How to Plan for and Construct the Perfect Outdoor Wood-Burning Fireplace

If you’re thinking of adding an outdoor fireplace to your property this year, don’t wait until the fall to get started. Summer is a great time to make plans for and schedule the construction of your new outdoor fireplace. In fact, many homeowners are looking to extend their outdoor living areas now more than ever.

According to a 2021 report by Fixr, 85% of construction and remodeling experts agree that homeowners are more willing to invest in outdoor living spaces than before the pandemic, bolstered by a renewed appreciation for outside entertaining.

Outdoor kitchens and expansive patios extend your living space, but if you don’t have a heating source, the forecast can put a chill on your plans. An outdoor wood-burning fireplace is an elegant option that brings the charm of roaring fire to your patio and allows you to enjoy it year-round.

The Benefits of an Outdoor Wood-Burning Fireplace

The addition of a deck fireplace can mean that a once seasonal patio is now a place to hang out year-round, increasing your ROI.

If you’re planning to build an outdoor living area or elevate your existing one, a rustic outdoor stone fireplace is a centerpiece that provides warmth, architectural beauty, and luxury to your space. As a structure, it can add some privacy to your yard and block out an unsightly view.

Unlike fire pits, outdoor fireplace chimneys help direct smoke up and away from the people enjoying the fire. It also protects your property from any windy day impacts.

Before You Build Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

If you have outdoor wood-burning fireplace plans, make sure you do your due diligence before getting started:

• Review any homeowners’ association documents (if applicable) to determine whether you need approval prior to construction.
• Check with your local municipality to see if there are construction permits required.

Zoning regulations may determine how close the fireplace can be to your home, and building codes may regulate chimney height and ventilation. All of these measures have safety in mind, including the structural integrity of your fireplace. When you work with AES Hearth & Patio, our designers and installers will ensure that your fireplace meets every requirement and regulation.

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Fireplace

Now for the fun part: making your vision a reality. At AES Hearth & Patio, we carry Heat & Glo outdoor wood-burning fireplaces at various price points, including the Castlewood, Montana, and Villawood models.

1. Consider the size of your space. You want to leave room for seating where you’re not too cramped but close enough to enjoy the warmth. Consider whether you also need room for a grill or outdoor kitchen. Will the unit be freestanding or built into an existing structure?
2. Consider your style. You’ll have the option to select between glass or mesh doors in various shades and the choice of either herringbone or brick interior panel.

Beyond the fireplace, you’ll need to choose masonry work to complement the exterior of your home. Our AES Hearth & Patio design experts can help you select from elegant stone or brick options to create a head-turning focal point for your patio.

Your Outdoor Living Experts from Start to Finish (and Beyond)

Our outdoor-living experts can help you select, build, and maintain the best outdoor wood fireplace for your space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors even when the seasons change.

If you’re thinking about adding a fireplace to your existing space or creating a spectacular outdoor space from scratch, we’d love to help you make your dreams a reality. Stop by one of our showrooms in Camp Hill or Newville, or contact us for a free estimate.