Outdoor fireplace ideas plans
10 Free Outdoor Fireplace Construction Plans
By
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher
Stacy is an expert writer for The Spruce covering home DIY projects and crafts. She has over 18 years of journalistic experience, appearing as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 03/14/22
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
An outdoor fireplace can really be a gathering place in your home that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy. These outdoor fireplace construction plans will help you build a place in your backyard for the family to gather around during the cooler nights and chillier months of the year.
There are a lot of advantages to building an outdoor fireplace yourself. Primarily, you can spend a lot less money on it than if you had one built for you. You can also be in charge of the design. If you don't like something, you can change it up so it fits you and your family's needs.
Keep in mind that many of these outdoor fireplace construction plans use fireplace kits as the basis of the fireplace.
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Living Stone Masonry
Here's a free outdoor fireplace construction plan that takes you through the process from start to finish. Starting with excavating and pouring concrete, you'll go all through the steps until you get to the stonework. There are lots of great tips here on how to build the stone veneer for your fireplace.
How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace from Living Stone Masonry
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02 of 10
A cutting list, diagrams, step-by-step directions, and plenty of photos will help you build this modern outdoor fireplace. It's a smaller, portable fireplace so you can move it where you see fit. Inside is room for a propane tank so you don't need to run gas to this portable fireplace.
Modern Outdoor Fireplace from Family Handyman
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03 of 10
Milk Paint
In three weekends and with a lot of hard work, you can build this beautiful outdoor fireplace that you can enjoy when it's chilly outside. A fireplace kit is used but all the other building instructions are included so you can build one of your own.
Backyard Fireplace from Milk Paint
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04 of 10
You'll learn how to build a foundation, lay the bricks, build the chimney, and all the other steps in this free DIY project. There's also a 5-part video tutorial that will take you through the process of constructing this outdoor fireplace.
How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace from Homesteading
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DIY Projects with Pete
This plan is for an outdoor gas fireplace that is in the center of what looks like a large coffee table. No welding or masonry is used for this project but you'll be working with plenty of concrete. There's also a video that goes along with this project, showing you just how it was built.
How to Make an Outdoor Gas Fireplace from DIY Projects with Pete
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Chris Loves Julia
If you're looking for something a bit more modern this outdoor fireplace construction plan will help you get that look. For just $1300 this fireplace was built in a week. It's a totally doable project and you'll be thrilled with the look you create.
Outdoor Fireplace from Chris Loves Julia
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07 of 10
This stunning stone fireplace can be built by following this free plan. Besides instructions on how to build it, there's also a lot of advice on how to design a fireplace that will meet your needs.
Building an Outdoor Stone Fireplace from q[x]
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The Shed
Here's a unique concrete fireplace that will make quite the statement in your outdoor area. This outdoor fireplace is unique because it has a taller hearth than usual—this is because it's built so people can stand beside it and stay warm. This is a very in-depth tutorial that will help you build your own outdoor fireplace from the ground up.
Building an Outdoor Fireplace from The Shed
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Here's a stone outdoor fireplace that was built in conjunction with a paver patio. They built this fireplace from the ground up and they have plenty of advice for when you build your own.
Outdoor Fireplace from Life in the Barbie Dream House
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Cinder blocks make up the construction of this outdoor fireplace, then veneer stone is added to make it a truly beautiful outdoor fireplace. This is a basic outdoor fireplace plan that will help you succeed in building one from start to finish.
How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace from The Spruce
22 Cozy DIY Outdoor Fireplaces
Perry MastrovitoGetty Images
There's just something so cozy about a fire this time of year—the crackle, the smell, and the memories made while roasting hot dogs and toasting marshmallows for the best s'mores recipes. Even though campfires get most of the glory, homeowners are embracing the romantic appeal of enjoying a fire in their very own backyards. And the good news is, whatever your budget, style, or skill level, one of these outdoor fireplace ideas will be the perfect fit for your home.
For a large, sprawling back lawn, one of our favorite affordable backyard ideas is to build a simple DIY stone fire pit in a pea gravel patio—encircle it with Adirondack chairs, and violà, an outdoor room! Or, move the fun to the patio with a full fireplace that might even double as part of an outdoor kitchen. If you are looking for small backyard ideas, many of these options are right-sized for your space, from a super-easy tabletop burner to stylish, patio-friendly metal fire pits and chimineas. With styles ranging from rustic to modern (see the DIY concrete fire bowl, which is also super affordable), you’re sure to find the right look too.
Now that your outdoor fireplace or pit is in place, turn your attention to the rest of your backyard autumn retreat. Our favorite outdoor rugs will upgrade your patio style through rain, sunshine, or the cold season ahead. And don't forget to add some pretty fall flowers to your garden too!
