Tips for Building an Outdoor Fireplace

Posted April 6, 2023 in 3D Design, Blog, Covered Patio, Design/Build, Fire Feature, Furniture, General, Patio and Walkway, Videos

Relaxing next to a new custom fireplace sounds like the perfect ending to a long day. But not all of us enjoy gathering firewood, chopping it, and maintaining a fire. And, if you only use your new outdoor fireplace once or twice a year, is it really the best investment for your new custom outdoor living space in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania?

So, before you build a new custom outdoor fireplace, make sure to read these tips:

  • Determine if gas or wood is the best option for your new fireplace

Wood-burning outdoor fireplaces tend to provide the most heat. They also look and feel the most traditional. But, wood-burning fireplaces also require time-consuming attention. And not everyone wants to commit the time and energy it takes to get wood to burn, store the wood in a dry place, stoke the fire,  keep it lit then ensure it goes out and the embers clear before it’s time for bed.

Choosing between traditional and low-maintenance can be difficult without the right support. But, working with a designer who can help you understand the pros and cons of wood-burning outdoor fireplaces VS gas-burning outdoor fireplaces can help you get the best return on your investment. After speaking with our design professionals, most homeowners often opt for gas-burning outdoor fireplaces. This is because it requires little energy or thought to start a gas-burning fireplace. Most gas-burning fireplaces are operated by a simple switch that can have your new fireplace on or off within seconds so you never need to worry about the time or hassle of a wood-burning fireplace.

  • Select materials that match the architecture and style of your home 

After you select which fireplace type best suits your home, you can begin making design and material selections. But keep in mind that every house has its own unique architectural style, and sometimes it could have two or more. So make sure you choose materials that complement the existing architecture so your new outdoor fireplace does not look or feel out of place.

We recommend that you always start by selecting your natural materials​​ first. So you’ll want to choose your veneer—even if you’re using faux stone– and ensure it matches well with your home. That’s because there are so many color selections to choose from! But obviously, budget plays a crucial role in selecting the ideal stone. So make sure you have some ideas about what it will cost before you commit to any materials.

How to determine the cost of your outdoor living project →

  • Choose your furniture first 

Nothing is worse than moving heavy furniture around your new patio. But most times families neglect to plan how and where they will sit around their new fireplace until it’s too late. But since we consider your comfort the number one priority when planning your new space, we believe in selecting your furniture FIRST.

MasterPLAN’s design-first approach allows you to visualize exactly how your furniture will fit around your new fireplace and feel how your layout will flow. The full-color, life-like 3D design video will allow you to see how your space will be allocated so you know exactly how it will be used and see exactly how many people your space will accommodate.

Tour this custom patio and outdoor fireplace in Orefield, Pennsylvania →


Whether it’s a simple covered porch or an elaborate outdoor kitchen design with chef-caliber features & a custom fireplace, we know the right design will make your new outdoor living space the perfect place to create lifelong memories.  But, we get that you don’t want to work with a contractor who will waste your money. And you don’t have time to waste managing multiple construction crews, contracts, permit applications, and other essential details.  You are not alone!

Let us eliminate the stress and hassle when transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space in the Lehigh Valley. We have partnered with hundreds of homeowners like you to make your unique transformation journey stress-free. Our award-winning design/build process will ensure you never need to communicate with your HOA and township or deal with the hassle of obtaining building permits, engineering, scheduling, or inspections. We will handle all the heavy lifting when it comes to designing & building your new outdoor living space so you can enjoy watching it come to life and feel completely confident you will be proud of your investment.

Here’s how to do it:

Call: Schedule your meeting!

Collaborate: Create your perfect plan!

Construction: With an approved design, construction starts!

Celebrate: Raise a toast to your transformed home and the new life that comes from it!

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR DESIGN MEETING!

(610) 628-2480

In the meantime, download your exclusive copy of the Top 5 Design Secrets Your Contractor Doesn’t Know. So you can stop fearing that you will make the wrong decisions about your new outdoor living space and instead be confident when selecting the right firm to help transform your backyard into the outdoor living space you always dreamed of!

Join Our Newsletter

Stay up to date with what is happening with MasterPLAN Outdoor Living.

Affiliates & Partners
Lehigh Valley Style
Lehigh Valley Business Association
Pennsylvania Builders Association
Qualified Remodelers
The Designer