Outdoor Fireplace Dimensions (with Drawings)
An outdoor living space can increase any home’s value while providing a focal point for outdoor entertaining. Adding an outdoor fireplace requires proper planning to ensure it flows in your space. Use this as a guide to choose the fireplace type, size, and style that is best in your backyard.
Outdoor fireplaces come in several different styles and sizes that affect the overall size. They typically range from 4 to 15 feet tall, 3 to 15 feet wide, and 3 to 6 feet deep. In addition, fireboxes come in various sizes, and a chimney can be as high as 20 feet or more.
What’s the Average Size of an Outdoor Fireplace?
Outdoor fireplaces vary in size depending on the style and size. Outdoor fireplaces range in height from 4 feet to 15 feet and range in width from 3 feet to 15 feet. They can be 3 to 6 feet deep.
If you prefer to entertain smaller groups, a smaller fireplace is sufficient. If you entertain large groups of guests, you’ll need a larger fireplace. An extended hearth fireplace can give guests an adequate room to move around and comfortably sit 4 to 6 people.
Choosing an Outdoor Fireplace
When choosing an outdoor fireplace, you need to determine the size of the fireplace you want. The size of the fireplace should correspond with the size of your yard.
Wood burning fireplaces tend to be taller and wider than gas fireplaces because they require taller chimneys. Gas fireplaces are shorter because they have exhaust vents that remove the need for chimneys.
Small fireplaces are great for those who enjoy entertaining but prefer less maintenance. Furthermore, small fireplaces are often more cost-effective, as well.
If the purpose of your fireplace is to provide warmth while entertaining, a large fireplace is best. Examine the area where you plan to place the fireplace to determine how big it should be.
Outdoor Fireplace Firebox Sizes
In addition to choosing the size of your fireplace, you also need to select the size of the firebox opening. The firebox opening can be more visually appealing by creating an arch, semi-circle, or rectangle shape.
The size of the firebox needs to correspond with the chimney. Here are recommended chimney heights based on the size of the firebox.
Firebox Size and Recommended Chimney Heights | |
Firebox Size | Chimney Height |
24 x 24 x 16 | 15 feet |
28 x 24 x 16 | 20 feet |
32 x 29 x 16 | 18.5 feet |
36 x 29 x 16 | 20.5 feet |
40 x 29 x 16 | 13 feet |
42 x 32 x 16 | 19.5 feet |
48 x 32 x 18 | 16.5 feet |
Outdoor Fireplace Materials
All fireplaces should consist of heat-safe materials. The exterior materials are typically brick, cinder block, concrete, or stone. Depending on the design of the fireplace, you may also include cinder blocks on the interior for support.
The firebox is where the flame burns and should be steel or fire-rated bricks that can withstand excessive heat. If your fireplace has a chimney, it requires you have a fire-rated flue pipe. This pipe leads from the top of the firebox to the top of the chimney.
Styles of Built-In Outdoor Fireplaces
When it comes to choosing the type of outdoor fireplace you want, the options are endless. The style of your outdoor fireplace should enhance your landscape and the natural architecture of your home. You’re never limited to a specific type, but the fireplace should complement your space.
Built-in outdoor fireplaces are available in many styles, but these are the most popular.
Traditional Outdoor Fireplace
Traditional outdoor fireplaces are usually stone or brick. The firebox opening is usually arched, and the design features a mantel or extended hearth. Traditional outdoor fireplaces typically go well with ranch, craftsman, or colonial-style homes.
Southwestern Outdoor Fireplace
Southwestern-style outdoor fireplaces are characterized by stucco. They often showcase colorful ceramic tiles as a decorative accent around the firebox or along the edge of the fireplace. These fireplaces typically feature a stair-step structure chimney.
Southwestern fireplaces are sometimes created in the style kiva. The kiva style has a smooth, round shape that resembles a Mexican bread oven.
Modern Outdoor Fireplace
Modern outdoor fireplaces feature characteristics similar to most modern things–clean lines and industrial-style materials. The firebox of a modern outdoor fireplace is typically rectangular and has no embellishments. The chimneys don’t slope but rather are cubelike.
Grey concrete is a common material used to create modern fireplaces, but stainless steel is also popular.
