Outdoor Fireplace Ideas To Beautify and Complement Your Deck or Patio

The untapped potential of your backyard beckons for an extraordinary outdoor living space. The thought of adding functionality and beauty with an outdoor fireplace intrigues you, but where do you begin?

It’s not uncommon to be overwhelmed by turning a blank outdoor canvas into a warm extension of your home. Selecting home features can indeed be a daunting task, especially when you are faced with so many options like outdoor fireplaces. 

Designing and selecting an outdoor fireplace that meets your needs does not need to be an intimidating experience. This guide is here to help you make a selection considering factors like materials, styles, and their intended use of the fireplace. 

Table of Contents

• How To Decide Which Type of Outdoor Fireplace Fits Your Home
• Outdoor Fireplace Ideas by Material
• Outdoor Fireplace Ideas With Style and Use in Mind
• Three Rivers Custom Decks: Providing Expert Consultation and Design To Build the Outdoor Fireplace of Your Dreams

How To Decide Which Type of Outdoor Fireplace Fits Your Home

When it comes to the selection process for your ideal outdoor fireplace, a multitude of factors come into play. Consider the following key elements during your outdoor fireplace selection journey:

• Architectural Style: You want your outdoor fireplace to seamlessly integrate with the aesthetics of the rest of your home — whether that is a sleek, modern gas design for a modern home or a charming wood hearth for a cottage-like residence.
• Intended Use: Unlike selecting many other design elements, a fireplace serves a functional purpose. Envision how you plan to utilize the space, while also keeping in mind your style. It’s crucial to consider safety elements as well. For comprehensive fireplace safety tips, check out this guide. 
• Location: The placement of your outdoor fireplace matters— whether that is on the deck, in the yard as a stand-alone feature, or nestled on the patio. The location of your fireplace should be considered in your selection. 
• Geographical Region and Climate: Consider where you live. Some materials and designs may be better suited to withstand specific weather conditions in your area. You want something that will last and withstand the climate in which you live.
• Fuel Type: You can select more of a charming wood burning fireplace or maybe the convenience of a gas fireplace has you more excited. Some homes may not be set up for gas, making this factor an easy decision

As you navigate these factors, remember that the perfect outdoor fireplace is a personalized choice!  

At Three Rivers Custom Decks, we understand these factors are important when making your selection. Our approach involves consulting with our clients to carefully consider each element. We ensure that every outdoor fireplace we design reflects our client’s unique preferences and needs. 

 

 

Outdoor Fireplace Ideas by Material

Outdoor Stone Fireplace Ideas

Integrating natural stone into your home’s exterior brings a touch of organic elements found in nature. This versatile material effortlessly complements both modern and traditional home designs, offering a timeless aesthetic. With stone, you can play around with various textures, colors, and grains of the stone — allowing the stone fireplace to become the focal point of your outdoor living space. Custom stonework will elevate the cost, but the timeless charm makes it worth the investment. 

Outdoor Brick Fireplace Ideas

Brick fireplaces also boast a timeless aesthetic that adds charm to your outdoor living space. The versatility of brick offers a range of options to choose from:

• Natural 
• Whitewashed 
• Painted 

Get creative with the direction of the bricks, such as a herringbone pattern, to craft a unique touch. Opting for a brick fireplace will likely be a more cost-effective choice compared to custom stonework. 

Outdoor Stucco Fireplace Ideas

Stucco fireplaces introduce a unique twist to your outdoor space, blending with styles ranging from Mediterranean to Southwestern or modern homes. The beauty of stucco lies in its versatility allowing for any color choice — you can choose a color that blends with your home’s exterior or make a bold statement with a different color. 

You also have the flexibility to choose different finishes ranging from a more coarse texture to a smoother, modern look. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, stucco is often the most affordable option making it an accessible choice in both style and budget. 

