Concrete Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Nothing does a better job of anchoring an outdoor living room than an authentic outdoor fireplace. In this article, Garden Artisan Scott Cohen shares design and construction insights from over 20 years of high-end residential experience.

Outdoor fireplaces continue to grow in popularity with the outdoor room boom fueling the fire. Magazines and web-publishers frequently post beautiful photos of large stone fireplaces and homeowners are now demanding fire places, not just fire pits in their outdoor living rooms.

Find decorative concrete contractors near me.

There is a certain romantic ambiance that surrounds an outdoor fireplace. The glow of the flickering flame invites guests to sit down, relax and enjoy life. Properly designed fire features encourage conversation and sooth the soul. Design and installation of these popular features can be lucrative, but be sure to educate yourself on the proper construction techniques beforehand to avoid costly mistakes.

Outdoor Fireplace Pictures Browse our gallery of outdoor fireplace pictures for inspiration and ideas for your own backyard.

Fire Pit vs. Fireplace Compare fire pits with fireplaces so you can decide on the right hearth for outdoor living area.

Fire Pits Read about building and designing custom concrete fire pits.

Outdoor Fireplace Planning Sheet Get help answering the key questions for choosing and installing an outdoor fireplace.

Outdoor Fireplace Size Get tips for choosing the right size and scale for an outdoor fireplace.

Outdoor Kitchens Discover how to design with concrete to create an appealing outdoor kitchen retreat.

TYPES OF OUTDOOR FIREPLACES & WHAT THEY COST

Precast Outdoor Fireplace
Time: 00:45
Scott Cohen provides ideas for using precast outdoor fireplaces in smaller spaces such as courtyards.

View All 35 Outdoor Living Videos

Kit Masonry Fireplaces

These can be ordered in a variety of firebox sizes. These versatile kits speed construction time and reduce the required skill level of the installation labor. The smoke shelf and flue sizing are all pre-determined so no math is required. Standard structural engineering is available and permits are easier to obtain than custom features. These boxes can be veneered with a variety of stone or brick façades.

Installed prices range from $8,250-$16,850 depending on size and veneer

Available in Southern California from The Green Scene.

Pre-Cast Concrete or Cast Limestone Fireplaces

These are designed primarily as gas burning and not wood burning. While it is often ok to burn small amounts of wood in these features, with the addition of a spark arrestor, most manufacturers advise against it. These features are easy to assemble and because of their portable design, usually do not require permits or structural engineering.

Custom Masonry Fireplaces

These require structural engineering and familiarity with local soils conditions. Some engineers require soils reports before beginning structural calculations. Custom features are built from the ground up, depending heavily on the skills of the installing mason. Firebox size, smoke shelf fabrication, flue sizing and chimney height are all important considerations (see Outdoor Fireplace Design Criteria). These features require 3 times more labor to construct, but can accommodate any weight veneer and allow the versatility to combine with water features, match existing architecture, provide large wind breaks, etc.

Custom Outdoor Fireplace
Time: 00:47
With a concrete fireplace, you can coordinate the color and shape with existing landscaping elements or incorporate special design features.

View All 35 Outdoor Living Videos

Do not discount the required structural engineering, permit process time, multiple inspections, enormous footings, and higher skilled labor costs when preparing your proposal.

Installed costs range from $14,850-$35,850 depending on size, veneer and styling.

Chimineas

Chimineas are all clay open fire garden heaters shaped like oversized vases with an opening in the belly for quaint garden areas and smaller fires.

Prices range from $85-$350 (available from landscape supply stores, or search "chimineas" online).

RELATED:
Outdoor Living Design Ideas