Nine things to think about before you choose your fireplace.
The evening sun
Outdoor fireplaces are most often used in the evenings, bringing extra warmth, ambience and entertainment to the outdoor area. Positioning your outdoor fireplace to help you catch the evening sun, optimises the entire experience. This is not always possible of course, and that’s ok. Sometimes the house position or landscape design causes people to gather on the other side of the house. So our number one piece of advice is to consider both where people naturally gather and the setting sun.
The view from inside
It’s hard to beat a view from your main living space into an outdoor area with a roaring outdoor modern fireplace. It connects those inside and invites people outside. If possible, we recommend choosing a location that gives at least a sneak peek at the fireplace. It’s also worth considering the outlook past the fireplace and placing the fire to either block an unwelcome view or contribute to the one you want to preserve.
The walk from the kitchen
Proximity to the kitchen matters. People move back and forth all evening carrying food and drinks. If these aren’t in a nearby fridge, and the kitchen is some distance away, a carefully placed ice bucket may be all you need. Whilst a short walk never hurt anybody, have a think about where people naturally gather inside — and how this connects to your outdoor space.
The fireplace finish
Our outdoor fireplaces come factory-finished with clean modern lines. They can also have other finishes applied after installation. If you have a particular look you’d like applied, talk to your contractor or call our team for advice. Want inspiration for your fireplace designs, outdoor? See our finishing page.
Roof or no roof
The chimneys of our outdoor fireplaces can easily go through a roof — and often do. We can provide product specifications to your contractor and advise on what other design considerations come into play. One example is the addition of a chimney cap. If your outdoor fireplace will be under cover, then it makes sense to keep rain out of the chimney too. Check out these outdoor fireplace chimney options.
“It grounds the space and
draws everyone in”
The Sandbek Family, VA, USA
Trees & boundaries
Every region has different rules about how close an outdoor fireplace can sit to a boundary. You can check these online or call us for help. Another consideration is the placement of trees. We have spark-reduction options that will limit the risk to dry leaves or brush, but it is best practice not to position the outdoor fireplace directly under or near tall trees.
Size and proportion
A large patio or open lawn will absorb a small outdoor fireplace, and the space can end up feeling unfinished. In a compact courtyard, a well-proportioned outdoor fireplace gives the space purpose. From a design perspective, outdoor fireplaces can play a big role, giving extra height to otherwise flat spaces. Sometimes a little extra is needed to clear a hedge, fence or wall. Tell us about your space, and we can help you make the right choice.
Seating
How will people sit, at a table — or on couches? This can affect the height of your outdoor fireplace and how you lay out the space. See our outdoor fireplace designs. There are three zones to allow for: Working space directly in front, so someone can load wood, tend the fire or slide a pizza in without anyone moving their chair. The seating arc, set within the warm zone — close enough to feel the heat, far enough to be comfortable. And a traffic lane behind the seating, so people can easily move.
Lighting and power
Lighting helps determine whether the space works after the sun goes down, and it’s best planned before hard surfaces are laid. String lights make a space feel like an oasis. Garden lights add to the ambience. LEDs are a modern way to keep things minimal. This is also the moment to think about power outlets for speakers or additional heaters.
