5 Things to Ask Yourself Before Adding an Outdoor Fireplace

stone fireplace in an outdoor seating area

Have you recently found yourself searching for “outdoor fireplaces near me”? Have you been eyeing up an empty portion of your outdoor patio to fill it with something warm and inviting? Or maybe you already have an outdoor fire feature that you want to upgrade into something more? If so, an outdoor fireplace may be just what you’re looking for.

But before you go and make a big purchase like that, there are a lot of big questions you should be asking yourself and an experienced stonemason. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place for all of that information!

Here at Dutchies, our team of experts will work with you to make sure you have all of your questions answered before you make a big outdoor fireplace purchase. Today we’ll go over just a few of the more common questions we like to ask before getting the project started.

What’s the Purpose of Your Outdoor Fireplace?

Like any big outdoor project, one of the most important questions you can ask yourself is, “What is the purpose of my outdoor fireplace?” It may seem simple, but having the answer will help better guide the overall vision for your fireplace.

Do you want a place to relax outdoors? Do you need to update an existing fire feature? Or maybe you already have a relaxing space, but think an outdoor fireplace would make it that much cozier? Whatever your reason for it, just make sure you keep it in mind as you go through planning for it.

What is Your Price Range?

It’s no secret that an outdoor fire feature isn’t going to be the cheapest project. Between the stone materials and skills that it takes to build one effectively, you’re going to have to be prepared to spend a decent amount of money. Even so, having a realistic budget in mind doesn’t mean you have to completely break the bank either.

For instance, the price of your outdoor fireplace will vary depending on the size, material, whether you’re doing wood or gas, and if you’re adding any amenities (i.e., a woodbox, mantle, or hearth). Here at Dutchies, our fireplaces usually range between $10-25k, so you can at least budget for what kind of range you’re looking to spend.

Does Your Home Have Any Ordinances or HOA Requirements?

Before you even think about starting to build anything, make sure you don’t have any HOA restrictions at your home. Most HOA’s can be pretty strict about adding new structures outdoors, so it’s always good to check before you get your hopes up!

If you don’t have an HOA, you still have other ordinances and zoning to consider. Luckily, when you work with Dutchies, we handle all of the zoning issues, permitting, and approvals for you—you just have to pay any of the fees that come up.

Would You Prefer a Wood Burning vs. a Gas Fireplace?

As we already mentioned, one of the more significant decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want to have a wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace. Each has its pros and cons, but it’s also essential to think about the intended purpose. Do you want the coziness of a warm, crackling fire, or would you rather just have the aesthetics without the cleanup?

It’s also important to note that wherever you build, you need to be careful it’s not close to anything flammable. Wood or gas, you need to make sure the fireplace isn’t close to anything like a gas line (for obvious reasons).

What Kind of Materials or Style Are You Looking For?

At Dutchies, we’re expert stonemasons, so you’ll often find us talking about the benefits of stone or brick fireplaces. The best part? Each fireplace is 100% unique to your project. Whether you choose flat stacked stones, a uniformly cut stone, or round field stones for your fireplace, it’ll be completely original—no two rocks are alike after all!

We suggest taking the time to look at our photo gallery to see what styles of outdoor fireplaces you like. There are quite a few styles, and our team will be happy to help you make a decision that goes with your current outdoor space.

Ready to Start Your Outdoor Fireplace Project?

It’s okay if you still have questions after reading this—that’s why we’re here to help. We understand the importance of creating an outdoor space that works for you and your lifestyle, which is why our team of experts will work with you every step of the way. At Dutchies, we’re expert craftsmen and want to bring our knowledge and expertise to your new fireplace.

If you’re ready to start a project or have more questions, contact us online—we’ll be happy to help!

Ready to create your outdoor living space?Get in touch with us to get started!