Outdoor Brick Fireplaces

If you're planning to add a little heat to your backyard, you'll want to browse the many options for outdoor brick fireplaces. From prefabricated versions you can buy at home improvement stores to elaborate custom designs, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

The first thing to keep in mind when shopping for an outdoor brick fireplace is safety, and this relates most closely to location. You want your outdoor brick fireplace to be located somewhere that's totally free and clear of overhanging branches, adjacent bushes, or patches of extremely dry grass. You should also have a water source and fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.

Some common locations for outdoor brick fireplaces are directly adjacent to the home on a deck or patio, or in a space set farther back in the yard, to create a unique gathering place.

Once you've settled on a location for your outdoor brick fireplace, it's time to decide whether it's going to be a personal DIY project, or if you'll hire a contractor to custom-build your outdoor brick fireplace. Factors like size and design complexity will come into play here, as well as whether your fireplace will burn wood or be fired by propane or natural gas. Another option is to purchase your brick fireplace from a home improvement store as a pre-fab structure or kit.

See also: Deck and Patio Design Ideas