How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fireplace

Just like a living room becomes warmer (both figuratively and literally) with the addition of a fireplace, the same can be said for your outdoor living space. Adding a fireplace keeps you warm on colder nights, but it also provides a great place to gather. No matter the type of fireplace, it adds a cozy vibe to your backyard.

Today, we’re going to show you how to choose the right outdoor fireplace. We’ll talk about the top fireplace trends and highlight their features, so you can figure out which fire feature is best for your backyard and your own unique preferences.

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Fireplace for Your Backyard

1. Convenient Gas Outdoor Fireplaces

Gas outdoor fireplaces offer the ultimate convenience and lowest maintenance. At the push of a button, remote, or voice command, your fireplace can immediately come to life since they are hooked up to a gas line or tank. With automatic, clean-burning flames, routine maintenance will be minimal and much less intensive.

One of the best parts about this fire feature is that it’s 100% smoke-free, and you can use it much easier in windy conditions. With no smoke, you and your guests won’t have to worry about allergens or a lingering smoky smell afterwards.

However, as with any fireplace or fire feature, there are certain precautions and routine checks and maintenance to consider. Since gas fireplaces are hooked up to a gas line or tank, it’s important to get the line checked annually to ensure that there are no leaks. Without wood fueling the fire, there’s no smoke or smell, but this also means there’s no crackling or popping sound. Lastly, gas fireplaces simply can’t reach the extreme temperatures that a traditional wood-burning fireplace can, which can inhibit being able to roast or cook foods over your fire.

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2. Traditional Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces

Traditional wood-burning outdoor fireplaces burn hotter than a gas flame, are accompanied by a nostalgic smoky scent, and offer a calming crackling sound that’s hard to beat. If you love the nostalgia that comes with a traditional fire feature and the practical utility, this is the ideal setup for your space. 

However, traditional fireplaces do come with some major considerations. First, you’ll need to account for safe storage space for logs, fire starters, and accelerants. You also need to be on top of checking fire safety rules for your city. During dry and windy Minnesota summers, it’s common for cities to enforce rules reducing or even disallowing the use of wood-burning outdoor fixtures to reduce the risk of wildfires.

It’s also important to note that you’ll have to manually clear out the ash every so often along with an annual deep cleaning for creosote build-up.

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Ultimately, knowing how to choose the best fire feature for your backyard comes down to personal preferences. For some Minnesota homeowners, traditional fireplaces simply can’t be beat, even with the extra work required to maintain them. Other homeowners love the simplicity and ambience of a flame connected to a remote control, switch, knob, or smart device. Both are phenomenal options and can create the elevated look and feel that you dream of for your space.

To get the best of both worlds, we’ve seen homeowners create combinations of fire features to get the ease of gas fireplaces while still having an area with a natural wood fire. Some of our favorite setups will have a traditional fireplace or firepit designed in stone and other natural materials while also incorporating easy-to-use gas fireplaces for a fire table or as decor. Or vice versa. Regardless of the setup you decide, a fire feature offers a gorgeous focal point and year-round use in your Minnesota home.

View Our Favorite Outdoor Designs

Custom Outdoor Fireplace Designs and Features

Regardless of whether you opt for a wood-fire or gas fireplace, adding custom designs and features to your outdoor space can elevate your look and feel of your backyard. Here are some of our favorite fireplace options we’ve seen in Minnesota homes:

1. Gorgeous Masonry and Natural Elements

To pull together a luxurious outdoor space, gorgeous custom masonry and natural stone elements are trending right now. Many homeowners use natural brick, stone, and earthy tiles to create cozy fireplace areas.

2. Modern Minimalist Fireplaces

Another huge trend right now is using modern, minimalist fireplaces with clean lines and a simple design. Smooth concrete, paver stones, or wooden flooring form the foundation of your cozy fireplace area while pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions can be used for additional shade, protection from the elements, and a completed space. 

3. Multi-Functional Features

The best fireplace feature is a practical and mult-functional one. Some of the best luxury backyard spaces include both a fireplace and an outdoor kitchen or living space, complete with practical cooking necessities. While a fireplace on its own creates a stand-out addition, completing the look with paver stones or bricks, built-in seating, and even outdoor pizza ovens can highlight the space even more.

Get Your Dream Fireplace in Your Backyard

With the right fireplace setup, you can get cozy nights in your backyard regardless of the season. If you’re hoping to design and build your dream fire features in your backyard, our team at Outdoor Innovations Landscaping can help you create your project from start to finish. Our professional landscapers and hardscapers excel at large-scale projects like cozy outdoor living spaces, luxury swimming pool constructions, paver patios and walkways, and so much more. Ready to create your dream backyard setup in your Minnesota home?

Outdoor Innovations Landscaping creates elevated backyards for homeowners in Minnesota. From in-ground pools to luxurious grilling stations to outdoor living rooms, we do it all. Explore our past projects and get a quote online to make your dream backyard a reality.