If you’re interested in elevating your property and enjoying more time outdoors, you’ve likely thought about buying an outdoor fireplace. While there are many benefits of an outdoor fireplace, a lot of people are put off by the initial purchase costs.
In this article, we outline the benefits of an outdoor fireplace and also discuss the most common reasons people hesitate to invest. We address these concerns and share advice on how to make sure your new outdoor fireplace is everything you want and more.
Benefits of outdoor fireplaces
An outdoor fireplace is a versatile investment for any backyard. The heat output is typically more powerful than other outdoor heaters and the crackling flames also create a captivating atmosphere. If you want to spend more time outdoors with the people you love, an outdoor fireplace makes it easy with the following benefits:
- Powerful heat output
- Cooking capabilities
- Expands your living space
- Attractive designs and cladding options
- Excellent return on investment and increases property value
- Encourages quality time with family and friends
- Low maintenance
If you choose a fireplace with a cooking grill, you can even impress your guests with flaming hot food. Outdoor fireplaces tend to be hugely popular in outdoor design because they provide a natural gathering point for entertaining and cooking.
Common concerns
In our years in the industry, we’ve heard all the reasons why people hesitate to buy an outdoor fireplace. Despite all the advantages they provide, many customers are worried about the upfront costs. In this section, we address these common concerns and also share our insights on how to resolve them.
- Will you need council consent?
- Will your fireplace produce too much smoke?
- What if you sell the property?
- How much space does an outdoor fireplace need?
- How much does an outdoor fireplace cost?
Will I need council consent?
Depending on your location and chosen fireplace, you may need to obtain council consent to install it. Any outdoor fireplace with the following characteristics or environmental features will require consent:
- An outdoor fireplace that will be attached to the existing dwelling or a shed.
- An outdoor fireplace where the surface fire or cooking area of the fireplace exceeds 1 square metre.
- An outdoor fireplace installed in a roofed space.
While obtaining consent can be daunting, our team is available to provide the correct documentation to assist you through this process using our industry contacts and experience with various council guidelines, we can help streamline consent and compliance to minimise delays.
Will it produce smoke?
All wood-burning outdoor fireplaces will produce smoke, which can be an issue in certain locations. For example, some densely populated urban areas have restrictions regarding smoke disposal. Here at Trendz, all of our fireplaces come with a vertical chimney to easily comply with any local council rules.
You can also reduce the amount of smoke produced by using drier wood that has been stacked effectively. Our built-in wood boxes make this easy, allowing airflow to circulate while it is being stored.
A Trendz Fireplace also comes with a solid steel firebox. This helps minimise smoke as once the firebox heats up, it will develop a hot ember base which in turn makes the fire burn a lot cleaner than a traditional fireplace.
What if we sell our house?
Some customers worry that an outdoor fireplace will stay at the property if they decide to move. However, if you decide to sell your property in a few years, your outdoor fireplace will increase its value. This way, you can attract more buyers and higher offers, making your investment worthwhile.
Will an outdoor fireplace fit on my property?
If you only have a small space available, you’d be surprised what we can achieve. For example, our Mini Burton offers the same sleek appearance as the Burton but on a smaller scale. The dimensions of the Mini Burton are 2600mm high, 1400mm wide, and 650mm deep.
Before buying a fireplace, make sure to talk to our experts and your council about boundary restrictions and fire permit requirements. We can guide you through this process and even design a custom fireplace to suit your site.
How much space do I need for an outdoor fireplace?
How much will an outdoor fireplace cost?
The cost of outdoor fireplaces varies because there are many factors to consider, including laying the foundation, purchasing the fireplace unit or firebox, delivery, and rendering or cladding. Depending on these factors, you can expect a fireplace to range anywhere from $7,000 to $50,000.
Whatever style you decide to invest in, the cosy quality time spent with friends and family is sure to pay off. Outdoor fireplaces are a long-term investment and can increase the value of our home significantly. However, if you don’t have the budget for it right now, we also have a finance option through Gilrose Finance.
Outdoor Fireplaces NZ
Our free outdoor fireplace brochure showcases our extensive range of premium fireplaces, including accessories, dimensions, and inspiration. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to ensure your new fireplace is worth every cent, including:
- Details on all our fireplace designs
- Cooking instructions
- Fireplace installation advice
- Inspiration from a few of our completed projects
To receive your copy, click the button below.
Have a question? Contact us