Outdoor Gas Fireplaces

Get all the info you'll need on outdoor gas fireplaces, and get ready to hook up a bright and cozy outdoor fireplace in your external living space.

Thin-set Utah limestone surrounds the vent-free gas fireplace, a stainless steel and extruded-aluminum unit protected in a high-temperature, powder-coated finish.

Gas Burning Outdoor Fireplace

Thin-set Utah limestone surrounds the vent-free gas fireplace, a stainless steel and extruded-aluminum unit protected in a high-temperature, powder-coated finish.

©2012

2012

Thin-set Utah limestone surrounds the vent-free gas fireplace, a stainless steel and extruded-aluminum unit protected in a high-temperature, powder-coated finish.
By: Sean McEvoy

If your home improvement goals include installing an outdoor gas fireplace, you'll want to explore the full range of options for kits, custom installation, materials and designs. And outdoor gas fireplace can be a great addition to any outdoor living space, creating a natural gathering place that can be used for cooking or just enjoyed by friends and family in cozy comfort.

Outdoor gas fireplaces have become an increasingly common sight in backyards, or on decks or patios. In addition to bolstering the entertaining potential of any outside space, they can also extend the livability of the space well past sundown, in warm or cold weather. Finally, outdoor gas fireplaces offer the convenience of gas fuel as opposed to wood, eliminating smoke, reducing fire-risk and providing a generally more environmentally friendly option.

When choosing which type of outdoor gas fireplace is right for you, it's first important to decide if your outdoor living space is crying out for a pre-assembled fireplace, a customizable outdoor fireplace kit, or a fully customized, soup-to-nuts design that's the result of a collaboration between you and (unless you're handy when it comes to cutting stone) a stone-mason of your choosing. There are several advantages and disadvantages to each approach. A store-purchased, fully assembled fireplace certainly ranks first when it comes to convenience—it's possible that you can pick it up or have it delivered from the local hardware or home improvement retailer, and be cozily situated in front of it in your outdoor living space within a matter of minutes. Offering the most convenient option, little or no assembly, and the added benefit of portability, pre-assembled outdoor gas fireplaces are a popular choice for homeowners in the market for a relatively convenient and wallet-friendly option. One limitation of a fully assembled gas fireplace, however, is that you're beholden to the designs available—customization isn't really an option.

On the other hand, a semi-customizable or modular outdoor gas fireplace can offer the convenience of a fully assembled model, with the option to choose different stone, ceramic or even metal veneers in order to change the appearance of the fireplace

Finally, a fully customized outdoor gas fireplace constructed wholesale from base to chimney will allow for the greatest design choice variety and the closest relationship between its design and your existing home and outdoor space design—but it'll likely require the skills of a stone-mason and therefore cost you a pretty penny.

One thing to keep in mind if you're considering an outdoor gas fireplace is that you'll need a gas line. If you have gas heat in your home, this will be fairly simple to find and hook up—but if not, you may need to arrange for a plumber or HVAC specialist to find the line for you and prepare it to be hooked up to your outdoor gas fireplace, so you can enjoy its warm glow with friends and family for years to come.

Next Up

Play It Safe With Your Fireplace

Before you light the first fire of the season, make sure you know how to do it safely.

How to Make a Cardboard Holiday Fireplace

Save those TV boxes from Black Friday and turn them into a charming fireplace for Christmas.

Easily Monogram Christmas Stockings With This No-Sew Cross Stitch Trick

Whether creating holiday heirlooms for your family or giving as a handmade gift, these personalized stockings look just like the hand-stitched version but come together much quicker and without needle and thread.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops Ideas

There are several options for outdoor kitchen countertops — natural stone, concrete and tile are the most popular.  What you choose should depend on your budget, climate and your particular backyard.

The Best Outdoor Storage Benches Under $200

Because we could all use a few more hiding spots for our backyard gear.

15 Best Outdoor Storage Solutions for Your Backyard

Curb the clutter around your patio, deck or pool with these clever outdoor organization ideas.

Outdoor Brick Fireplaces

Get all the information you need about outdoor brick fireplaces, from safety tips to design suggestions.

Outdoor Stone Fireplaces

Explore your options for outdoor stone fireplaces, and prepare to install a sturdy and elegant outdoor fireplace in your external living space.

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces

Gather information on portable outdoor fireplaces, and decide which type of convenient and efficient external fire feature is right for the outside of your home.

Outdoor Fireplace Options

Browse outdoor fireplace options, and get ready to install an attractive, warm and welcoming fireplace in your outdoor living space.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.