These 33 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas Will Spark the Coziest Fall Hangouts
And yes, they’re hot in more ways than one
Humans have convened around outdoor fires since…too long ago to count. The allure of flickering flames is timeless and there are plenty of outdoor fireplace ideas to fit your needs and wants (of course, we’ve also gathered indoor fireplace ideas).
For a truly bewitching experience, consider echoing your architecture or juxtaposing against it. “I love to use masonry—such as stone or brick—that matches the exterior of the home, or something totally different, like a sculptural metal that matches any accessories for fences and really becomes a focal point in the landscape,” says Robert Bell, landscape architect behind the Washington, DC, firm Bell Design.
We got intel from top designers to suss out everything you need to know for your backyard fireplace, whether you’re hoping to create an outdoor living area or a Tuscan fire feature. Just add marshmallows.
Photo: Carlton Canary1/33Frame the deck with it
For this Seattle home, Floisand Studio Architects designed a nine-inch wide steel planter-fireplace that rims the elevated deck’s outer edge. “We wanted to create a subtle delineation between the seating space and adjacent backyard. The planter-fireplace defines the deck edge,” says firm cofounder and architect Allison Hogue. “The fireplace, which is a gas fire pit burner, just inserts in the steel trough and creates a warm outdoor spot near the house to gather around on cool nights.” Functionality meets surprising design ideas in one uber modern outdoor fireplace.
Photo: Fredrika Stjärne for Shou Sugi Ban House2/33Try theater in the round
Sculptural minimalism has the appearance of primal ritual at Shou Sugi Ban House, in Watermill, N.Y., thanks to a fire pit that looks more like a Noguchi piece than a backyard accessory. Perched on a concrete plinth, the steel basin by Fire Features rises like an altar, its crisscrossed grate turning stacked ‘logs’ into geometric art. Encircled by a low concrete bench, the design is as meditative as it is social—equal parts Zen garden and cocktail lounge.
Photo: Courtesy of Boxhill Designs3/33Embrace a modern outdoor fireplace
Square fire pits aren’t the most common, but looking at this firebox by Boxhill Designs blazing against geometric stucco walls and the desert twilight makes us think they shouldn’t be. And it doesn’t just work in a Georgia O’Keeffe-like setting, the clean lines would juxtapose well against any wild garden.
Photo: Matthew Millman4/33Create a circle of warmth
Like moths to a flickering flame, “the round shape encourages people to gather,” says Scott Lewis, principal of Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture. He set this Concreteworks gas fire table amid windswept grasses that mirror its curve. “It has no sharp corners to impede surfers and sun bathers who warm up here after returning from the beach,” Lewis says. The broad rim doubles as both a marshmallow roasting station and a footrest, while the encircling drifts of grasses sketch out a casual amphitheater framing the fire.
Photo: Roger Davies5/33Wood is surprisingly good
Wood might not be obvious choice for an outdoor fireplace seating area, but this maximalist lodge-inspired home in California designed by Ike Baker Velten and Joel Barkley makes a compelling case. Shingled hemlock, Douglas fir detailing, and local stone become showstoppers with unexpected silhouettes and clean lines, a dazzling light fixture twinkling above it all. “This setting is about embracing all the senses: Cedar and pine flavor the air, forest sounds and smells surround the space,” says Tyler Velten, partner at Ike Baker Velten. “The wood shingles and timber forms make for a sensual backdrop.” What better place for outdoor entertaining?
Photo: Courtesy of Derived From Nature6/33Give DIY a go
Sometimes DIY is a don’t—especially when flames are involved. But this minimalist-but-mighty project by Derived From Nature proves you don’t need masonry for after-hours magic. A simple steel bowl, left to weather into a rusted patina, turns utilitarian into a sculptural statement—half hearth, half James Turrell-esque art installation. Perched on gravel with timber benches nearby, it’s the kind of setup that begs for marshmallow roasts into the wee hours. Bonus: the wood burning fireplace does double duty as an outdoor kitchen of sorts, thanks to a grill top where you can sear a steak—or a graham.
