Can an outdoor fireplace be installed under a covered patio?

Gas outdoor fireplaces can typically be installed under covered patios provided they meet the manufacturer's overhead clearance requirements and local code specifications. Wood-burning outdoor fireplaces require more evaluation because the chimney must achieve adequate draft height to clear the patio roof structure. Confirm your specific unit's overhead clearance requirement before planning the installation position.

How to make a DIY outdoor fireplace?

Building an outdoor fireplace from scratch poses significant safety risks, so it is highly recommended to purchase a pre-engineered, ready-made fireplace unit instead. Factory-built models from trusted manufacturers ensure proper ventilation, thermodynamic engineering, and long-term structural integrity. For maximum safety and strict compliance with local building codes, you should always hire a certified professional technician or mason to install the unit.

How to maintain an outdoor fireplace?

Proper maintenance begins with clearing out ash, soot, and debris from the burn area to ensure optimal airflow and a clean ignition. For gas units, you should routinely check the burner ports for blockages and gently wipe down the components with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive soap. Finally, always protect your investment from harsh weather elements by using a breathable, weatherproof cover once the structure has completely cooled.

Does an outdoor fireplace need a flue?

Yes, a wood-burning outdoor fireplace requires a flue to create a proper draft and pull smoke safely up and away from your seating area. While certain ventless gas models do not need one, traditional outdoor fireplace structures rely on a flue for safety and user comfort. Installing a professionally designed, ready-made unit ensures the flue is sized perfectly to keep smoke from blowing back into your face.

Does an outdoor fireplace need a chimney cap?

Yes, a chimney cap is highly recommended for an outdoor fireplace to block rainwater, debris, and nesting animals from entering and damaging the structure. It also serves as a critical safety feature by acting as a spark arrestor to catch flying embers before they can land on dry foliage. Ready-made fireplace kits typically include a compatible cap, which a professional installer can securely mount to protect your investment.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces extend your entertaining season into autumn and winter, delivering the warmth and architectural presence that turns any patio into a year-round living space, all within the fireplaces and accessories catalog. Browse gas and wood-burning models here and find the outdoor hearth built to anchor your backyard.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Bring warmth, charm, and style to your backyard with our curated selection of outdoor fireplaces—from outdoor gas fireplaces that offer instant, hassle-free heat to outdoor wood fireplaces that deliver the nostalgic crackle and smoky aroma of a real fire. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a quiet evening, or elevating your outdoor décor, these fireplaces blend beauty, comfort, and performance. Make your outdoor space the place everyone wants to be.

The Complete Buyer's Guide to Outdoor Fireplaces

Why Outdoor Fireplaces Are a Different Product Category

An outdoor fireplace is not just an indoor unit moved to a patio. It is engineered from the ground up for exterior service.

Built for the Elements

The firebox materials, combustion air management, and structural enclosure are specially rated. They handle rain, UV exposure, and freeze-thaw cycling. These harsh conditions can destroy interior-rated units in a single season.

Premium Materials

Glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) and heavy-gauge stainless steel define quality outdoor construction. Both materials resist moisture absorption. This prevents interior refractory materials from cracking when heated after rain. They also handle constant thermal expansion and contraction without structural fatigue.

Choosing the right material specification ensures your unit lasts for the lifetime of your installation

Gas vs. Wood: Choosing the Right Fuel Type for Your Patio

Your fuel choice involves more than personal preference. It depends on your site conditions, local regulations, and intended use.

Outdoor Gas Fireplaces: Deliver instant ignition, smokeless operation, and push-button control. They are ideal for urban and suburban environments where smoke management and convenience are top priorities.
Outdoor Wood Fireplaces: Deliver an authentic crackling fire, real wood aroma, and intense radiant heat. They require a spark-arresting chimney cap and a completely clear vertical draft path.

Both fuel types are excellent for residential use. Select the option that best fits your lifestyle and property layout.

