Outdoor fireplaces are one of our favorite ways to transform the look and feel of a yard. Whether you want a cozy spot for fall evenings, a dramatic focal point, or a functional hangout for friends and family, an outdoor fireplace instantly adds warmth, atmosphere, and architectural interest. With so many ways to customize the structure, materials, and fuel type, the possibilities are nearly endless! Below are 12 creative outdoor fireplace ideas from our team, inspired by real client projects, plus expert tips on construction, fuel choices, and design features.
Creative Outdoor Fireplace Ideas
Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic stone structure, a modern gas insert, or a tall architectural chimney that anchors the whole design, there are countless ways to personalize the look of your outdoor fireplace. These ideas highlight real-world features including masonry builds, custom hearths, wood storage, and heat-safe finishes. Use them as inspiration as you start imagining what’s possible for your own outdoor retreat!
1. Stone-Veneer Masonry Fireplace With a Wrap-Around Hearth
A classic masonry fireplace with a cinder-block core and stone veneer creates a timeless outdoor centerpiece. We added a wrap-around stone hearth for additional seating and a stone mantel for a polished finish!
2. Wood-Burning Insert With Built-In Wood Storage
A wood-burning insert with chimney pipe extending through the porch roof gives the feel of a real fire while allowing for a lighter carpentry-built structure. We added built-in cubbies beneath the hearth for wood storage and a natural wood mantel for warmth.
3. Brick Fireplace With Extended Seat Walls
If you want a larger gathering zone, incorporate wood-storage boxes or extended seat walls on either side of a masonry fireplace. The brick veneer and brick hearth with a stone cap achieved a beautiful, cohesive look for this outdoor fireplace design.
4. Curved Stone Hearth for Extra Comfort
Curved hearths can add softness and dimension to your outdoor fireplace design. We paired stone veneer with bluestone caps and wood-storage cubbies for a highly functional and visually appealing layout.
5. Gas Insert Fireplace for Screened Porches
Gas inserts are self-contained, making them ideal for covered porches where heat-sensitive finishes could otherwise be an issue. We surrounded the unit with stone and topped it with a wood mantel for a cozy indoor–outdoor look.
6. Painted Brick Fireplace for a Modern Farmhouse Feel
A masonry fireplace with painted brick veneer gives a clean, bright, modern aesthetic. You can add bluestone cap details, a simple stone mantel, and even a decorative chimney to elevate the look!
7. Double-Sided Gas Fireplace to Connect Two Spaces
Double-sided inserts allow you to enjoy the fire from two areas, such as a porch and a patio. We recommend finishing with PVC or shiplap above and skipping the hearth for a sleek, modern style.
8. Minimalist Electric Fireplace With Vertical Wood Paneling
Electric inserts provide ambiance without the need for a chimney, venting, or gas line. We surrounded this unit with vertical wood paneling for a clean, Scandinavian-inspired look.
9. Rustic Boulder-and-Stone Fireplace for Natural Landscapes
Blend your fireplace into a wooded or mountain-style backyard using a mix of boulders, natural stone accents, and a curved hearth for a grounded, organic look.
10. Tall Masonry Fireplace With Stucco and a Marble Mantel
If you love drama, choose a tall masonry chimney finished in smooth stucco! We added a stone hearth, marble mantel, and herringbone firebrick firebox for a luxurious design.
11. Linear Stone Veneer for a Sleek, Modern Look
A gas insert with a linear stone surround offers a contemporary aesthetic without needing a chimney. Tip: Keep the wall clean and uncluttered, especially if mounting a TV above.
12. Fireplace With Integrated Seat Walls and Storage
We combined stone veneer, a curved hearth, firebrick firebox, stone mantel, and built-in seat walls for the ultimate blend of comfort and function.
Outdoor Fireplace Design Considerations
Before choosing colors, materials, or decorative details, it’s important to understand the construction choices that make an outdoor fireplace safe, functional, and long-lasting. Everything from the way the structure is built to the type of fuel you choose will influence how your fireplace looks, performs, and integrates into the rest of your outdoor space.
Structure
Outdoor fireplaces are typically built using masonry or carpentry framing, and the right method depends on the location and height of the structure.
Ground-Level Fireplaces
These typically use a masonry construction method, built with a cinder-block core on a concrete footing, then finished with stone, brick, stucco, or another material.
Porch or Deck Fireplaces (elevated)
When a fireplace is attached to a porch or deck—usually up off the ground—we use a carpentry construction method.
Fuel
Your fireplace’s fuel source determines heat output, safety requirements, and which construction method is appropriate.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Masonry wood-burning fireplaces include a constructed firebrick-lined firebox and a full chimney.
Gas and Electric Inserts
Gas and electric inserts can be installed in both masonry and carpentry fireplaces.
Design Features
Once structure and fuel are determined, you can customize the design details that make your fireplace unique. Cladding options include stone veneer, brick veneer, stucco, shiplap, wood paneling, PVC panels, marble, and tile.
- Hearths and mantels
- Decorative or functional chimneys
- Built-in wood-storage cubbies or seat walls
- Recessed lighting along the hearth or floor
- Curved hearths or custom chimney shapes
- TV placement
These features help your fireplace function not only as a heat source, but also as a focal point, a privacy screen, or an architectural anchor for your outdoor living area.
Outdoor Fireplace Designers in Northern Virginia
Ready to design your own outdoor fireplace? At Outdoor Spaces, we design and build custom outdoor fireplaces that fit your home, your style, and the way you live outdoors. Contact us to schedule a consultation!