Photo: Lauren Pressey7/33Put a little prep in your step
Preppy makes perfect for this outdoor fireplace design by Noelle Interiors, with its striped throw cushions, woven natural fiber touches, and towering stone fireplace. We particularly love the handcrafted pendants in three eye-catching sizes over the seating area, which provide a dazzling touch of summer overhead.
Photo: Venjhamin Reyes8/33Consider a gas option
“A warm, modern aesthetic that uses organic colors and textures can balance, clean contemporary lines,” says Dominique Coffman, Vice President of Design at Design West. Coffman favors a gas fireplace over a woodburning fireplace: “They are easy to light and turn off with the flip of a switch or remote control. Another benefit of gas fireplaces is that they do not produce smoke, which makes them a cleaner option.”
Photo: Courtesy of Kern & Co.9/33Tap into your inner coastal grandma
Paging Nancy Meyers. “For this space, antique firebricks take center stage against a simple, pared-back exterior,” says Susan Spath, principal of San Diego firm Kern & Co. “The modern style mixed with classic elements creates a space that is eye-catching. When designing this outdoor space, the client wanted an area that was simply beautiful, yet cozy. The plentiful U-shaped seating arrangement allows for intimate conversation while facing the warmth and crackle of the fire.” Consider us there.
Photo: Paige Rumore10/33Make it part of the patio
Adjacent to his clients’ pool, fire pit, and verdant landscaping, Nashville designer Brad Ramsey put together the ultimate covered patio: complete with a woodburning fireplace (note its herringbone tile), outdoor kitchen, grill, and outdoor living room the homeowners undoubtedly adore. “There is a hidden powered retractable screen, so the room can either be closed off to protect from weather and bugs, or it can be opened up to the rest of the backyard space when entertaining,” Ramsey says. Um, brilliant.
Photo: Stephen Karlisch11/33Mix fire with a little water
“This brand-new pool house was built in such a way to exude the charm of the 1920s home it belongs to,” says Eddie Maestri, principal architect, creative director, and owner of Maestri Studio in Dallas. “The traditional fireplace honors the time period, while bricks complement the home’s exterior and the added chimney pot provides an extra touch of character. Its central location offers a great view of the pool while relaxing by the fire.” Who needs a pool house when they have a pool patio?
Photo: Jenifer McNeil Baker12/33Raise your hearth
“On the back porch of this midcentury-modern-inspired home, we selected bricks to match the rest of the house,” Maestri says. “Opting for a raised firebox with a floating concrete hearth creates a cozy space that can easily be enjoyed when sitting next to the fire.” And of course, a few well-placed cocktail tables are key.
Photo: Julie Soefer13/33Play with time periods
What is it about red, white, and blue that feels like an eternal summer? “This Houston home’s gracious architecture is distinctly American and feels fresh and modern despite stylistic roots that can be traced back to New England country houses,” says designer Benjamin Johnston of Houston’s Benjamin Johnston Design. “A new-old juxtaposition of time periods and styles is a running theme, and this considered mix is skillfully celebrated through the home—inside and out. Spaces are classic, yet contemporary, including the outdoor fireplace and its seating area. Bold colors and modern lines juxtaposed with traditional materials continue the interior’s aesthetic to the outdoor gathering areas.” In other words, the magic is in the mix.
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Photo: Julie Soefer14/33Bring the inside out
“The outdoor seating area in this Houston home is an extension of the casually elegant interiors,” says designer Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design, who used blues and greens that echo the interior spaces. Because these homeowners are a family of six (plus a furry flurry of dogs) who love to entertain, it was important that everything be both welcoming and hard-wearing. “To that end, the outdoor fireplace mimics the fireplace in the living room, with clean lines and a plaster finish.” Now, this outdoor living area “is the perfect spot to watch the frequent Houston rain, enjoy a fire on our rare chilly days, or gather while the homeowners serve up some delicious food from the nearby outdoor kitchen.”
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Photo: laughingmango/Getty Images15/33Take it to the Adirondacks
If you’ve been lucky enough to inherit a stone fireplace, complete the look (and al fresco experience) by saddling up a BBQ and a charming quartet of Adirondack chairs to encourage your best summer yet. The only thing missing here? One or two water features, which can summon the misty, cooling allure of a waterfall even in the sultry heat of the season.
