How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Do you want to enjoy your backyard all year round, even during the coldest winter months? One way to accomplish this is with an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces provide you, your family and your houseguests with the opportunity to dine al fresco and enjoy each other’s company throughout the year in your own backyard. Enjoy the cosy, rustic, domestic feel that a fireplace provides while getting some fresh air and watching the stars.

Outdoor fireplaces, like all fireplaces, come in many different shapes and styles. Most consist of the typical firebox and chimney set-up and can be made from materials such as brick, stone or concrete. So how much do outdoor fireplaces cost? Is it worth saving yourself some cash and building one using your own tools and materials?

Just like there are different kinds of outdoor fireplaces, there are also different ways to build one. Constructing your own outdoor fireplace from the ground up can be a challenging, rewarding and exciting experience. Another option is to browse Home Fires, Sydney’s leading BBQ and fireplace specialists, to check out some of the best outdoor fireplaces in Australia.

Either option will warm you in winter. It’s up to you which one you pick.

Different Types of Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces are powered by wood, gas (such as propane) or electricity. Some common varieties you might encounter include:

Wood-burning outdoor fireplace 

The most traditional type of outdoor fireplace, this type brings the cosy feeling and comforting crackle of a typical living room fireplace out into the open.  

Portable outdoor fireplace 

Not every outdoor fireplace requires extensive building work. Free-standing, relatively lightweight models like chimineas and portable fireplaces make installation easy.

Fire pit 

While not technically fireplaces, fire pits are affordable, easy to set up and take up little space. They consist of bowls made from metal or stainless steel that can be freestanding or dug into the ground.

Outdoor fireplace kitchen

An outdoor fireplace that doubles as an oven for meals and snacks is pretty much the ultimate in al fresco entertaining. While outdoor fireplace pizza ovens are not uncommon, some innovative brands have taken it even further with elements like in-built hot plates and grills.

Custom-built fireplace

This is a fireplace built to order, or built by hand, according to your own tastes and preferences.

So how much do outdoor fireplaces cost?  Should you break out the building tools or go shopping for outdoor fireplaces in Australia?

How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace

It probably comes as no surprise that there’s a lot that goes into building an outdoor fireplace. Here’s a short version of the main steps. If you want to go deeper into detail, the information is out there.

1. Check the local laws and restrictions in your area. The last thing you want is to get into any trouble just for trying to stay warm in winter and enjoy your outdoor area all year long.
2. Decide whereabouts in your backyard you’re going to put your fireplace and make sure you have enough space available. It’s also important to decide what kind of fuel your fireplace will run on, whether wood or gas.
3. Build the foundation. This is where it gets (more) complicated. Concrete needs a crushed aggregate base with steel reinforcement and can’t be poured out directly on the concrete.
4. Make sure you have the necessary tools at the ready, such as hammers, levels, a ladder and a caulk gun.
5. Lay the blocks of your foundation to start with, beginning with the centre. Ensure you keep it all level.
6. Construct your firebox, which will be lined with firebrick.
7. Build your smoke chamber, chimney and cap in that order.
8. Add the mantle and other final touches, and allow the fireplace to “cure” for at least 72 hours before you light your first fire.

If you don’t have the will, the knowledge or the tools to build your own custom chimney, you can hire a professional to do it for you. You can also shop for outdoor fireplaces Australia-wide by looking at Home Fires’ selection.

Benefits of Outdoor Fireplaces

The benefits of outdoor fireplaces include

• The chance to enjoy a warm backyard all year round.
• An area to entertain your guests in, with outdoor ambience and visual appeal.
• Fewer insects to bother you when you’re outdoors in the evening.
• Higher value on your home if you decide to sell.
• You can enjoy the great outdoors for longer every year. No need to pack up and spend all your nights indoors when the weather gets colder.  

Where to Purchase Outdoor Fireplaces

Are you wondering, “How do I get started with outdoor fireplaces?” and “How much do outdoor fireplaces cost?” Take a look at Home Fires’ full outdoor fireplace selection.

Here are some suggestions from Home Fires that you may find easier and more appealing than building one:

Real Flame Pit Fire – This outdoor fireplace comes with multiple media options (pebbles, glass, driftwood or volcanic rock), doesn’t require a flue and runs on LPG or natural gas.

Regency HZ042 Outdoor Gas Fireplace – This contemporary outdoor fireplace with wide-angle flames and a stainless steel body has plenty of great features: a cost-effective electronic ignition, a 30” stainless steel burner and tempered glass to ensure the flames remain strong, among others.

Escea EP1350 Outdoor Fire Table – The Escea EP1350 is an outdoor fireplace that also allows you to feed an entire family – or a backyard full of party guests. Containing an inner stainless steel ring with a consistent temperature, a grill and a removable kebab holder, it’s a clean burner with larger flames and less smoke.

Home Fires can answer any questions you may have about outdoor fireplaces in Australia, from “How much do outdoor fireplaces cost?” to “Which outdoor fireplaces are best for me?”

Trusted for more than 40 years, we offer the best prices guaranteed on outdoor fireplaces and 24 months interest-free.

If you’d like to know more, get in touch with the Home Fires team!