If you are looking for an outdoor fireplace which is closely integrated with the design and layout of your patio and garden while giving you the full flexibility of designing an individual solution, then a built-in outdoor fireplace design is likely to be the right solution.
The simplest option is a version of the fire pit which is integrated into the ground. These models are available in several varieties based on metal and stone-made bowls and can be purchased starting from about $500.
Most people looking for built-in outdoor fireplace designs are however thinking of an individual model designed to look very much like the more common indoor fireplace. These fireplaces need to be built on-site, which can be done in two ways: either as a completely individual do-it-yourself project or with the help of a pre-configured fireplace kit. These kits are available from several manufacturers and can be installed by yourself or by a local professional fireplace builder. Often, the manufacturers are happy to point you to available help in your area.
A large variety of options exists for a built-in outdoor fireplace. First of all, it can be either a freestanding construction or it can be attached to a wall or the house itself. Also, the choice of building materials is correspondingly large: The majority of these fireplaces is made from bricks and/or concrete, while the smoke chamber and the flue can be manufactured from metal, often aluminum or copper. Given the available options, the price range for these fireplaces is open-ended. A reasonable lower limit can be set at about $5,000. Fundamentally different from these options are the possible outdoor gas fireplace designs, which are very similar to the options for indoor gas fireplace inserts.
However, the outdoor fireplace designs not only concern location and material, the style of the fireplace is also very important, as it should reflect the style of the surrounding garden and house. Many outdoor brick fireplace designs such as English or Eastern brick are available. Outdoor stone fireplace designs like Old World Traditional are also very common. Yet, far more options are available, for example Southwestern Adobe, and are shown in many books on the subject. Common to all built-in fireplaces is their basic setup, which consists of a firebox, a smoke chamber and a flue. The only significant difference to indoor fireplaces is the missing damper, which is not needed for an outdoor construction.
One word of caution: if you decide to build an outdoor fireplace yourself, you should be aware of the fact that safety is of critical importance to avoid serious injuries or damage from fire during operation. This is especially true for any outdoor gas fireplace designs. It is also important to check for local regulations before starting such a project, as the rules for outside fireplaces vary significantly between different towns and regions. While an official permit is required only in some places, it is generally advisable to contact your local authorities beforehand.
In summary, make sure you have a clear understanding of the following topics before starting: location, material, style, fuel, use (grill or heating only), maximum costs and legal regulations. This will help you get the most out of your individual fireplace.
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