Photo: stevecoleimages/Getty Images16/33Play it cool by the pool
By nightfall this sleek and modern pool has a sultry addition: the dancing flames within its stone fireplace. We like the symmetry of the seating area here, plus the fact that the color palette mimics the lush surrounding landscaping.
Photo: IPGGutenbergUKLtd/Getty Images17/33Try out stucco
We admit it: We’re stuck on stucco, especially when it comes to outdoor fireplace ideas. Paired with a terra-cotta roof, tidy garden beds and inky black sconces, this outdoor living area has all the charm of a Mediterranean manse.
Photo: Koerpers/Getty Images18/33Add a little greenery
When you let climbing vines go a bit wild, an outdoor patio gets an almost fairytale mystique. This stucco, woodburning fireplace has a similar aesthetic to the kiva fireplaces of the indigenous Pueblo people in the Southwest; we love it paired with the sturdy iron scroll armchairs with ultra plush cushions for comfort.
Photo: Jenny Soi/Yardzen19/33Add a touch of grass
For this Yardzen outdoor living space, grass defines the graphic pattern of clean-lined paver squares. “When choosing a space for your fire pit, remember to look above and below,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen. “You want open air space and below you want a stable surface—something like aggregate, gravel or concrete is best.”
Photo: Kenton Waltz/Yardzen20/33Prioritize comfort
“A fire pit’s greatest utility is bringing people together for conversation and in order to do that, you need to be comfortable,” Lenhart says. Look closely at this outdoor living room by Yardzen and you’ll notice all the comforts of the interior rendered al fresco—including a cushy sofa studded with throw pillows and outdoor dining area with a pergola for shade. “You can update an outdoor living room with stylish extra touches like a cozy wool blanket, outdoor pillows and strategically placed container plants. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to leave plenty of space for circulation, so opt for fewer, bigger plant containers to minimize clutter and keep things open!
Photo: Courtesy of Yardzen21/33Stick to a material palette
Designer and homeowner McKenzy Golding of Goldenbird Design opted for a prefab concrete fire pit to echo the concrete bench in her Mill Valley, California, backyard. The cohesiveness of the pairing is as elegant as it is modern. “Establishing a material theme makes the fire pit feel like it belongs in the scene,” says Lenhart of the Yardzen project. “I also appreciate the cost-effectiveness of this design, which snags cost savings from the fire pit, simple chairs, and decomposed granite ground cover to free up budget for the custom bench feature.”
Photo: Yardzen22/33Warm up in other ways too
When you’re outdoor entertaining, your guests will thank you if you provide plenty of thoughtful touches: like cushy pillows, twinkling lights, candles, and throw blankets to ward off a breeze. In this Yardzen outdoor living space, Adirondacks encircling a freestanding wood-burning fireplace are portable in a pinch. “The setup makes it simple to rearrange furnishings,” Lenhart says.
Photo: Courtesy of Jenn Feldman Design23/33Focus on the fireplace
“Our client had purchased a beautiful Spanish home in Pasadena and wanted the interior courtyard to be an oasis for their young family,” says Los Angeles designer Jenn Feldman. “We created a seating area around the fireplace that was transitional, focusing on silhouettes that looked beautiful from all interior angles and the glass doors surrounding the space.” They kept the inherited terra-cotta tiles, but had them cleaned and regrouted for a quick face-lift. “The neutral furniture allowed the colors to pop, which was our goal.” Feldman recommends three feet of set back when it comes to furniture placement around a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. “And always look for an outdoor screen or gate—especially if there are young children and pets in the family!”
Photo: Sara Tramp courtesy of Christine Vroom24/33Take design cues from your interiors
It’s not quite summer on the patio without twinkly lights overhead. “When designing an outdoor fireplace, I take my lead from the exterior,” says Los Angeles designer Christine Vroom, who says it’s vital for it to flow with its surroundings. “From there, I would determine if you want a bold tile accent, a small pop of color, an interesting shape, texture, pattern, etc. The fireplace is typically the focal point, so this is where you can look at your space, decide what it is needed, and then have some fun with it! I also suggest using a really pretty log set, or having some fun with fire spheres or crystals to add that extra touch of detail."