Meditteranean Outdoor Fireplace
Meditteranean outdoor fireplaces are typically Moroccan in style. They have a simple structure, and the defining factor is colorful ceramic tiles that frame the firebox.
Portable Outdoor Fireplaces
Portable outdoor fireplaces are a good option if you’re looking for flexibility. These fireplaces are portable in that they are standalone and not part of a structure. Outdoor fireplaces can be placed anywhere and offer access around the entire fireplace, making them great for group gatherings.
Here are the most common portable, outdoor fireplaces.
Chiminea
Chimineas are typically made of heavy-duty cast iron. They are easy to assemble, clean, and you can use them with firewood or artificial logs. These fireplaces have a design that allows you to see the fire from any angle.
The sliding door and ashtray allow the user to add fuel or remove ash easily. The fireplace has a length of 22 inches, a width of 22 inches, and a height of 45 inches.
Fire Pit Table
A fire pit table is a good option if you’re looking for a luxurious fireplace option with a smaller price tag. The Kinger Home’s fire pit table has an aluminum frame, wicker side details, and weather-resistant coating. The weather-resistant coating is always crucial for outdoor pieces exposed to the elements.
This fire pit features a push-button spark ignition. It can heat up to 20 feet in diameter and burns at 50,000 BTU. The fire pit table has a length of 52 inches, a width of 32 inches, and a height of 24.6 inches.
Fire Bowl
A fire bowl is a fireplace that has a circular shape rather than a square fire pit. Circular-shaped fire bowls allow airflow and heat flow to circulate better and provide continuous warmth.
The Gartio 30-Inch Steel Fire Pit is made of durable steel, so it is long-lasting. The fire pit is finished with a bronze paint that can withstand up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features a mesh lid that can prevent sparks from splashing up and guard the flame.
The hexagon-shaped fire bowl can accommodate regular wood and is deep enough to hold a large amount of charcoal.
This fire pit has a length of 30 inches, a width of 30 inches, and a height of 24.8 inches. The height of the pit from the ground to the bottom of the lid is 18 inches. Each segment of the hexagon lid is 14.1 inches, and the base of the pit is 12.6 inches.
Fire Pit Grill Combo
A fire pit grill combo is a unique design that can create extra space on your patio. It can also be a great addition to any family camping trip or beach cookout. These convenient fire pit grill combos typically have a cooking grate for barbecuing, or you can enjoy a simple campfire.
The 2-in-1 Outdoor fire pit has a double-layer grill design with a grill grate that rotates 360 degrees. The grill can swing left or right and adjusts up and down. This fire pit grill combo has a length of 32 inches, a width of 32 inches, and a height of 29 inches.
The grill grates are 17 inches, and the fire pit grill opening is 24 inches. The fire bowl itself is 12 inches. From the ground to the bottom of the fire bowl is 4 inches.
Related Questions
Can I build a fireplace in my backyard?
An outdoor fireplace can add appeal to your backyard, but before delving into the project, you should know the rules. Some communities require a license or permit to build a fireplace. The type of fuel you can use, wood or gas, may also require proper documentation.Most communities have ordinances about how far the fireplace must be from structures, trees, fences, and other homes, typically 10 feet. The height of the chimney is also regulated. Make sure to review your home insurance policy to see if it will cover damages caused by an outdoor fireplace.Once you’ve covered all of your bases, you can get started on your fireplace project. A less time-intensive and more flexible alternative is to use a basic portable fire pit. You can create a surround for the pit with cinderblocks, stone, or other fireproof elements.This gives you a more built-in look for your fireplace, but you can easily disassemble it if necessary. Also, because it isn’t a permanent structure, you won’t need to deal with a permit.Â
What’s the average cost of a built-in outdoor fireplace?
On average outdoor fireplaces can range from $1,500 to $20,000. The fireplace features you want to include will ultimately determine the cost. The features that impact the overall price are wood versus gas, prefabricated versus custom-built, size, and freestanding versus built-in.To have a fireplace built, it typically runs about $3,000. Prefabricated kits and unfinished contractor models range from $1,500 to $9,000. Custom fireplaces will range from $8,000 to $20,000, some even can cost up to $50,000.
Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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