Photography: Nick Watt / Are Media Syndications
There’s nothing like an open fire for bringing light and warmth into a space. And when entertaining outdoors, a fireplace or fire pit is quite literally a beacon, inviting children and adults alike to gather together and to linger. The added bonus? A fireplace or fire pit allows you to enjoy your alfresco entertaining area right throughout the year. Whether you have acres of garden to play with, a roomy deck or a stamp-sized courtyard, there are fireplace options aplenty to suit your home and lifestyle. Read on for Home Beautiful’s top tips for planning a cosy makeover of your outdoor entertaining area.
How to choose your outdoor fireplace design
The size and type of outdoor fireplace that’s right for you will primarily be led by your area’s dimensions and local fire codes and building regulations. “Size matters,” says landscape designer and horticulturalist Elizabeth Weyer of Elizabeth Weyer Outdoor Design. “A fireplace needs to be in scale with the surroundings: too small and it will lose impact; too large and it may overwhelm the space and potentially restrict movement around it and also around the garden.”
Next, consider the aesthetics, including views from the house, explains landscape designer Anthony Wyer, principal of Sydney firm Wyer & Co. “A built-in fireplace makes a great focal point that you can design an entertaining area around,” adds Kathleen Murphy, landscape designer and co-owner of Kathleen Murphy Landscape Design, who recommends factoring in flexibility. “Including a pizza oven, removable grill plate [for a fire pit] and side benches maximises the possibilities for entertaining.”
The best outdoor fireplace materials
Brick, stacked stone, concrete, terracotta, galvanised or Corten steel and cast iron are all excellent options for outdoor fireplaces. “My preference is for natural, organic forms and handcrafted materials wherever possible,” says Anthony. Kathleen concurs: “Rustic materials age well and create a relaxed feel,” she says. “They also tend to be more forgiving with the elements! My go-tos are Corten steel and recycled brick, with recycled timber for seating.”
“For us, the outdoor fireplace is often included as part of a holistic approach to landscape design.”
– Anthony Wyer, Wyer & Co
How to choose the right fuel
Wood: For ambience and long-lasting, consistent heat, a real wood fire is hard to beat. But the smoke produced by a wood-burning fire can be overwhelming in small spaces and annoying to neighbours. To reduce smoke-related health hazards, always use wood fuel that is well-seasoned and avoid burning stained, treated or painted timber, especially with open fire pits. A built-in fireplace should include a chimney to help draw the smoke away; have it swept annually to keep it working efficiently.
Gas: Clean-burning and quick to get going to start heating your space, gas is a great choice for outdoor fireplaces, especially on decks, and also for portable heating options. Built-in models must be installed by a professional.
Biofuel: Like gas, biofuel (also known as ethanol or bioethanol) is a clean-burning fuel, and no smoke means no associated health hazards or environmental pollutants to worry about. Unlike gas, however, bioethanol is a renewable resource, making it a more eco-friendly option. They don’t require electrical connections or gas lines, and a vent or chimney is similarly not needed.
Consider new outdoor fireplace designs
The latest construction and fuel technologies have enabled a raft of interesting outdoor fireplace designs. “I love the Escea Outdoor Wood Fire Table,” says Elizabeth. “It’s ideal for decks and courtyards thanks to the smoke-free flame. You can cook over it, and I like that the fire is up off the ground, which makes it safer for young kids.” Other options include the portable Milkcan ‘Tucson’ fire pit, which includes a coffee table attachment, and the Buschbeck ‘Rondo’, which is an enclosed fireplace, barbecue and pizza oven in one. If you’re keen on a bioethanol model, check out the range at EcoSmart Fire.
The regulations governing outdoor fires – including barbecues, chimineas, fire pits and fireplaces – vary from state to state and from council to council, so it’s important you’re across the ones relevant to your area before you even pick up a brick. Keep the following tips in mind:
Fireplace planning and safety
- Never leave a lit fire unattended, or leave children unattended near a fire.
- Choose the appropriate fuel type, fireplace style and size for the area it will be used in.
- Keep all combustible materials (including grass, leaves, fuel and furniture) at least three metres away from the fireplace.
- Ensure the fireplace or fire pit is on a level, non-combustible surface such as gravel, pavers or concrete.
- Keep a metal lid, bucket of sand, hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
- Good lighting is essential around a fire area, both to ensure safety while the evening is in full swing and to guide revellers home once the fun is done. A standard outdoor spotlight will do the job, but for something more stylish, try an outdoor floor lamp, string lights or light-up seating.