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DIY 4-Step Fire Pit
A Beautiful Mess
This easy-peasy fire pit can be knocked out in an afternoon, so you can be toasting marshmallows by evening. Use two or three layers of landscaping stone for a custom finished look.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
SHOP METAL FIRE PIT INSERT
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DIY Outdoor Fireplace
Living Stone Masonry
Now this is an outdoor fireplace! Before attempting a DIY project of this scale, consider consulting a professional.
Get the tutorial at Living Stone Masonry.
SHOP LEVELS
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Sunjoy
Wood Burning Fireplace with Black Chimney
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Hampton Bay
Fire Ball with Tree Branches
$299 AT HOME DEPOT
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Sunnydaze
Cast Iron Fire Pit Bowl with Handles
Now 20% off
$169 AT AMAZON $169 AT HOME DEPOT $180 AT JCPENNEY
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DIY Outdoor Fire Pit
Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
For a fire pit the whole family can enjoy, use granite, sand, or pea gravel to make a wide circle around the pit. It's safer, and when surrounded by adirondack chairs, it creates a "room" in your yard.
Get the tutorial at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.
SHOP ADIRONDACK CHAIRS
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Pleasant Hearth
Galvanized Steel Wood Fire Ring
Now 27% off
$56 AT WALMART $108 AT WAYFAIR $60 AT FARMANDFLEET.COM
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DIY Adirondack Fire Bowl Table
Interior Frugalista
If space is at a premium in your backyard, build yourself this nifty fire bowl table, made to fit on a deck or patio. But be aware you should only use gel burners or small eco logs with it.
Get the tutorial at Interior Frugalista.
SHOP TABLE SAWS
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DIY Concrete Fire Bowl
Scrappy Geek
Add instant allure to your outdoor space with this pretty-as-a-picture fire bowl. Make sure the concrete if fully dry before using.
Get the tutorial at Scrappy Geek.
SHOP CHAFING FUEL CANS
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DIY Fire Pit with Grill
Redhead Can Decorate
Made from a kit, this square-shaped fire pit can be built in just two hours. With a grill insert like this one, dinner can be more than hot dogs and s'mores (not that there's anything wrong with that!).
Get the tutorial at Redhead Can Decorate.
SHOP MALLETS
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Sunnydaze Decor
Cauldron Outdoor Fire Pit
$229 AT AMAZON $229 AT HOME DEPOT $269 AT JCPENNEY
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DIY Fire Pit on a Patio
Creatively Southern
Because it was built with an insert, which prevents heat from coming in direct contact with the concrete, this simple fire pit can sit on a patio.
Get the tutorial at Creatively Southern.
SHOP RETAINING WALL BLOCKS
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Arlmont & Co.
Hicks Steel Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit with Lid
Now 65% off
$106 AT WAYFAIR
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DIY Rustic Fire Pit
Greco Design Company
Bring back memories of summer camp with this homey fire pit that's far more durable than it looks, thanks to the concrete used to bind the rocks together.
Get the tutorial at Greco Design Co.
SHOP TROWELS
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Bali Outdoors
Wood Burning Chimenea
$169 AT AMAZON
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DIY Cube Fire Pit
The Art of Doing Stuff
This exquisite little fire pit is lined with a wire mesh bottom to hold stones and a gel fuel can.
Get the tutorial at The Art of Doing Stuff.
SHOP RIVER ROCKS
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DIY Fire Pit With Cover
Keeping It Simple
This fire pit does double duty as a handy table when not in use.
Get the tutorial at Keeping It Simple.
SHOP PAVER SAND
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DIY Tabletop Burner
Sincerely, Marie Designs
Made specifically for s'mores-loving families, this sweet little table top burner can be used when the weather is too warm for the fire pit.
Get the tutorial at Sincerely, Marie Designs.
SHOP RIVER ROCKS
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Mutual Materials
Romanstack High Back Fire Pit Kit
$736 AT HOME DEPOT
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DIY Modern Concrete Fire Pit
ManMadeDIY
Sleek and super sturdy, this modern fire pit is also portable. Its best attribute? It can be made for less than $50.
Get the tutorial at ManMadeDIY.
SHOP SANDPAPER
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Endless Summer
Gas Fire Table
$276 AT AMAZON
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DIY Pizza Oven
Tikkido
Jill Gleeson Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network.
Outdoor fireplace for summer cottage - photos and ideas that can be useful in construction
A beautiful outdoor fireplace is a real eye-catcher and a reason to envy the neighbors. Moreover, it not only brings a decorative effect, but also creates a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
On cool evenings near the outdoor fireplace you can spend unforgettable moments enjoying the flickering fire. An outdoor fireplace is also well suited for grilling meat or vegetable treats. nine0004
So, you want to build an outdoor fireplace in your summer cottage or suburban area, however, before you start building, you need to consider some features. Use our tips and ideas to avoid problems when building a garden fireplace.
