Installing an outdoor fireplace is a rewarding upgrade, and a little planning goes a long way. Understanding the practical considerations early helps everything come together smoothly. Here’s what to know before you get started.
Compliance & Regulations
Check compliance requirements first
At a high level, compliance is about making sure your fireplace is safe, legal, and suitable for your site. In New Zealand, most permanent outdoor fireplaces will trigger building consent if they're fixed, plumbed to gas, or structurally significant. Councils care about clearances from boundaries, buildings, and combustible materials, and some areas have stricter rules around smoke and emissions. Understanding your local regulations will save you from expensive surprises down the track.
Worth noting: all Trendz outdoor fireplaces start from 2.6 metres high, meaning building consent is typically required. Always confirm with your local council before proceeding.
Clean air zones
Rules vary significantly by region. Canterbury has seasonal restrictions, Auckland prohibits open outdoor fires in urban areas (though permanent fireplaces used for cooking are exempt), and Otago requires 50-metre setbacks in designated air zones. A quick conversation with your local council is usually enough to clarify what applies to your property.
The key takeaway here: regulations differ by location, so it’s worth checking before you lock in a design.
Fuel & Performance
Choose your fuel type
Your fuel choice sets the tone for how your outdoor fireplace will look, feel, and perform. Wood and gas differ in several ways. Wood fires deliver serious heat and atmosphere but require proper flues, clearances, and ongoing maintenance. Gas is cleaner and easier to control, but produces convective heat rather than radiant, so it won't warm your guests the same way on a cold night. There’s no right or wrong option; it comes down to how you plan to use the space.
Steel firebox or firebricks?
This choice affects both performance and long-term maintenance. Firebricks retain heat and radiate it slowly after the fire dies down. A steel firebox pushes heat directly out toward seated guests.
All Trendz outdoor fires are built with engineered steel fireboxes, designed for maximum heat output and durability. This design helps direct warmth where people actually sit, rather than letting it disappear up the flue. You can see how this works in our firebox design video.
Installation & Costs
Understand the real cost
While most people love the Twin Peak, our most popular outdoor fireplace is actually the Mini Burton. The price includes delivery to your local depot, but transport from the depot to your slab will be extra. Factor in your chosen finish too, unless you're going with a pre-plaster and paint option. Planning for these costs upfront makes budgeting far more predictable.
Foundations, access, and who does the work
Outdoor fireplaces are heavy and exposed year-round to rain, salt air, UV, and temperature changes, so proper footings and drainage aren't optional. You'll also need a hiab crane to lift the fireplace into position, and the size required depends on your site access. Who handles the overall installation depends on your project scope: builders manage structural and consent work, landscapers handle site prep and placement, and gas models require a certified gasfitter.
If you're planning your outdoor space and want to see the full range of options available, we've put together a detailed brochure covering all our models and specifications. Download our outdoor fireplace brochure.
Design & Usability
Get your location right
A well-placed fireplace gets used far more often. Wind steals heat and blows smoke, so think about prevailing wind patterns, shelter, and how the outdoor fire sits in relation to seating. North-facing spots capture winter sun and extend usability. Protected corners near the house often work well, but make sure you're far enough from windows and outdoor living areas where smoke may become a problem.
Design the whole space, not just the fire
Planning the complete outdoor area determines whether your outdoor fireplace becomes a showpiece or somewhere you actually use. Think about seating zones, lighting, and storage for wood or gas bottles. When the fireplace is designed as part of the space, rather than added at the end, the entire area works better and feels more intentional.
Get Started
Installing an outdoor fire can completely change how you use your outdoor space, but only if you get the planning right. From compliance and fuel choice to foundations and full space design, each decision builds on the last.
Ready to find the perfect outdoor fireplace for your space? Whether you're after something compact like the Mini Burton or a statement piece like the Twin Peak, we've got options that'll work for your budget and backyard.
Have a question? Contact us