Best outdoor fireplaces to shop in Australia
01
Woodend Chimenea
$699, Early Settler
Best for: Compact outdoor areas
As a wood-burning fireplace, this chimenea has all the ambience and charm you could possibly hope for in your outdoor entertaining area. The contemporary and sleek design makes it perfect for modern homes while the matte black colour is versatile enough to complement most spaces. As a chimenea, this product is perfectly suited to outdoor areas that are more compact than grand. There’s no need to carve out space for a large chimney or wall to install your fireplace within. No matter the size of your outdoor space, the chimenea will likely fit right in. Another benefit is the matching wood storage rack, also in the Woodend range, which allows you to store the wood you’ll need to keep the fire burning in a complementary accessory.
Sizes: 120 x 56 x 56 cm.
Colours: Matte Black.
Materials: Cold rolled steel and metal heat resistant paint.
Key features:
- Free-staqnding
- Compact
- Contemporary
02
XL900 Ethanol Burner
$3495, EcoSmart Fire
Best for: Design versatility
This outdoor burner makes use of the renewable resource, bioethanol, for fuel, meaning it’s an eco-friendly option that doesn’t produce pollutants. You get all the beauty and hypnosis of those glowing orange flames without the smoke, soot or clean up. What makes this product so wonderful is the versatility of the design. You can place this burner within bespoke settings, from specially-made cabinetry to media units, walls, and even stone benches. Whatever your outdoor area looks like, this burner can fit seamlessly in with your interior and exterior style. The long, rectangular shape means you can gather your loved ones around and all benefit from the warmth this burner will provide. Available in Stainless Steel and Black, with the top tray included.
Sizes: 96.1 x 24.8 x 12.4 cm
Colours: Stainless Steel, Black.
Material: Stainless steel.
Key features:
- Eco-friendly
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Standalone or built-in installation
03
Outdoor universal fireplace insert
POA , Jetmaster
Best for: A classic fireplace look
If a classic fireplace look is what you’re after then you can’t beat the Outdoor Universal Fireplace Insert from Jetmaster. Think grand chimneys and large stone-clad centrepieces that you and your loved ones can gather around. This insert can be built into any outdoor living space meaning that whatever material you are creating your fireplace with, this will work within it. Not only is it versatile in design, style and aesthetic, but this product is also available in two fuel options: wood or gas. It’s also safe for use indoors and outdoors, with 13 sizes available.
Sizes: 13 sizes available.
Colours: Black and Stainless Steel.
Material: Stainless steel.
Key features:
- Available in wood or gas
- Versatile design
- Indoor and outdoor use
04
Flex Furniture Rustic Tardis Round Chimenea
$199 , Temple and Webster
Best for: A rustic look
This wood-burning chimenea has a lovely rustic appeal, perfect for outdoor areas with a focus on earthy tones and unpolished style. The heat-resistant steel is hardy and durable but also easy to maintain – simply wipe clean with a dry cloth. Weighing just 6kg, it is very easy to transport if you change your mind about placement within your outdoor area (time for some seasonal redecorating, anyone?). The tall and slender shape means this wood burner can fit into most outdoor spaces, no matter how compact.
Sizes: 100 x 38 x 38 cm.
Colours: Brown.
Material: Heat-resistant steel.
Key features:
- Rust-resistant
- Made in Australia
- Rustic
05
Planika Jar Bioethanol Outdoor Fireplace
$3685, Appliances Online
Best for: Small spaces
For more humble outdoor spaces, this freestanding fireplace is a seriously suitable option. Not only is it compact and portable, but it also runs on bioethanol, meaning there is no smoke or soot emitted. That’s great news for the planet, your neighbours (if they’re close enough to be impacted by the smoke) and yourself. This fireplace is set on a concrete base, with a ceramic cylinder on top to protect the flame. This simple and sleek design can be at home in most outdoor areas, from the more contemporary to traditional. If you have a larger outdoor area, and like to entertain lots of people, then you could always purchase a few of these fireplaces and dot them around the entertaining zone.
Sizes: 77.2 x 41 x 41 cm.
Colours: Grey.
Materials: Concrete.
Key features:
- Eco-friendly
- Compact
- Portable
06
Patio Horizon Panoramic Gas Fireplace
POA, Jetmaster
Best for: Large, contemporary space
This gas fireplace is perfect for gathering around in large groups. It uses natural and LPG gas and can be built into any fireplace, offering diversity in style and aesthetics. Since it runs on gas, it can be turned on with a simple flick of a switch or remote and no flue is needed. It is comprised of glass fenders, a porcelain liner and a stainless seamless welded burner. For more contemporary styles, consider placing within a rendered wall or fireplace for a sleek appeal. For more traditional aesthetics, a fireplace clad in natural stone or rustic brick would look stunning.
Colours: Black.
Materials: Stainless steel, porcelain, glass.
Key features:
- No flue required
- Gas fuel
- Built in