Photo: Manolo Langis, courtesy of LMD Architecture Studio25/33Let the view do most of the work
Here, architect Luis Murillo of LMD Architecture Studio kept a serene aesthetic so as not to interfere with the jaw-dropping ocean view. “A successful outdoor fire feature allows gathering around it, it is located in a way that makes the space that it belongs to an extension of the adjacent interior spaces, provides just the right amount of heat to make the space comfortable and, when possible, has a roof over it,” Murillo says. “Occasionally a fire feature can be combined with a view to make the perfect setting.”
Photo: @theblancobungalow/blancobungalow.com26/33Build some built-ins
This Long Beach, California, backyard designed by Yardzen is “all outdoor living all the time,” Lenhart says, adding that they use every inch of square footage, from the pizza oven to the conversation cove. “The built-in bench here borrows beautifully from the home’s white stucco exterior and creates a cozy gathering space that begs for conversation,” Lenhart says. “The rust-colored fire pit and golden gravel bring a lived-in and earthy feel, warming up the stark white of the stucco bench and cinderblock privacy wall.”
Photo: RobynRoper/Getty Images27/33Let a double-sided fireplace do double duty
A symmetrical stone fireplace is timeless, especially when it’s double-sided to face the dance party on the patio on one end and rolling green lawns on the other. Straddling it, a whitewashed wicker patio set will never go out of style.
Photo: Laure Joliet28/33Consider custom furniture for comfort
“When designing a custom fire pit and a custom bench, don’t forget to consider all heights for optimal lounging and back support,” says San Francisco designer Regan Baker, who designed this shapely stunner. “Curved and deep bench style seating provides flexibility for multiple heights and styles of lounging while maximizing seat count.”
Photo: Courtesy of Front & York29/33No backyard? Take it to the roof
New Yorkers don’t have to forgo the instant hygge that an outdoor fireplace provides. Shown here: Front & York, a Dumbo condo designed by architect Morris Adjmi with a dual-sided fireplace that comes with the ultimate amenity: an outdoor screening lounge for indulgent movie nights, year-round.
Photo: Michael Clifford30/33Create a secret garden
Tucked away amid lacey ferns, Inner Gardens’ fire pit was designed by the firm’s founder, Stephen Block, and hewn of antique French limestone. “Fire pits are dynamic where fireplaces are static, more of a visual,” Block says, adding that seating can also be moved around easily depending on the needs of the moment. The final effect is one with primal allure—especially paired with a faux bois bench and river rock-like stone stools. BYO fairy wings.
Photo: Annie Meisel31/33Get tropical
Stripes have long provided instant prep al fresco, recalling the beach aesthetic of the French Riviera. In this particular Los Angeles garden designed by Jaqui Seerman, striped sling chairs encircle a fire that has a recycled chipped concrete foundation under a cast iron pit with a natural gas flame within. “The fire pit chosen for our client boasts a natural finish that matures and enriches with time,” Seerman says. Leave it uncovered “to allow the finish to develop a distinctive patina through exposure to the elements.” Meanwhile, the striped sling chairs can be folded and stored away for winter months to keep them looking as fresh as possible from summer to summer.
Photo: Richard Powers32/33Don’t forget the candles
A roaring fire doesn’t preclude the need for a few flickering candles, which alway say “welcome!” at a glance. For this Montecito stone patio by Studio William Hefner, the hearth’s chimney was made of Santa Barbara limestone in various colors and sizes for texture, while the candles on the coffee table bring in even more romance. (You can never have too much!)
Photo: Scott Shigley33/33When in doubt, add more plants
For this garden behind an Italianate home in Chicago, landscape architecture firm Hoerr Schaudt created a dreamy outdoor fireplace that makes an idyllic place to retreat from the heart of buzzing city life. The structure of the fireplace’s exposed brick becomes all the more beautiful when juxtaposed with a riot of climbing vines and lush plants, many arranged in pots at different levels for a layered look.
Frequently asked questions
Is it expensive to build an outdoor fireplace?
We get it: Not everyone has the money to install a covered patio with a woodburning brick fireplace, or a Mediterranean-inspired outdoor kitchen complete with a pizza oven. But there are plenty of more affordable options.
