Builder vs Landscaper: Who Can Install Your Outdoor Fireplace?
Installing an outdoor fireplace doesn't need to be complicated. Most Trendz units are designed as standalone pieces that arrive ready to position, often delivered and placed with a hiab-mounted crane. That simplicity is part of the appeal, but people still wonder: who actually handles the installation?
The answer depends on your project scope and the type of outdoor fire you're installing. Standalone units, firebox inserts for existing structures, gas connections, site preparation, all these factors determine which trades get involved.
Here's what different professionals bring to your project.
When Builders Come Into Play
Builders handle structural and compliance work. If your outdoor fire needs a proper foundation, particularly on sloped ground or where retaining walls are required, that's builder territory. They'll ensure the base is stable, level, and won't shift over time.
Firebox inserts often require builder expertise, too. When you're retrofitting an existing outdoor structure or building a custom surround for an insert, builders handle the construction, anchoring, and integration with the existing space.
Attachment to your house, deck, or pergola also means involving a builder. Proper anchoring and weatherproofing matter when an outdoor fireplace connects to existing structures, and builders know how to tie everything together without creating problems down the line.
Building consent might be required depending on your project. Fireplaces attached to buildings or exceeding certain heights typically trigger consent requirements. Builders understand setback distances, load-bearing calculations, and the compliance paperwork that keeps your project legal.
Where Landscapers Fit In
Landscapers think about how your outdoor fire fits into the whole outdoor space. Sightlines, traffic flow, seating arrangements, and integration with garden features all fall under their expertise.
Site preparation often sits with landscapers. Excavation, drainage management, creating level installation areas, and connecting the fireplace zone to the surrounding paving or decking. For standalone Trendz units delivered by hiab, landscapers coordinate the placement and handle the finishing work that makes everything flow together.
They also manage the area around your outdoor fireplace after installation. Integrating it into paving patterns, planting schemes, and the broader outdoor living area. This work makes an installed fireplace look like it was always meant to be there.
Gas Models Need Specialist Input
Gas outdoor fires require a certified gasfitter. They'll run gas lines, make connections, test for leaks, and ensure everything meets current gas safety standards. This isn't optional, it's a legal requirement.
Depending on your setup, an electrician might also be needed for ignition systems or lighting features. These trades work alongside whoever's handling the physical installation.
Our brochure covers the full range of models and specifications for all our outdoor fireplaces. Download it here.
How Trendz Simplifies Installation
Trendz outdoor fireplaces are designed to make installation as straightforward as possible. Our standalone units arrive as complete pieces, not flat-pack projects that need assembly on site. Hiab delivery means the fireplace can be lifted directly into position, eliminating much of the heavy labour and complexity.
For firebox inserts, we provide clear documentation on dimensions, clearances, and installation requirements. This makes it easier for builders to plan the surroundings and ensures the installation goes smoothly.
We also offer guidance on what your specific project needs. Customers unsure about their situation can talk to us about site requirements, trade involvement, and the best approach for their setup. We can recommend experienced installers familiar with our products, taking the guesswork out of finding the right people.
Planning Your Project
Start by identifying what type of installation you're doing. A standalone unit on an existing patio? A hiab can place it, and you might only need a landscaper for finishing touches. A firebox insert in a new outdoor structure? Plan for builder involvement from the start. Gas connection? Add a gasfitter to the team.
Talk to Trendz early in your planning. We can outline what your specific model and site will require, helping you engage the right professionals from the beginning. Getting clarity at the start means your outdoor fire project runs smoothly from delivery to that first evening around the flames.
If you're looking for design ideas and inspiration for your outdoor space, we've put together a style guide with different approaches and configurations. Check it out here.




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