Outdoor Concrete Fireplaces Bring Warmth to the Outdoors

by Jennifer Barley, The Concrete Network

An outdoor fire will bring a rustic charm and warmth to any backyard. From creating an inviting conversation area, to a beautiful backdrop, to outdoor entertaining, an outdoor fireplace is a great addition to any outdoor living space. Integrating an outdoor fireplace to your landscape is easy to do, and it can quickly become the focal point to any outdoor setting.


This outdoor fireplace is a wonderful focal point for this backyard setting.
Photo courtesy of Craftsmanship Workshop in Mission Viejo, CA.

Types of Fireplaces

There are many things to consider when deciding what fireplace is right for you. You can create a warm, glowing fire through the use of a chiminea, a fire-pit or even a full-scale fireplace with a hearth and a mantle designed just for the outdoors.

Chiminea
The simplest and least expensive option is a clay chiminea. The word chiminea comes from the Spanish word chimenea meaning fireplace. A chiminea refers to a single opening outdoor fireplace design that incorporates a stack or a chimney to draft air into a fire. The smoke is drawn out of the top of the stack.


This clay chiminea is a low-cost, portable option for a backyard fire.
Photo courtesy of www.dancingfire.biz.

Chimineas can be constructed of either clay or cast aluminum and are very inexpensive, usually starting at $50. The downsides to chimineas are that their actual fire can only be viewed through the opening in one side of the pot. Also, great care needs to be used to ensure the clay pots don't crack, and metal chimineas need to be repainted every so often.

Fire-pit
Another option for an outdoor fireplace is a fire pit. A fire-pit actually serves as a contained area to house a fire. Fire-pits can either be portable or built in. Built-in fire-pits are a wonderful way to bring some beautiful hardscape to your yard to compliment your existing landscape. The built-in fire-pit must be built to have proper drainage to allow water to run off away from the pit. Fire-pits can either be wood burning or gas.


This fire-pit area uses curvilinear lines to coordinate with the landscape.
Photo courtesy of Ministry Concrete in El Cajon, CA.

There are many types of finish that can be applied to a fire-pit to coordinate the look of the pit with the rest of the area. The most common finishes are concrete, stone or brick. The price point for fire-pits begins at about $500 depending on the set-up, size and finish selected.

Built-in fireplaces
Full scale fireplaces are wonderful to create a custom look for your backyard. Built with hearths and chimneys, built-in fireplaces take on the appearance of a traditional indoor fireplace. There are pre-manufactured full scale fireplaces or custom built fireplaces.


This builder series unit from Heat-n-Glo provides
a wonderful look for any backyard space.

Photo courtesy of Craftsmanship Workshop in Mission Viejo, CA.

The unit is typically built with galvanized steel framing and with sufficient cross bracing for a sturdy, strong unit. The pre-manufactured fireplaces arrive at your home and you will need to have a contractor conduct the installation of the unit. Many of the pre-manufactured units arrive without a fade on the fireplace which allows you to select and customize the look. The various materials that can be used are brick, tile, stone and concrete.


This beautiful custom fireplace integrates color and form to this inviting backyard area.
Photo courtesy of Tom Ralston Concrete in Santa Cruz, CA.

The custom created full scale fireplace is built on site based on architectural drawings. This will enable you to incorporate areas for wood, tools and perhaps a seating area built around the fireplace. The basics, not including the fade or the labor, begin about $1200.

Putting the Best Face Forward

There are several types of materials that you can use to face the fireplace whether you have selected a fire-pit or a fireplace. Although brick and stone are commonly used, the best alternative is concrete. Concrete is an extremely versatile medium. It can be molded into any shape allowing you to bring soft curves or rectilinear lines to a space.

Finished concrete feels good to the touch. It can be smoothed and polished to look like stone, or colored and textured to give the appearance of aged tile. Concrete can either look natural, or it can be treated with aggregates, chemical stains, coloring pigments, and epoxy coatings to allow it to mimic other materials such as granite, limestone or marble.

Concrete can come in a wide variety of colors. Through the use of powdered and liquid pigments, a color can be created to go with about any homes color palette. Whether you are after a rich eggplant color, a sage green or steel gray, the color options are endless. When working with a concrete artisan it is a good idea to have samples produced to make sure the color will be as you envision.

Concrete is a natural fire-proof material that retains heat and can be sculpted into any shape to bring drama, interest, color and texture to your focal point. The hearth, mantel, pillars and corbels of the fireplace can be made of lightweight concrete. Sleek panels of concrete can surround the fireplace for a contemporary look or use large columns with a mantle for a more traditional approach. The care and maintenance of concrete is at a minimum. Just simply hosing down the area will keep your fireplace clean.

Gas or Wood?

Many outdoor fireplaces use a gas line to help with fire starting. You can choose to either burn wood, pellets or use a gas fireplace log. If you decide to run a gas line, placement of the fireplace will be critical since you will want the shortest gas line as possible. You also need to ensure that your fireplace provides proper ventilation so gas will not become entrapped in the event of a leak.

Wood burning fires can affect the environment. A good alternative is burning wood pellets. They do not contribute to climate changes through emissions of carbon dioxide of other greenhouse gases. If you are looking for an easy clean-up, a gas fireplace log does not leave any cinders or scraps to be swept up after each fire.

Contact your local city hall or firehouse to learn about all the necessary codes and restrictions before you determine what fireplace is best for you. If you are using a grated-style unit, place it away from roof overhangs, tree branches or anything else that is flammable.


This beautiful fireplace is a perfect spot for entertaining.
Photo courtesy of Ministry Concrete in El Cajon, CA

Adding a backyard fireplace to your home will help create memories and provide warmth that will be used for years to come. Consider the many options that are available today and create a focal point for your backyard.

Care and Safety of Your Outdoor Fireplace:

1) Do not place flammable materials or fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, charcoal or lighter fluid near your fireplace.

2) Do not allow children or pets to move too close to the fireplace.

3) Exercise the same precautions as you would with an open fire.

4) Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing such as nylon when tending to your fire.

5) Do not burn trash, leaves, paper cardboard or plywood in your fireplace. Consider avoiding using soft wood such as pine or cedar which is likely to pop and create sparks.

Jennifer Barley is a student of interior design at West Valley College in Saratoga, California. She is also the Showroom Manager at Bay Plumbing Supply and Showroom in Santa Cruz, California. Jennifer is passionate about the endless options of concrete for creative expression in design. She can be reached at jenn_barley@yahoo.com

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