Outdoor Fireplace Ideas With Style and Use in Mind

Modern Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Elevate your modern home aesthetic with an outdoor fireplace that aligns seamlessly. Opt for bold colors like black, embrace angular lines for structure, or choose contemporary materials like slate. You can also choose to forgo a mantle to really create a sleek look. 

Whether you choose a wood-burning or a propane fireplace, both can exude a modern vibe with the right design. 

Patio Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

A fireplace in a patio space really adds a cozy vibe that makes people want to gather around — after all, the benefit of a patio is an extra living space. 

Elevate the experience by considering adding a spot to mount a TV above the mantle to make your patio great for watching a game or snuggling up for a movie. You can also add fire log storage to bring functionality and visual interest to your patio.

Multi-Use Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Introducing an outdoor fireplace not only enhances your space aesthetically but also adds a functional dimension. Beyond offering warmth, explore options like a built-in brick oven for homemade pizza or a free-standing fireplace style with a grate for versatile cooking. 

For the adventurous chef, try a unique recipe like this for a fireplace-cooked steak (safely equipped, of course). Alternatively, consider the convenience of an electric fireplace, allowing you to enjoy the cozy ambiance all year by having the option to turn off the heat function during the warmer months. 

Freestanding Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

An outdoor fireplace doesn’t need to be a part of your deck or attached to your house — consider a freestanding outdoor fireplace on a detached patio or seating area. 

One unique option for this space could be a double-sided fireplace, transforming your outdoor space into two distinct ‘rooms’ — you can enjoy the cozy fireplace in a seating area while also staying warm while eating in a dining area on the other side. The freestanding outdoor fireplace brings the feeling of being immersed in nature and turns this space into a destination within your own property. 

Covered Deck Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Integrate an outdoor fireplace into your covered deck — whether it’s an open-air space or a screened-in porch. When choosing the fireplace material, take into account the ceiling aesthetics. If you have a stunning vaulted wood panel ceiling, opt for a fireplace design that complements and draws your eye upward. 

Alternatively, if you want your fireplace to be a standout feature on your covered patio, consider having open-air or screened sides flanking it to draw attention to the fireplace itself. 

Cozy Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Undoubtedly, an outdoor fireplace conjures a cozy ambiance and warm feelings. Even in a modern home, the right fireplace with sleek materials can make the space cozy.

For an extra cozy ambiance, consider the furniture surrounding the fireplace. Opt for comfortable seating options and other style elements that make it inviting for guests to snuggle up and enjoy the warmth of the fire. 

Rustic Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Outdoor fireplaces can fit in well with any rustic style. Choose materials for your fireplace like reclaimed brick or a mantle featuring a copper accent. Rough-cut stone can also enhance a rustic vibe, complementing the natural aesthetic of being outdoors. 

Small Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

An outdoor fireplace doesn’t demand a huge space. There are numerous options suited for smaller spaces. Consider alternatives such as fire pits, fire bowls, or chimineas. Fire tables or smaller units with a grill not only provide heat but also are practical for smaller spaces for intimate gatherings. 

Simple Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Outdoor fireplaces can embrace simplicity without sacrificing style or functionality. Your fireplace does not need to be a grand centerpiece. Opt for simple options that seamlessly blend into the exterior of your home or consider standalone units. 

 

Three Rivers Custom Decks: Providing Expert Consultation and Design To Build the Outdoor Fireplace of Your Dreams

The design possibilities for elevating your outdoor living space with a unique fireplace are endless. Consider the expertise of Three Rivers Custom Decks to help you design and build the outdoor fireplace of your dreams. 

Whether you envision an outdoor fireplace complementing your modern home or exuding a rustic charm, let us guide you. We specialize in designing outdoor fireplaces tailored to your preferences. Beyond fireplaces, we specialize in crafting outdoor living spaces, including decks of composite, PVC, or natural wood. 

Serving the Portland metro area, Three Rivers Custom Decks brings craftsmanship to each project, ensuring your outdoor fireplace becomes a distinctive reflection of your vision. We are committed to customer satisfaction and will work diligently until your outdoor oasis is perfected. Contact us today.