How to Design a Deck With an Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor fireplaces can be built in the middle of a yard or on a deck or patio.

An outdoor fireplace is an elegant yard feature that will increase the value of your home and offer a warm spot to relax on cool evenings. A design plan allows you to consider the cost of building, materials and specifications you will have to make in order to add a fireplace to your deck space.

Things You'll Need

• Digital camera
• Photo printer
• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Take a photo of your existing deck or the area that you intend to build both the deck and outdoor fireplace. If possible, take a photograph of the area from above by taking the photo out of a window or from the roof of your home. If you are building the fireplace on or near an existing deck, clear the deck space. Upload the photo and print a copy to use in sketching your final design.

2. Measure and sketch the existing deck onto graph paper, using each block to represent 1-square foot of the deck. If a deck does not exist, draw out the intended size.

3. Decide on a location for the outdoor fireplace that is a safe distance from the home; for example, locating the fireplace 20 feet from your home's exterior gives you a better chance of stopping the fire before it reaches the house. Consider the fireplace design and dimensions and where the fireplace will work best and draw it on graph paper.

4. Determine whether the location you choose is affordable and meets your expectations. An outdoor fireplace in the center of the deck will require more materials to square off the deck and allow room for the fireplace bottom to set on the ground below the deck; you also will have to treat the deck lumber to fireproof it before the fireplace is used. Be prepared to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on this project after the cost of all materials for the deck platform, footers and fireplace construction.

5. Sketch in the location of furniture to ensure that the deck and fireplace design you have come up with allows space for your furniture. At least 5 feet is needed between furniture and the fireplace; use metal or wood furniture that will not melt when exposed to fireplace heat.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to obtain a builder's permit before your project. Local restrictions could affect your design.

• Speak to your insurance agent before you begin designing or building to see whether your homeowner's insurance will increase if you add a fireplace to your deck.

References

• Ask the Builder: Outdoor Fireplaces

Resources

• Outdoor Heating Guide: What You Need to Know About Building an Outdoor Fireplace