At Archadeck of Kansas City, we love building outdoor fireplaces. We’ve been building outdoor fireplaces as part of new screened porches and open porches for quite some time. As we talk to local homeowners who are considering adding an outdoor fireplace, here are the top questions we hear.
Lee’s Summit deck with outdoor fireplace
The cost of Kansas City outdoor fireplaces vary considerably depending on design and amenities. There are a couple key decisions you will make that will influence the cost. You will need to choose whether you want a wood-burning fireplace, a gas insert fireplace or an electric insert. Of these options, gas-insert is most often what our customers choose. A gas ventless fireplace insert has the appearance of a wood burning fire but does not have the smoke, ash, soot and other byproducts of burning natural wood. Choosing a gas firebox will eliminate the need for a functioning chimney which significantly reduces the cost.
If you are considering adding an outdoor fireplace to your home, you are probably looking at $5,000 – $10,000 or higher in addition to the deck/porch/patio cost. Some other options that will determine your cost include the facade you choose. Stone is one of the most popular options currently for a fireplace facade. Additional options that will influence the cost of your fireplace option are amenities including whether you want a mounted TV, cabinetry, a hearth, a mantle and which materials you choose for those.
2. Will my outdoor fireplace heat up my porch or area?
It certainly will, especially if it’s gas or wood. It won’t heat an entire screened porch especially if it’s large. But your outdoor fireplace absolutely will put out heat.
3. What regulations or codes apply to my outdoor fireplace?
There are quite a few regulations to be followed when building a new outdoor fireplace including a number of inspections. Wood burning fireplaces have extensive building code chimney regulations. They are regulated for safety and to make sure they have the right drafting. Gas fireplaces bypass those recommendations but there are other regulations for gas line safety. That’s why it’s important to work with a builder that has worked with local code and a builder that will do all of the required inspections.
4. Is my outdoor fireplace different than an indoor fireplace?
Yes, an outdoor fireplace is very different than an indoor fireplace. The fire box is designed to be used outdoors and is designed to be exposed to moisture. Most outdoor fire boxes are stainless steel to be moisture resistant.
5. What is the most popular type of outdoor fireplace?
The most popular type of outdoor fireplace is natural gas, instant-on, This type of fireplace is cleaner and in some cases even puts out more 
heat than wood. An instant-on fireplace has more convenience with a switch and it pollutes less than wood-burning. A gas fireplace is very clean burning and environmentally friendly. There is no soot, no smoke, and no air pollution.
If you’re considering building a new porch with outdoor fireplace for your Kansas City area home, get in touch with our award-winning designers for a free consultation at (913) 704-6240.
