Specialty Service

Outdoor Fireplaces

Make a bold architectural statement with a custom outdoor fireplace — the dramatic centerpiece that transforms a patio into a true outdoor living room.

Starting at $5,000 • Custom masonry to $30,000+
About This Service

The Grandest Fire Feature You Can Build

An outdoor fireplace isn't just a fire feature — it's architecture. It's the kind of element that defines an entire outdoor space, creating a vertical focal point that draws the eye, anchors the seating layout, and makes your patio feel like an extension of your home rather than an afterthought. Where fire pits invite you to look down and gather around, an outdoor fireplace invites you to look up and settle in.

At LiveFirePros, we've been designing and building outdoor fireplaces across Southern California for years. We understand how to scale these structures to your patio — a fireplace that's too small looks insignificant, while one that's too large overwhelms the space. Getting the proportions right is everything, and it's where our experience shows.

We build two main categories of outdoor fireplaces. Custom masonry fireplaces are built from scratch using real brick, natural stone, or manufactured stone veneer over a concrete block core. These are substantial, permanent structures with full chimneys — the kind that become the defining feature of a property. They can be finished in stacked ledgestone for a rustic mountain feel, smooth plaster for a Mediterranean look, or natural flagstone for something uniquely organic.

Prefabricated outdoor fireplaces use a factory-built firebox and chimney system that we enclose in a custom-built surround. This approach costs less than full masonry and installs faster, but the finished result looks just as impressive. The surround can be faced in the same natural stone, brick, or stucco as a masonry build — most guests won't know the difference.

Fuel choice matters outdoors. Gas outdoor fireplaces offer instant ignition, no smoke to annoy neighbors, and a clean flame that's consistent in any wind. They're ideal for covered patios where smoke would be a problem and for homeowners who want the ambiance without the tending. Wood-burning outdoor fireplaces deliver the full sensory experience — crackling logs, shifting embers, and the smoky aroma that makes outdoor evenings feel like a mountain retreat.

Every outdoor fireplace we build includes proper foundation work, chimney construction or installation, spark arrestors, and compliance with local setback and clearance codes. We coordinate with your HOA if required, pull all necessary permits, and manage inspections from start to sign-off.

Custom outdoor stone fireplace at sunset
What We Offer

Outdoor Fireplace Options

🧱 Custom Masonry

Full brick-and-mortar or stone construction with a concrete block core and real chimney. The most impressive and permanent outdoor fireplace you can build — a true architectural element.

🏗️ Prefab with Custom Finish

A factory-built firebox and flue system wrapped in a custom stone, stucco, or brick surround. Faster to install, lower cost, and visually indistinguishable from full masonry when finished.

🔥 Gas Outdoor Fireplaces

Smokeless, instant-on convenience with realistic log sets and adjustable flame. Perfect for covered patios, close-neighbor situations, and homeowners who want zero-maintenance fire.

🪵 Wood-Burning Outdoor

The real thing — a full wood-burning fireplace with proper chimney, spark arrestor, and ash management. For those who believe there's no substitute for the crackle and glow of real wood.

📐 See-Through & Two-Sided

Double-sided outdoor fireplaces that serve two seating areas — one facing each direction. An elegant way to divide and define separate zones on a large patio.

🛋️ Integrated Seating Walls

Matching stone or stucco seating walls that wrap around the fireplace, creating a built-in lounge zone. Add cushions and throws and you've got the coziest spot in the house — outside.

How It Works

Our Process

01

Consultation

We visit your patio, evaluate the space, discuss your vision, and assess structural and code requirements. We'll recommend the right size, style, and fuel type based on your specific situation.

02

Design

We present a design with material selections, proportional drawings, and a complete cost proposal. You'll see exactly how your outdoor fireplace will look and how it integrates with your existing patio.

03

Build

Our masons pour the foundation, build the structure, install the firebox and chimney, and apply the stone, brick, or stucco finish. Depending on the scope, builds run 2–5 weeks.

04

Walkthrough

We light the first fire with you, review safe operation, discuss seasonal care, and confirm every stone, every joint, and every detail meets your expectations.

The LiveFirePros Difference

Why Choose Us

🔥

Fireplace Specialists

We've built our business around fire. Outdoor fireplaces are one of our core services — not an occasional side project. That means better design instincts, stronger material knowledge, and higher craft standards.

📐

Proportion & Scale

An outdoor fireplace needs to command the space without overwhelming it. We've built enough of them to understand scale instinctively — and to get the chimney height, firebox opening, and hearth depth exactly right.

📋

Code & HOA Compliance

Outdoor fireplaces have specific setback, chimney height, and spark arrestor requirements. We know the codes in every jurisdiction we serve and handle all permits, HOA approvals, and inspections for you.

🏡

Adds Real Value

A well-built outdoor fireplace is one of the highest-ROI upgrades for a Southern California home. It extends your living space, increases usable square footage, and creates a feature buyers remember.

Recent Projects

Outdoor Fireplace Builds

Custom stone outdoor fireplace Outdoor fireplace with adjacent BBQ area Warm fire burning in outdoor fireplace
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Gas is the better choice if your outdoor fireplace is under a covered patio, close to neighbors, or if you want instant fire without prep or cleanup. Wood-burning is the way to go if you love the full campfire experience and your fireplace is in an open area with good clearance. Many homeowners in San Diego choose gas for convenience and to avoid smoke complaints. We'll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your specific patio setup and local regulations.

Outdoor fireplace chimneys must typically extend a minimum of 2 feet above any structure within 10 feet, and the overall chimney height must be sufficient for proper draft. Wood-burning units require a spark arrestor at the top. Clearance from combustible materials — overhanging roofs, pergola beams, fences — varies by jurisdiction but generally requires a minimum of 3–5 feet. We design every outdoor fireplace to meet or exceed these requirements and handle all inspections.

Yes, with the right design. Gas outdoor fireplaces work well under covered patios because they produce minimal smoke and have controlled exhaust that routes through the chimney. The chimney must extend above the patio roof with proper clearances. Wood-burning fireplaces under covered patios are more complex — they require larger chimneys with greater clearance from the roof structure. During our consultation, we'll evaluate your patio cover and recommend the safest, most practical approach.

Virtually anything. We build outdoor fireplaces in traditional stacked stone for a rustic mountain lodge feel, smooth stucco with clean lines for modern and Mediterranean styles, reclaimed brick for a classic East Coast look, and natural flagstone for an organic, earthy aesthetic. We can also incorporate mantels, hearth extensions, built-in wood storage, and integrated TV mounts. The fireplace is designed to match your home's architecture and your personal taste.

Outdoor fireplaces are heavy structures that require a proper concrete footing — typically 12–18 inches deep and reinforced with rebar. If you have an existing concrete patio, we'll assess whether it can support the load or if we need to pour a new footing adjacent to it. If you're building on soil, we excavate, compact, and pour a new foundation. The footing work usually takes one day and needs to cure before we begin the structure above.

Explore More

Related Services

Fire Pits & Fire Tables

A more casual alternative — perfect for open seating areas and intimate gatherings.

Outdoor Kitchens

Pair your fireplace with a built-in grill and kitchen for complete outdoor entertaining.

Fireplace Remodels

Already have an indoor fireplace that needs updating? We handle those too.

Get Started

Start Your Project

Describe your outdoor space and we'll reach out to schedule your in-person consultation.

Ready for the Ultimate Outdoor Fireplace?

From the first sketch to the first fire — we'll design and build an outdoor fireplace that transforms your patio into your favorite room.

📞 Call or Text Now — (858) 522-0035