Building an outdoor fireplace has become an extremely popular way of providing outdoor heating.  As a result, there are now many styles and designs to choose from.  The only limits are your budget and your imagination!

The three most important things to bear in mind are

• Does the design comply with local building and regulation codes?  Check before you build as they may specify which type of firebricks you must use.
• Is the design safe?
• Does it have an appropriate and adequate system for ventilation?

The design of an outdoor fireplace is much the same as an indoor one, except outdoor fireplaces don’t use dampers.  A damper is a moveable flap between where the firebox and the flue meet.  When it’s open, it lets smoke and heat go up the chimney.  It can be closed when the fireplace is not being used to stop outside air from coming down the chimney into the home.  Instead of a damper, an the chimney on an outdoor fireplace is extra tall to carry away the smoke.

Stone endures…

Outdoor fireplaces that are built of some form of masonry are much stronger and will last much longer than metal ones.  However well finished metal is, the weather will eventually rust it.

You can call in a building contractor to build your outdoor fireplace but that is the more expensive option.  Shop around for a do-it-yourself kit but always buy from a reputable dealer and ask to see what the kits look like when they have been put together.  A visit to a past customer would be the ideal. 

Check List for parts - an outdoor fireplace comprises:

• A crown
• An over mantel
• A mantel shelf
• A header
• A filler panel
• A fire box
• A leg
• A plinth base
• A hearth
• Some types use a combined mantel shelf and header.

Once you have built it the basic structure you can choose to cover it in stone, brick or stucco and design your own finish!