What is an outdoor fireplace?
Fireplace stove or outdoor fireplace is a stationary structure that is not portable and therefore cannot be moved, unlike a grill, barbecue or barbecue. Before building an outdoor stove, you need to choose the right location. It is worth considering the proximity of residential premises. The outdoor stove is not capricious to atmospheric influences, so it can be operated even in the cold season. You can build do-it-yourself outdoor fireplace , order work from professional builders or choose ready-made models that are sold in specialized stores.
Fireplace stove - build it yourself or buy?
The ready-made model of a garden fireplace has one drawback, you will not be able to choose an outdoor stove that is ideal in every sense. Each suburban area has its own unique style, buildings and landscape design. By purchasing a ready-made model of an outdoor fireplace, you will not be able to 100% select an outdoor stove according to your requirements. If you managed to find a ready-made and suitable option for yourself, try not to buy the cheapest one, as appearance and aesthetic appeal play a very important role. It is undeniable that a homemade or builder-made fireplace in the garden will look more attractive. You can be creative, choose your own design and materials, in order to create the desired look and style of your outdoor fireplace. nine0004
Another advantage of making an outdoor fireplace with your own hands or with the help of craftsmen will be the ability to provide it with additional compartments or storage boxes. Don't forget to design a place for firewood or cooking. Try to take into account all the nuances, take into account the safe location of the fireplace and the distance from trees or buildings.
Fireplace and terrace - depending on the budget
If your summer cottage does not yet have a terrace, then its simultaneous construction together with an outdoor fireplace will be the best option. You can always take shelter from the weather under the roof, during rain or snow. But do not forget that this option is not budgetary and significantly increases the price of the project. So, if you're on a tight budget for building, but want to combine an outdoor stove with a deck, design these structures ahead of time so you don't have to redo or rebuild the fireplace. nine0004
The advantage of an outdoor fireplace and its difference from a grill and barbecue
A great advantage of a fireplace in a countryside is that it has a chimney through which the smoke always goes up. Of course, you know the eternal problem with ordinary barbecues and barbecues. When the wind blows, the smoke always goes towards the guests. In the case of a fireplace, this will not happen if you build the chimney high enough.
Plan and design the right size outdoor fireplace
Before you start building, plan the right size for your fireplace. This will primarily depend on the space you need on the terrace or in the place where the fireplace stove is planned to stand. However, you should not choose an outdoor oven that is too small, thinking that you will be able to save on materials. The law of meanness is inevitable, and in the process of exploitation, an understanding always comes that I would like a larger and higher outdoor hearth. And finally, if you want to use it as an outdoor grill, then do not forget about the necessary cooking area. nine0004
To use both sides of the fireplace or not?
You also have the option to build a fireplace that has more than one open side. Of course, this option is very attractive, especially since the fire will be visible from two sides. This is a very good idea for dividing the room, if, for example, you have a kitchen in one part, and a place for comfortable rest in the other. But it also brings some inconvenience and creates additional problems. The absence of a rear wall guarantees less heat and additional wood consumption. Also, do not forget about the sharp gusts of wind. nine0004
Choose the right location
In order to build a fireplace in the country with your own hands, you need to choose the right location. The ground should not be shaky, and there should be no combustible materials around. A wooden floor is therefore not suitable. If necessary, install a new foundation in order to ensure a solid surface before building a fireplace in the garden. Keep in mind that you may need to secure the area around the fireplace. And finally, flying sparks that can ignite combustible objects nearby. nine0004
There must be no buildings in the chimney area
Other buildings or structures must not be located above the chimney. Despite the relatively long path through the chimney, the air will be very hot. Wooden structures can dry out so that they are damaged. Do not forget that buildings and structures can change their natural color from soot to black. As you can see, the space around the fireplace should be sufficient.
Consider prevailing wind directions
Before starting construction, it is very important to take into account the prevailing wind direction on the site. If the wind blows from a certain direction more often, this must be taken into account so that smoke or the smell of food does not enter the house or neighboring areas. You and the neighbors should not feel enveloped in smoke. In addition, the wind can interfere with the barbecue, and will scatter sparks and ashes around, which, you see, is not comfortable.
Height of the chimney
In order for your outdoor fireplace not only to look good, but also to be convenient and comfortable to use, the chimney must be of the correct height. So think at what level you will place the open part of the fireplace. This is especially important if you want to use the fireplace for grilling. If the fireplace stove will serve only for heating, the height of the chimney may be lower. nine0004
What material to build?
Not only concrete is suitable for building a fireplace. Choose more natural wall materials such as brick or real stone. If you are building a DIY fireplace , then you will get an unforgettable experience from working with stone. Walls can be plastered with a special mortar that can withstand high temperatures.
