyard
Choosing the best outdoor fireplace design for your home
Considering outdoor fireplace design elements is similar to considering fireplace ideas for an indoor sitting room, living room, family room, or dining room. For example, in interior design, looking at the paint colors, room design, and overall color scheme will help you determine the best style and materials for the fireplace mantel, firebox, and fireplace surround. Inside, you will likely have a built-in fireplace, but for outdoor living room ideas, you could have either a built-in or freestanding fire feature. You can choose a floor-to-ceiling design, a corner fireplace, or anything that works well with the space.
A beautiful fireplace paired with eye-catching armchairs, coffee table, and maybe even a chandelier creates a welcoming, cozy space for entertaining or enjoying time with your family, partner, or just a good book.
If you are more interested in an open space for outdoor dinner parties, fireplaces incorporated into the overall design of outdoor kitchens can offer this.
Let’s take a look at some design ideas to see which might be the best choice for your backyard.
Classic outdoor fireplace designs
As we look at types of custom fireplaces, traditional fireplace designs are really the place to start. These designs, which will include stone, stacked stone, brick, and pavers, are well suited for most architectural styles, which makes them among the most popular choices for a patio kitchen remodel or outdoor living space makeover.
Rustic outdoor fireplace designs
If your home’s architecture or your home décor leans towards more rustic features and materials, a rustic patio fireplace is likely the right choice for you. This might mean enjoying a roaring fire in a red brick fireplace, or roasting marshmallows in a stone fireplace that matches the stone wall bordering your outdoor living area.
Modern outdoor fireplace designs
Modern fireplace ideas are often best suited for homeowners who prefer minimalist designs and clean lines. A white fireplace or concrete fireplace might be the right choice here, particularly if your home’s architecture is markedly modern or contemporary. While a limestone fireplace or marble fireplace certainly falls under classic design as well, these materials also have a place in modern and contemporary fireplace design.
Southwestern outdoor fireplace designs
Southwestern fireplace ideas are often where Southern California homeowners are going to find the right fit for Spanish, Spanish Colonial, and Spanish Revival architecture. For example, for folks who have a Spanish, Southwestern, or Mediterranean-style home, a tile fireplace with a wood mantel might be the perfect choice. Homes with these architectural styles also lend themselves well to outdoor fireplace design using paving stones, natural stone, clay, or concrete.
To help the creation of your next backyard fireplace, we have put together a number of ideas to inspire you. Use the filters below to help you find that perfect outdoor fireplace.
Instructions: Select the filters below to browse through different features and styles. To view the full image, click on the image itself.
Style
Mantle
Structure
Wood Box
This stone traditional fireplace with built in wood boxes will keep your patio warm.
Source: Angelus
Simple with a mediterranean design create a relaxing area for any home.
This fireplace with wood boxes and a built in grill are perfect for entertaining.
Source: Copper Creek Landscaping, Inc.
A mediterranean style with natural stone framing the firebox.
The white pillars and wood pergola blend well with this stone traditional fireplace.
Source: LandPlan's Landscaping
The varying elements contrast each other well in this contemporary design.
Source: Shuler Architects
The extended chimney and timeless style is the main focus of this outdoor living space.
Source: Walnut Hill Landscape Company
The stacked stones and wood mantle provide a charming aesthetic.
Source: Walnut Hill Landscape Company
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common fireplace materials?
Common materials used for outdoor fireplaces include natural stone, pavers, clay, brick, stucco, tile, and concrete. Most of the fireplace design ideas you will see on this site will be made from pavers, stone, or bricks.
How much does an outdoor fireplace cost?
Patio fireplace costs depend largely on the style, size, and materials you choose. The cost will also depend on whether you do this as a DIY project or have it installed professionally. The cost can range from $1,500 to more than $20,000. You can expect to likely pay between $9,000 and $20,000 for the design and installation of a custom outdoor fireplace.
Should I build an outdoor fireplace myself?
This is definitely an option. If you are somewhat handy, there are companies that sell patio fireplace kits that you can build yourself. This can also be a good option for homeowners who are working with a limited project budget. If you are looking for a custom outdoor fireplace, enlisting the help of a professional is the best way to ensure a safer, attractive, well-designed fire feature.
What are the most popular types of outdoor fireplaces in 2024?
While some homeowners still prefer a wood-burning fireplace, the trend is towards choosing a gas fireplace or electric fireplace as a focal point for outdoor living spaces or to create a cozy, inviting ambiance.
Let Install-It-Direct build your new outdoor fireplace
Install-It-Direct has years of experience designing and installing outdoor kitchens, paver patios, water features, artificial grass, outdoor lighting, fire pits, patio fireplaces, and everything else you might need to create functional, inviting, beautiful outdoor living spaces.
Contact us today for a free estimate for your outdoor fireplace and any other landscape design and installation needs you have.
(Original publish date: 4/21/22 | Refresh date: 3/19/24)