FAQs
Have a burning question about one of the fireplaces? Need to know how you can get one into your backyard? You've come to the right place. In this section, we've compiled some of our most commonly asked questions so you can find the answers quickly and easily. If you don't see the answer to your question here then jump on our website chat or contact us.
How much do the fireplaces weigh?
The core weight of our outdoor fireplace is broken down into two parts, the shell, and the firebox. The Douglas has a 1300kg concrete shell and the Hudson's is 2000kg. The Mini Burton has a 900kg shell and the Burton shell weighs 1300kg. The steel firebox, which goes in each outdoor fireplace, is 120kg. This does not include accessories such as the wood boxes or chimney extensions.
Will the fireplaces smoke out the front?
A lot of time and effort has been put into the design of our outdoor fireplaces to ensure that they draw well and put out a lot of heat. You may get smoke out the front if you use wet wood, or if the wind is blowing along the front of the fireplace. Otherwise, we are confident you will not have a problem with smoke.
Will my outdoor fireplace need a permit?
In most cases, a permit is not needed but local Councils often have different rules and requirements, which are liable to change at a national level. Contact Trendz to find out the exact rules for your region.
You can also read more about current consents for outdoor fireplaces in our blog.
Does the fireplace come with a warranty?
Yes, a 2-year warranty is included with every fireplace we sell. This covers structural cracking. It is typical for hairline cracks to appear on your fireplace however these are expected and are not covered by the warranty.
What is the surface of the fireplace?
Our outdoor fireplace, comes as standard, as a bare concrete shell. However, we highly recommend that the outside of the fireplace is finished in some way as there can be imperfections in the concrete. The fireplace concrete shell can be finished with plaster, stone, schist, steel, brick, etc.
The Burton and Mini Burton fireplaces are able to be pre-plastered and painted in our factory before delivery so they arrive in a close to ready fashion.
What are the fireplaces made of?
The fireplaces are precast with a special brew of concrete including fibres to ensure the fireplace will handle the heat. There's also a steel firebox to contain the heat and direct it out to those enjoying the fireplace's warmth. The Burton and Mini Burton have a steel chimney while the Douglas and Hudson use concrete chimneys.
Will the fireplace crack?
It is expected with anything concrete that you may see small hairline cracks and the same can be expected with a Trendz outdoor fireplace. Due to the concrete mix design, there will be no structural cracking. The warranty covers this. If there is more cracking than expected this may be due to subsidence in the concrete pad or even seismic activity.
Can I cook on the fireplaces?
Definitely. Every Trendz wood-burning fireplace can be transformed into an outdoor kitchen with our range of cooking accessories. From our swinging cooking grill (standard on the Single Peak and Twin Peak) to pizza hoods, rotisseries, cooking frames, and hot plates — you can create anything from wood-fired pizza to slow-roasted meats, all over an open flame.
Can I have a gas fireplace?
Yes Trendz have the option to add a gas firebox to any of our fireplace models. Do note, gas is more for looks and can't be relied on to provide warmth for an outdoor area.
Can I extend the chimney?
Yes, there are 400mm extension blocks for the Douglas and Hudson and 600mm and 1200mm flue extensions for the Burton and Mini Burton. Check these out on each of the product pages. The only considerations as to the height you can go with these extensions is dependant on whether there will be support or not for the chimney at these extended heights.
What if I want to put a fireplace in an outdoor room?
No problems, we have engineer’s drawings available for this. Contact Trendz for more information.
Can I put a fireplace on a wooden deck?
Sure! However, we recommend a concrete footing is created to the height of the deck to support the weight of the fireplace while offering the look of being on the decked area. Contact Trendz for more information.
What about council regulations?
Councils often have different rules and requirements are liable to change at a national level too. Contact Trendz to find out the exact rules for your region.
What do I get with a standard fireplace?
The standard fireplace includes the concrete structure (shell), and steel firebox. With the Burton and Mini Burton we can also include plastering and painting if you need.
Other accessories are available including wood boxes, concrete hearths, chimney extensions and our swinging cooking grill. Check out each of our outdoor fireplaces to see more accessories.
When should I upgrade to a stainless steel firebox?
Upgrade to a stainless steel firebox if:
- You are within 500m of exposed surf
- You can smell salt in the air regularly
- You notice rapid rusting on other outdoor metal fixtures
- You want lower long-term maintenance
- Your installation is in a high-end coastal build where longevity is critical
Stainless steel offers:
- Superior corrosion resistance
- Greater durability in salt-laden air
- Longer service life in coastal zones
Do you deliver?
Yes, we deliver our outdoor fireplaces and fire pits all across New Zealand. We even deliver to Tasmania and mainland Australia too!
Is delivery free?
We offer free freight to your nearest depot. We can then recommend a transport company that will get the fireplace from the depot to you using a hiab truck.
Accessories purchased alongside an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit will be included in the free freight to your local depot. Any accessories ordered separately to retrofit a Trendz fire will incur a freight fee.
If you're in Australia, contact us to get a freight price.
How do you get my outdoor fireplace or fire pit into my backyard?
The hiab will have a crane attached which will be able to lift the fireplace over a fence and into position. In some circumstances, a larger crane may be required to lift the fireplace over your house! But don't worry, it's perfectly safe.
The Fire Pit is light enough for two people to move under most circumstances but care is always recommended when lifting any of our products.
Can I purchase accessories separately?
Yes, you can purchase accessories at any time and these can be retrofit to fit your existing fireplace. Please note though, any accessories purchased separately from your initial fireplace or fire pit order, will incur a delivery fee.
Are your products made in NZ?
Trendz outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are designed by Trendz and proudly manufactured right here in NZ.
Does Trendz exhibit at home shows?
Yes we do! Typically we'll exhibit at Mystery Creek Fieldays, Wanaka A&P Show, Canterbury Ag Show and the Auckland Home Show and will often have a selection of outdoor fires to present.
To stay up to date with where we're exhibiting and our stand number subscribe to our newsletter by using the form found at the bottom of this page.
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Sorry that we don't have the answer you're looking for here. Please feel free to contact us directly and one of our specialists will surely be able to help. You never know, your question might make it here to help others in the future!
Contact Us