Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace

Find out all you need to know about options for an outdoor wood burning fireplace.

Summer in evening in the back yard of Scott Arnold of Arnold Masonry & Concrete in Canton, Georgia.

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Summer in evening in the back yard of Scott Arnold of Arnold Masonry & Concrete in Canton, Georgia.

Photo by: Photo Credit: ARNOLD Masonry and Concrete

Photo Credit: ARNOLD Masonry and Concrete

By: Sean McEvoy

If you're looking to add some warmth and a natural gathering place to your backyard or outdoor living space, an outdoor wood burning fireplace may be a great option. There are many choices for adding a bit of fire to your outdoor space, from fire pits to chimineas, but if you're looking for a solid, traditional option and the classic wood burning experience, look no further than an outdoor wood burning fireplace.

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The first step in adding any fire feature to your outdoor living space is to choose a safe spot. You'll want to avoid any areas with overhanging tree branches or other vegetation, directly adjacent bushes, or lots of dry grass underneath. Placing your outdoor wood burning fireplace on top of hardscape or gravel is an even better idea.

Once you've chosen a location, it's time to think about design. You've got plenty of options—you can have your fireplace custom built and installed by a professional, build it yourself, or purchase a free standing outdoor wood burning fireplace from a home improvement store.

Each option has benefits and potential drawbacks: DIY is cheaper but will take time and energy and requires significant expertise; hiring a contractor will likely mean a fireplace built to your exact specifications, but it'll cost more; and purchasing from a store is convenient and economical but it means you may be limited in terms of design options.

The one benefit of a free-standing outdoor fireplace these days is that many retailers offer "skinnable" fireplaces—so for example, you can buy the base model of the fireplace, and then add stone or brick to the outside for a finish that matches your design aesthetic and that of your home and outdoor living space.

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