For an outdoor fireplace, “the most cost-effective option would be a prefab insert,” Maestri says. But if you’re hoping to save even more money, consider a fire pit or even DIY—it will be well worth the effort. “If you want to create a cozy, year-round gathering space, fire pits are a low-cost way to add functionality and comfort to your outdoor entertaining space,” says Lenhart, the design director at Yardzen, who says fire pits and fireplaces are included in 70% of their designs. Even the simplest among them can bring a whiff of the Mediterranean lifestyle to your outdoor patio.
How much does it cost to build an outdoor fireplace?
As with anything, you can go high or low when it comes to outdoor fireplace ideas. “It depends on the specifics,” says Maestri, the owner of Maestri Studio. “A general estimate is about $12,000.”
Indeed, the best way to think of outdoor fire features is as a tiered experience. In 2025, “most outdoor fireplaces cost around $10,000–$20,000,” says Lenhart. “Prefab units can get you a bit below this range, while custom finishes can push you well above it.” However, there’s a flame for every wallet. “The cheapest options are simple fire bowls that are made to burn wood, though plenty of prefab gas options are also available at low prices,” he notes.
What is the best material to use for an outdoor fireplace?
There is no universal choice material for outdoor fireplace, rather, like most design, it varries. “The best materials for an outdoor fireplace ultimately depend on the architecture and materiality of the house itself, and this also drives the cost,” says Johnston, the owner Benjamin Johnston Design. Whether you have a woodburning or gas fireplace will also be a major factor in deciding which material works best.
Where should outdoor fireplaces go?
Although it’s (hopefully) obvious, safety is paramount. Whatever outdoor fireplace ideas you end up going with, it’s vital to ensure proper placement, says Bell, the landscape architect behind Bell Design. You’ll want an outdoor fireplace or fire pit “far enough from the house so sparks won’t catch anything on fire, but not so far they’re inconvenient to get to,” he says. Typically that means 20 feet minimum to 60 feet maximum from your home itself. And there are other aesthetic considerations, like lighting—especially to create a focal point al fresco. “Usually you want the fire to be the center of attention, so low-level lighting is key,” he says. “You shouldn't put anything bright at eye level to compete with the flames. Movable lanterns or subtle uplighting around the fireplace is usually best.”
How do you make outdoor fireplace seating comfortable?
Design ideas are one thing; creating an outdoor furniture set up that’s actually comfortable is another. “Our experience has been to get the seating as close around the fireplace as possible [within safe parameters] since it doesn’t project heat very far,” says Montecito, California–based landscape design wizard William Hefner, founder of Studio William Hefner. “It’s also nice to have light furniture that’s easy to pull up around the fire.”
Seerman, the LA-based designer and founder of her eponymous firm, works hard to ensure there’s a variety of seating distances (and lightweight, easily portable outdoor furniture). “While some guests may prefer closer warmth, others may enjoy a bit of distance,” she says of crafting a landscape design that works for the cold-blooded and always-hot alike. “Offering adjustable seating ensures everyone can find their comfort zone, making fireside evenings enjoyable and memorable for all.” Just add cocktails, mocktails, and music (a few throw blankets can be a prescient addition for keeping guests warm, too.)
How do you maintain an outdoor fireplace?
“I’ve found outdoor fireplaces to be very low-maintenance,” Hefner says. “We scoop out the ashes every now and then, and we’re good.” He adds that you may want to occasionally enlist the help of a professional chimney sweep like any other fireplace to professionally remove the soot that naturally accumulates over time. To make sure that an outdoor fireplace develops an even patina through the seasons and over time, Seerman suggests regularly removing leaves and other debris, which can easily pile up outdoors. “Once a year I would remove the fire rock and clean the burners,” says Block of Inner Gardens. “Make sure your fire pit has drainage so water from rain can drain out, and holes around the sides to allow for air movement around the gas line.”
How long do outdoor fireplaces last?
When you buy or build quality, you can expect your outdoor fireplace to look hot (pun intended) for decades and beyond. Best case, your fire pit becomes a family favorite that your heirs like enough to argue over. “If you build an outdoor fireplace with a masonry firebox, and proper flue system, it should last forever,” Hefner says. One thing to note for safety purposes: “It’s crucial to maintain adequate ventilation in the surrounding area and ensure trees are trimmed appropriately before use,” Seerman says.
