Prefab and Modular Outdoor Fireplaces

Get all the info you'll need on prefab and modular outdoor fireplaces, and prepare to install a convenient and economical fireplace in your external living space.

The unique linear design of the gas fireplace   complements the contemporary design of HGTV Green Home 2011.

Prefab Outdoor Fireplace

The unique linear design of the gas fireplace complements the contemporary design of HGTV Green Home 2011.

©2011

2011

By: Sean McEvoy

If you've got outdoor fireplace fever, but the thought of a complex, costly and custom-built model gives you cold sweats, you may want to explore the many available options for prefab and modular outdoor fireplaces. These convenient and cost-efficient units are available in just about any design style from your local home improvement store or any number of online or local specialty retailers. They can burn wood, gas or propane for fuel, and they offer the cozy comfort of a built-in outdoor fireplace—often at a fraction of a cost. And best of all, contrary to their built-in brethren, prefab or modular outdoor fireplaces can be moved around your outdoor living space, offering the flexibility to shift their location over time.

In all likelihood, a custom-built outdoor fireplace will require you to hire a skilled stone mason (unless you are one yourself, or happen to have one in the family who owes you a big favor) and command a serious budget. Prefab and modular outdoor fireplaces, on the other hand, are both widely available and comparatively quite inexpensive. As a rule, most kits will cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 through the low- to mid-range pricing tiers. Higher-end versions are available—these may include special cooking features like pizza ovens, built-in lighting components and higher-quality materials.

In terms of their appearance, most prefab or modular outdoor fireplaces resemble indoor fireplaces, but with one major difference. They usually feature a base, fireplace, and chimney— but while in a home, the chimney rises all the way through the roof, outdoor fireplaces usually feature a stubbier chimney that simply opens a few or several feet above the fireplace. This offers greater convenience when moving the unit, and it also reduces the safety risk of contact with low hanging branches or bushes.

When it's time to choose materials for your prefab or modular outdoor fireplace, you'll have a wide array of options, with one fairly consistent feature: most modular or prefab outdoor fireplaces feature a façade-style "finish" over their base. This simply means that a thin veneer of stucco, stone, ceramic, brick or metal has been attached to the face of the fireplace (as opposed to the entire fixture being built from the material). This approach allows for greater portability, as the unit is lighter, and it also reduces cost. You may choose a finish for your prefab or modular outdoor fireplace that syncs with your overall outdoor living space and home design, or you may want to diverge slightly from the overall design and add some unique visual interest via the fireplace. Whichever design direction you choose, you'll have plenty of options to peruse, and likely experience no trouble finding the style that's the perfect fit for your external living space.

Most prefab or modular outdoor fireplaces fall into one of three functional categories: wood-burning, gas or propane-fired. If you choose a wood-burning fireplace, you'll need a steady supply of wood, a safe location and a tolerance for smoke. Gas fireplaces require a gas line but offer a cleaner and more environmentally friendly burn. Finally, a propane outdoor fireplace requires that you hook a gas line to a propane tank—which you'll need to fill from time to time.

Next Up

How to Make a Cardboard Holiday Fireplace

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

DIY Rainbow Doormat

Brighten up your entryway with this easy DIY doormat.

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.

10 Top-Rated Mailboxes for Security and Style

You've got mail! Keep it safe with one of these best-selling mailbox designs.

10 Best Window Box Planters for Every Style

Grow your curb appeal with these best-selling window box planters.

The 10 Best Hose Reels in 2023

Store your hose in style with these top-rated hose pots, hideaways and stands.

12 Charming Door Knockers for Every Style

Knock your front porch design out of the park with these must-shop door knocker designs.

10 Small Storage Sheds You Need Now Under $350

These little storage sheds won’t break the bank or become an eyesore in the yard.

The Best Outdoor Storage Benches Under $200

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

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.