An outdoor fireplace will add both character and value to your home, but finding the right location for your outdoor fireplace is one of the most important decisions to make. You may already have a location in mind that lends itself perfectly to a fireplace. But could that location detract from something else, like the views or accessibility?
The right spot can determine the overall atmosphere of your backyard. Placement will also determine how often a fireplace gets used. Also due to its size, an outdoor fireplace will become a focal point in your yard, so it is also important to think about where this type of feature will be enjoyed without detracting from other focal points or views.
There are a few things to consider when deciding on that perfect spot that are key. That is why we have put together our list of the top 5 things to consider when finding the best location for your outdoor fireplace.
1. Wind Direction
Here in New Zealand the wind can change quite drastically thanks to our beautiful terrain. These changes can be seemingly random, but there are seasonal trends that should be considered. That is why it is important to take into account your property's wind direction, combined with the time of year you feel you'll be using the fireplace the most. Place your fireplace in a location where it will act as a wind break, or where it's sheltered. This will create a calm and comfortable place in front of the hearth where you will be able to relax by the fire.
According to MetService the prevailing wind direction in NZ is Westerly. North of Taranaki the general flow is South Westerly. In the North Island the winds generally decrease for a period in the summer, but in many parts of the South Island July and August are the least windy months. A warm and drying wind is often evident on the Western side of mountain ranges .
2. Available Space is key
The most common location for an outdoor fireplace is located against a wall or along a fence. Like all Trendz fireplaces, most are free-standing and can also sit at the edge of a patio. However, it is important not to forget to make sure you have enough space for patio furniture or built-in seating in front of your fireplace.
It's important that the fireplace has enough space for lots of family and friends to pull up a chair. As the sun sets and the cool sets in, a memorable night can be had before the fire.
As tempting as it may be to stick a fireplace to a wall this can also mean you're facing away from a key view, which leads us on to our next point.
3. The million dollar view
An outdoor fireplace’s width and height are a huge advantage when it comes to blocking wind and creating privacy.However, these qualities can backfire if the fireplace is positioned in front of a million dollar view. Making sure that you locate the fireplace in the right spot to maximise the views potential is important.
To enjoy the view with the ambiance of an outdoor fireplace can be achieved by placing it off to one side so that the view remains open. When laid out in such a way there can be enough heat to keep everyone warm, while the view remains unrestricted. It could be quite uncomfortable for guests to swivel 180 degrees between a conversation by the fire and the awesome view behind them!
4. Foundation
The fireplace should be built on a hard surface. If the ground is too soft, this could cause the fireplace to crack or to become uneven and unsafe. If the ground is too soft in the space that you’ve selected, there is no need to worry. You will just need to make sure the foundation is properly fitted before you start the installation process. you can read more about this in this blog 10 things you need to know about installing an outdoor fireplace
5. Legal Requirements
It is important to make sure you check with you local council to make sure there are no restrictions in place as to how close you can place your outdoor fireplace to your boundary line. There may also be certain restrictions around wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke can become a risk around places like airports. Another thing to be aware of is making sure the fireplace isn't too close to trees or shrubs. Not only can this pose a potential fire risk but may increase the amount of maintenance required on your fireplace.
All our Trendz outdoors fireplaces come with engineers reports and drawings and are within most councils size restrictions.
Get some inspiration by checking out what our customers have created in their backyard with an outdoor fireplace by downloading our style guide.
FAQs
Place your fireplace in a location where it will act as a wind break, or where it's sheltered. This will create a calm and comfortable place in front of the hearth where you will be able to relax by the fire.
Which direction should an outdoor fireplace face? ›
Keeping the back of the fireplace facing the wind will not only reduce smoke and keep your fire better controlled, but create a niche in which you and your guests will be protected from gusts of wind.
How far does an outdoor fireplace need to be from the house? ›
As mentioned above, outdoor fireplaces should be at least 10 feet away from your home and other structures. For maximum safety, you should also have at least 3 feet of clear space between the fireplace and anything flammable, such as outdoor furniture, plants, or other decorations.
Can you put an outdoor fireplace against the house? ›
Can You Put an Outdoor Fireplace Against the House? Yes, you can! Some designs feature a fireplace attached directly to the home, while others put the fireplace in the corner of the backyard or end of the patio.
