Outdoor fireplace ideas and inspiration

Fires have been at the heart of social gatherings for centuries, creating a focal point and captivating ambience that people love. Fortunately, there’s a vast range of outdoor fireplaces to bring this concept into your own backyard for cosy gatherings, elevated hosting, and memorable evenings. 

In this article, we've curated our top design tips and inspiration for your backyard fireplace, whether you're dreaming of a luxurious outdoor room or a cosy and intimate space for family and friends. Grab your marshmallows and your drink of choice – let’s talk about these fiery design trends!

6 outdoor fireplace ideas

An outdoor fireplace is a proven way to add value to your property. Below, we’ve shared some of our top tips for incorporating an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to help you elevate your outdoor space.

1. Play around with fireplace cladding

With such an array of options, it’s easy to choose a fireplace finish that complements your personal style and landscape design. For a sleek and contemporary look, we’d recommend plastering and painting the fireplace. For a more traditional style, you can’t go wrong with a character-filled stone fireplace. 

At Trendz, we have a range of precast designs and cladding ideas to choose from. After the concrete shell is filled with concrete, the chimney and firebox are installed, and your chosen cladding can be added. Cladding ideas include plaster and paint, schist, brick, river stone, and mixed materials. 

For inspiration from our previous customers, see our gallery or check out our article about customising your fireplace design.

2. Create a sheltered sanctuary

A pergola or outdoor room adds both functionality and charm to your outdoor space. It provides shelter from the elements while creating a cosy atmosphere around the fireplace. 
A pergola or similar structure defines your outdoor living area and enhances the overall aesthetics of your backyard retreat.

If you like, you can take it a step further and incorporate an outdoor bar or cocktail corner near your fireplace. This not only offers convenience but also encourages socialising and relaxation.

3. Cosy up your courtyard

A fireplace is a great centrepiece for a courtyard, transforming it into a comfortable, inviting space. By surrounding the fireplace with comfortable seating, lush greenery, and decorative accents, you can create a welcoming retreat to unwind and enjoy the serenity of your private outdoor sanctuary.

For an extra layer of luxury, a feature wall showcases your fireplace as a striking point of interest. The wall adds visual interest and depth to your fireplace design, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your outdoor area and drawing everyone’s eye. 

4. Anyone for alfresco dining?

Enhance your outdoor dining experience with a fireplace that adds ambience to your alfresco meals. A crackling fire elevates the atmosphere of your dining area, making every meal a special occasion. Pair it with a dining table and comfortable seating and you’ve got the ideal gathering spot for family and friends. 

If you want to take it further, consider opting for a fireplace with built-in cooking features, like the swinging grill. This way, you can prepare and cook your meals without having to leave the party. 

5. Gather around the fire pit

For a versatile and theatrical option, a fire pit provides a natural and inviting space for friends and family to gather. Whether used for roasting marshmallows or hosting friends, a fire pit adds warmth and charm to any outdoor setting. 

At Trendz, our fire pit can be used to keep your guests warm but you also have the option to use the 360º cooking plate for an exciting culinary experience. For a social centrepiece like no other, this one is hard to beat. 

6. Take a seat

To maximise seating and storage space, built-in benches are a great option. When designing your seating, remember to add storage for firewood, cushions, and other outdoor essentials. 

Built-in seating also blends seamlessly into your outdoor design, making the entire space feel more intentional, comfortable, and cohesive. 

Outdoor fireplace NZ

At Trendz, our outdoor fireplaces are made with a black steel firebox and a prefabricated surround. We also offer a range of accessories, including: 

• Swinging cooking grill
• Polished concrete hearth
• GRC hearth
• Corten steel wood boxes
• GRC wood boxes
• Front door covers
  

If you're looking for an outdoor fireplace, contact us for advice or browse our collection. We’d love to answer any questions you may have about fireplace costs, consents, and more.  

Download our inspiration guides today to spark your imagination.