Clearance to Combustibles: The Number That Governs Your Placement

Every outdoor fireplace has a strict clearance-to-combustibles specification. This defines the minimum safety distance between the firebox and any combustible material. This includes wood deck framing, pergola pillars, landscape timbers, and patio furniture.

Safety First

You must always adhere to the proper measurement during installation. Maintain it for the entire lifespan of the unit. Always ask help from a professional before doing any work or installation of any outdoor fireplaces.

Gas vs. Wood Clearances

Gas models typically have lower clearance requirements because flue gas temperatures are lower. Wood-burning units are much more restrictive. They operate at higher temperatures and carry a risk of ember dispersal.

Always finalize your fireplace position before locking in your patio layout. Confirm all clearances on all sides before building surrounding structures.

Weather-Resistant Materials: What to Specify and What to Avoid

Outdoor gas fireplaces surrounds and housings face a brutal combination of UV rays, heavy rain, frost, and intense heat.

What to Specify:

Concrete & Sealed Panels: Excellent moisture resistance with no painting or staining required.
Natural Stone & Brick: Fully weather-rated and highly durable, though stone requires inspection for freeze damage in cold climates.
Stainless Steel: The gold standard for resisting outdoor rust and corrosion.

What to Avoid:

Mild Steel: Painted or powder-coated mild steel requires constant maintenance to prevent rust at any scratch or chip. Avoid untreated mild steel entirely.
Combustibles: Never use wood-containing structural elements within the firebox clearance zone.

Covered Patio Installations: What the Code Actually Requires

Installing an outdoor fireplace under a covered patio requires extra planning beyond basic clearance math.

Wood-Burning Rules

A covered structure restricts vertical exhaust. Wood units rely on natural draft height for clean, complete combustion. In most jurisdictions, the chimney must extend completely above the roofline of the patio cover or pergola.

Gas Flexibility

Gas models offer much more flexible installation options under covers. Direct-vent gas units are especially versatile because they can route exhaust horizontally instead of vertically.

Always verify your specific unit's restrictions in the manufacturer's installation guide before committing to a covered patio layout.

Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Fireplaces

Can an outdoor fireplace be installed under a covered patio?

Gas outdoor fireplaces can typically be installed under covered patios provided they meet the manufacturer's overhead clearance requirements and local code specifications. Wood-burning outdoor fireplaces require more evaluation because the chimney must achieve adequate draft height to clear the patio roof structure. Confirm your specific unit's overhead clearance requirement before planning the installation position.
How to make a DIY outdoor fireplace?

Building an outdoor fireplace from scratch poses significant safety risks, so it is highly recommended to purchase a pre-engineered, ready-made fireplace unit instead. Factory-built models from trusted manufacturers ensure proper ventilation, thermodynamic engineering, and long-term structural integrity. For maximum safety and strict compliance with local building codes, you should always hire a certified professional technician or mason to install the unit.
How to maintain an outdoor fireplace?

Proper maintenance begins with clearing out ash, soot, and debris from the burn area to ensure optimal airflow and a clean ignition. For gas units, you should routinely check the burner ports for blockages and gently wipe down the components with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive soap. Finally, always protect your investment from harsh weather elements by using a breathable, weatherproof cover once the structure has completely cooled.
Does an outdoor fireplace need a flue?

Yes, a wood-burning outdoor fireplace requires a flue to create a proper draft and pull smoke safely up and away from your seating area. While certain ventless gas models do not need one, traditional outdoor fireplace structures rely on a flue for safety and user comfort. Installing a professionally designed, ready-made unit ensures the flue is sized perfectly to keep smoke from blowing back into your face.
Does an outdoor fireplace need a chimney cap?

Yes, a chimney cap is highly recommended for an outdoor fireplace to block rainwater, debris, and nesting animals from entering and damaging the structure. It also serves as a critical safety feature by acting as a spark arrestor to catch flying embers before they can land on dry foliage. Ready-made fireplace kits typically include a compatible cap, which a professional installer can securely mount to protect your investment.