How high off the ground should an outdoor fireplace be? ›
Size: height
Above ground fire features should typically be 12-14″ tall – a few inches shorter than standard patio furniture seat height.
Should a fireplace be on the interior or exterior wall? ›
To avoid these problems, a chimney should penetrate the highest part of the building envelope. For most common house designs, this means that the fireplace and chimney should be located on an interior wall rather than a perimeter wall.
How to arrange furniture around an outdoor fireplace? ›
Around firepits, the seating arrangement should mimic the shape of the pit. Circular sofas are perfect for round firepits or you can evenly space chairs around the area, leaving enough space for people to easily get in and out. If the firepit is square, place a chair at each corner instead.
Does an outdoor fireplace increase home value? ›
Adding a fire pit to your outdoor space can also increase your property value. A well-designed and well-maintained fire pit can be an upgrade that adds value to your home. This can be especially beneficial if you plan to sell your home.
How far does an outdoor fireplace need to be from a fence? ›
General fire safety guidelines say your outdoor fireplace should be 10-25 feet away from your home and any other structures, including a fence. Building codes vary from county to county, so be sure to work with a licensed and experienced contractor when installing an outdoor fireplace.
Is an outdoor fireplace worth it? ›
Benefits of Outdoor Fireplaces
They attribute much more to the aesthetics of the overall backyard. Carefully designed fireplaces maximize the enjoyment of natural wood. Provides extra safety to the experience as it contains the flame with three surrounding walls. Only heat radiates out and not the smoke.
A fireplace contains the flame in the firebox. Doors, a steel grate and/or fire screen keep kids safe from the embers and sparks of a wood-burning fire. And, the framed mesh screen or doors of an outdoor gas fireplace provides extra protection.
Is it safe to put an outdoor fireplace on a deck? ›
You can use a propane or natural gas fire pit on a wood deck. These fire pits produce less heat and are safer than wood-burning fires. It is still essential, however, to create a physical barrier between the fire and the deck's surface to prevent heat damage.
Do outdoor fireplaces need a vent? ›
Wood-burning fireplaces produce much more smoke than gas ones do. This is why gas fireplaces don't always have to meet chimney requirements. However, if your fireplace relies on wood to function, you'll need a chimney for proper ventilation. Ventilation is extremely important for your overall health and safety.
What is the best base for an outdoor fireplace? ›
Therefore, making your fireplace a freestanding unit offers you the most options. The best foundation is the one with concrete piers extending below the frost line. This build style should be stable in all but the most extreme soil and property conditions.
Do you need a damper in an outdoor fireplace? ›
Although it's not necessary to have one added to your outdoor fireplace, it is worth it. Every fireplace needs a damper because it not only vents the smoke, but it acts as a protective barrier to keep out debris, animals, and rain or other weather elements.
How much does it cost to build an outdoor fireplace? ›
If you want an outdoor fireplace of your own, you can expect to pay about $3,000 on average, with a typical price range between $1,200 and $21,000. Small scale projects average around $135, while the higher end can be around $30,000. Of course, these numbers are far from set in stone.
What is the facing of a fireplace? ›
To give you a better idea, this area surrounding the opening of the fireplace opening is also called the facing, which is typically covered by some type of veneers such as stacked stone, tile, brick, or slate.
What is the best side of the house for a fireplace? ›
The best location for a new fireplace is on the side of the home that gets the most wind during the cold (burning) season. This wind will create a pressurized effect in the air, which will draw the flow of air up the chimney.
How to position a fireplace? ›
The fireplace is typically centred in the middle of a wall with matching bookshelves, built-in cabinets or windows either side. When it comes to seating, symmetry is just as important – matching sofas are placed facing each other, while a set of armchairs will point towards the fireplace.
Why are fireplaces on exterior walls? ›
Most standard floors handle fireplaces and stoves. As to the wall, there needs to be a way to vent to the outside, so an exterior wall works best. If you are considering a fireplace on an interior wall, there must be a way to vent to the outside, but today's technology makes this doable in most situations.
An outdoor fireplace will add both character and value to your home, but finding the right location for your outdoor fireplace is one of the most important decisions to make. You may already have a location in mind that lends itself perfectly to a fireplace. But could that location detract from something else, like the views or accessibility?
