Upgrading your outdoor living space offers a lot of options, and one very popular choice is an outdoor wood-burning fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces are considered a classic for good reason, and outdoor wood fireplaces are no exception, offering exceptional warmth and charm in a way that other types of fireplaces have trouble matching. Whether you're planning a new build or a renovation, you could be considering an outdoor wood-burning fireplace for your home.

If you're interested in installing an outdoor wood-burning fireplace, you may have some questions about the installation process, which is where this handy guide comes in. Whether you're planning to do it yourself or hire a contractor, it's good to have some idea of what's in store when installing an outdoor wood fireplace. Read on for some helpful tips about building an outdoor wood-burning fireplace.

Should You Install an Outdoor Wood Fireplace Yourself?

Depending on your level of DIY skill, it may be possible to install your outdoor wood-burning fireplace yourself. The installation will require you to have the following skills:

1.You'll need to know how to plan the installation, including adhering to the manufacturer's required clearances and local building codes.

2. Installing any type of wood fireplace is going to require significant framing work, using non-flammable materials to prevent fire damage.

3. Depending on your plans for the installation, there may be some kind of accent lighting, which could require wiring connected to your home's electrical supply.

4. Finishing the fireplace enclosure may entail working with masonry, brickwork or stucco depending on your decor and preferences.

Homeowners with the skills listed above may well be able to install a wood-burning fireplace on their own if they so choose. We always recommend thoroughly reading the owner's manual or installation instructions for any fireplace product to ensure a safe experience.

How Far Does an Outdoor Fireplace Need to be from the House?

One important question to tackle when building an outdoor wood-burning fireplace is knowing how far it needs to be placed from your home and other structures to ensure safe operation. The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is fire damage to their property, so it's vital to ensure that your outdoor wood-burning fireplace adheres to the manufacturer's required clearances as well as any requirements listed in your local building codes.

When in doubt, it's better to place the wood-burning fireplace as far as is practical from your home and any other structures such as a garage or workshop. In addition, wood burning fireplaces should be kept clear from any combustible plants such as trees and bushes. The exact distance will vary depending on the model you've chosen, but a good average to keep in mind while planning and shopping is that your wood-burning outdoor fireplace should be at least 10 feet from any combustible structure or material.

How Much Does an Outdoor Wood Fireplace Cost?

Outdoor wood-burning fireplace prices will vary depending on a number of factors. If you're looking at a high-quality fireplace like those we sell here at Fireplaces Direct, then the cost for the fireplace itself is likely to range between $1500 and $4500 dollars. This is only for the fireplace itself, so it doesn't reflect the full cost of the project. In total, installing an outdoor wood-burning fireplace is likely to cost between $3000 and $20,000 dollars, depending on a number of factors including:

The amount of framing needed to create the full fireplace enclosure

Materials used to finish the exterior of the enclosure (stone, brick, concrete, etc.)

Labor costs for any contractors or professionals involved in the installation

Accessories such as firewood holders and fireplace tool sets