Extend Your Living Space With an Outdoor Fireplace
Increase square footage and enjoyment of your home with an exterior fireplace for a patio or backyard
From rooftop terraces to backyard sanctuaries, a fireplace can transform an ordinary outdoor space into a true extension of your home. Whether you want to entertain friends or add some mild-weather square footage for the family, the flickering flame of a fireplace can add to your home's value and enhance your ability to enjoy it year-round. These exterior architectural elements can be designed in all shapes, sizes and styles to complement your home perfectly.
Take a trip through these backyards to inspire your own outdoor fireplace design.
Take a trip through these backyards to inspire your own outdoor fireplace design.
Double sided. Light and airy, this fireplace has an enlarged opening that makes it seem barely there. This design allows you to enjoy the fire's heat from both sides.
Tip: A large opening and clear views like this mean you can sit by the fire while watching your kids in the pool.
Tip: A large opening and clear views like this mean you can sit by the fire while watching your kids in the pool.
Tall and stately. The tall exterior chimney of this home includes a quintessential brick and mortar fireplace. The simple style is classic and durable.
Tip: If you don't like the rustic or classic look of standard brick, talk with a designer or contractor about possibly painting your brick fireplace.
Tip: If you don't like the rustic or classic look of standard brick, talk with a designer or contractor about possibly painting your brick fireplace.
Architectural element. This home's roof extends into an integrated built-in fireplace that had to have been planned from the blueprint stage.
Tip: If you live in a warmer climate, building an outdoor space into your home's design will have potential buyers running for their checkbooks.
Tip: If you live in a warmer climate, building an outdoor space into your home's design will have potential buyers running for their checkbooks.
Outdoor living room. This outdoor living space feels just like an indoor living room. The fireplace acts as a focal wall but still allows for an open space.
Tip: Even with simple architecture, an outdoor fireplace can be customized and accented with the choice of surround and mantel materials.
Tip: Even with simple architecture, an outdoor fireplace can be customized and accented with the choice of surround and mantel materials.
Fully integrated. This outdoor fireplace fits seamlessly into the backyard garden with the built-in overhead pergola. The shady addition makes this a great space to spend time in, day or night.
Tip: Plants can help add color to a sparse patio design. If a built-in pergola isn't for you, try integrating pots with colorful flowers.
Tip: Plants can help add color to a sparse patio design. If a built-in pergola isn't for you, try integrating pots with colorful flowers.
Low lying. Forgo the traditional fireplace for a modern in-ground version instead.
Tip: Consider your family's needs. Although this fireplace is beautiful, it isn't particularly kid friendly.
Tip: Consider your family's needs. Although this fireplace is beautiful, it isn't particularly kid friendly.
Two for one. These homeowners turned their retaining wall into a fireplace. A sunken sitting area and stepping stones transform it into a private sanctuary.
Tip: Be open minded when it comes to location. There's no rule that says the fireplace has to be under a patio or on a porch.
More: 3 Unexpected Reasons to Have an Outdoor Fireplace
Tip: Be open minded when it comes to location. There's no rule that says the fireplace has to be under a patio or on a porch.
More: 3 Unexpected Reasons to Have an Outdoor Fireplace
Tip: Put blankets or bench cushions on your hearth as a layer between bodies and the hard and chilly stone.