Please note that you will need metal support rods to serve as a base for straight and horizontal surfaces. If you do not have the skills of a welder, then such designs can be ordered from specialists. We will prepare a more detailed specification of the materials necessary for the construction of an outdoor fireplace in the next article. nine0004
Chimney Roof
Suitable material for the fireplace head is copper, stainless steel or concrete. It's a matter of taste. It is important that the size of the chimney is correct and that the chimney cap is properly installed. A large assortment of ready-made heads is sold in hardware stores.
Closed or open fireplace?
This refers to a fireplace stove equipped with a lockable glass door. Which option is best for you depends on how you intend to use the fireplace as well as your budget. nine0004
In conclusion, we invite you to familiarize yourself with various ideas and see photos of outdoor fireplaces.
Outdoor fireplace, photo.
Various ideas. Outdoor fireplaces, photo.
Relaxation area in the countryside, heating stove. Outdoor fireplaces, photo selection.
Relaxation area in the countryside, heating stove. Outdoor fireplaces, photo selection.
READ ALSO…
Master class: How to make a campfire site in the country with your own hands (photo) 55 photo-ideas for arranging a hearth in a suburban area
For more tips and ideas about arranging a suburban area, read the section - landscape design.
If you already had practical experience in building an outdoor fireplace, then you can share it with our readers in the comments. nine0004
many beautiful ideas - INMYROOM
Each summer resident has his own ways to introduce family to country life. And in this case, a gazebo with a barbecue area and a lawn with a volleyball net are obviously better motivators than the mere prospect of weeding beds with carrots and cabbage.
If there are only garden beds in the dacha and you understand that this is clearly not enough, we will tell you how to turn the site into an attractive lounge area.
What can be organized?
Some people like to gather with their loved ones in the summer kitchen, others can't imagine a summer vacation without outdoor games, and the third is important to equip a well-visible and safe children's corner. nine0004
Having decided on the types of leisure activities you would like to do, consider what suitable objects can be added to the site. Let's talk about the most popular.
Gazebo with a summer kitchen
a small stove or fireplace, as well as a recreation area with outdoor furniture. nine0004
Canopied summer dining room
If a temporary option works, you can place outdoor furniture and outdoor dining anywhere on the site.
One of the most convenient is on the veranda or terrace: you don’t have to go far while setting the table and serving dishes, and if the weather suddenly happens, you can immediately take blankets and pillows home.
Benches, sun loungers, tables are located at some distance from the house, for example, under a picturesque tree or near a pergola. Sometimes furniture is placed directly on the lawn, but it is more convenient to build a flooring under it (usually from a terrace board) and supplement it with a canopy. nine0004
Resting place next to a pool or pond
Usually a terrace with sun loungers, a small table and a couple of chairs, and a mobile canopy for shade. Choose a place for a pond away from trees and shrubs so as not to spend a lot of time cleaning leaves from the water.
Swing or hammock
If you don’t want to bother with installing a stationary model, get a mobile one: a hanging chair or a ready-made design with a hanging bench. They are easy to move from one place on the site to another. nine0004
Place by an open fire
You can equip a durable option with a decorative hearth and a platform around it lined with natural stone, or use mobile ones: an outdoor fire bowl or a portable fireplace.
In the first case, the area near the open fire is located away from the house and any fabric sheds. A fire bowl or a mobile fireplace can be placed anywhere, even on a terrace.
Design: Derevo Park
Design: ArchIdea
Design: Victoria Baranovskaya, Anna Denisova
Sports ground
For outdoor games with a ball, it is optimal to allocate the territory of the backyard under the sports ground, if it is spacious enough. It is worth mounting a high net over the fence so that the ball does not accidentally fly into the neighboring area.
Playground or house
Younger children will love the corner with a sandbox and a wigwam hut, older preschoolers and younger schoolchildren will like a playhouse and an outdoor sports complex with a horizontal bar, rings and swings. nine0004
You can complement the children's corner with topiary figurines of artificial grass in the form of animals or fairy-tale characters, or make "green sofas" from reinforced soil and rolled lawn. Lay pillows on such "sofas" - a place for children's rest is ready.
How to plan a recreation area yourself?
Mark the contours of the proposed zones on the ground with a garden hose and try to mentally test them. Is each one the right size and shape? Is it convenient to approach them? Is there enough shadow or, conversely, light? Where will the street lamps be located, where is the furniture, where is the hedge? nine0004
Also, do not forget to clarify the requirements for the placement of objects relative to each other and the allowable distance from them to the neighboring area. After clarifying the nuances of ergonomics and legislation, transfer the markup to the drawing, and then draw up a plan for the upcoming work.
What else you need for a comfortable holiday in the country: 6 useful options
Cozy country dishes and freshly cut flowers will decorate the outdoor table better than any decor.
Original DIY decorations, such as saw cut coasters, will add authenticity to your serving.