Outdoor Fireplaces for Your New Screen Porch, Deck, or Covered Deck

Many of our clients choose to add an outdoor fireplace to their Archadeck screened porch or deck project. You can too!

Outdoor fireplaces are tremendously popular here in the Kansas City area and for good reason. Adding a new deck or porch with an outdoor fireplace not only offers ambiance but it also ensures you can use your outdoor living space for more months throughout the year. An outdoor fireplace will be the focal element of your space and will add living opportunities. It invites conversation and creates a mood like no other amenity can.

Outdoor fireplace on covered deck in Leawood KS

Frequently asked questions about outdoor fireplaces

• What are the pros and cons of outdoor fireplaces?
• Should you have wood burning or a gas-powered outdoor fireplace?
• Can you have a fireplace on your deck?
• Can you mount an outdoor television above your outdoor fireplace?
• Is an outdoor fireplace worth the investment?
• Can an outdoor fireplace be added to a space that is already built?

Lenexa KS outdoor fireplace on screen porch

Should you have wood burning or a gas-powered outdoor fireplace?

This is a very popular question. It’s not easy picking whether you should have wood-burning or a gas-burning outdoor fireplace. They both have tremendous benefits. There’s nothing like a wood burning fire – the crackle, the smell, the magic. But it’s also messy. When it comes to aesthetics, a gas burning fireplace can give you the same rustic façade as a wood-burning version. Even though wood burning outdoor fireplaces require a chimney, they are generally less expensive than gas fireplaces. Gas hook-up can be a costly investment in your outdoor living space, but it can offer many cozy returns!

Both wood-burning and gas outdoor fireplaces can be rustic and beautiful.

Can you mount an outdoor television above your outdoor fireplace?

You’ll spend a lot of time admiring the view of your outdoor fireplace and your furniture will be situated around it. Many customers have us “mount a TV” atop their outdoor fireplace.

Can an outdoor fireplace be added to a space that is already built?

While it might be possible, it’s not recommended. An outdoor fireplace is very heavy and requires a different and much more substantial substructure to support it, as well as a roof or some type of cover above the fireplace. If you already have an outdoor room and you’d like to add a fireplace, the cost would be quite prohibitive. It’s better to add an outdoor fireplace at the same time you build your outdoor living space.

The Lee's Summit MO porch design below features a beautiful stone fireplace, open gable roof, tongue and groove ceiling with full electrical, and radiant heaters, which will greatly augment any heat produced by the fireplace alone.

Outdoor fireplace plus radiant heat on Lee's Summit screened porch

Gas, wood burning, or electric fireplace?

Gas is one of the most popular options for outdoor fireplaces. It has some practical advantages over wood burning. You won’t have any ash or sparks. You don’t have to collect wood and you don’t need to wait for the fire to go out at night. A gas fire throws heat and is enjoyable to watch. For this type of fireplace, we integrate a gas ventless firebox into your fireplace structure. Wood fireplaces are more traditional, but they require a working chimney, wood storage, cleaning, and other challenges that you don’t have with a gas fireplace. One final option is an electric firebox. This will provide a semblance of the look. It is simpler and less expensive but doesn’t give the full ambiance and also will produce very little heat.

Outdoor fireplace on screen porch by Archadeck of Kansas City

An outdoor fireplace can add privacy to your porch.

It might not be apparent in the photo above, but this outdoor fireplace is strategically placed to provide privacy in just the right spot. Perhaps there is a particular view that would best be covered for privacy. That might be the ideal spot for your outdoor fireplace. Notice the creative half knee wall and half railing wall. This ensures all local building codes are met while still utilizing the half railing wall for more open space.

We can’t wait to show you what we can do. Give us a call today at (913) 704-6240 to schedule a complimentary design consultation.

Outdoor Porch Fireplace Façade Options

Take a look through any magazine and you’ll see many beautiful images of fireplaces with stone facades. Stone is one of the most requested outdoor fireplace facade finishes. There are many stone options available. Cultured stacked stone is quite popular but you can also utilize natural stone and vary the aesthetic with different stone patterns. Below, you will see the difference in stone and a custom Ipe wood fireplace facade. In both scenarios, the façade sets the tone for the overall aesthetic.

Outdoor fireplaces on two different Archadeck of Kansas City porches

Outdoor Stone Fireplace Designs

There are many design options for outdoor fireplace facades when it comes to stone. Designs can be rustic inspired, traditional, or even minimalist inspired. What’s your ideal stone fireplace design? The beauty of having an outdoor fireplace is in the beauty they provide, alongside the function of allowing you additional hours in cool weather in your favorite outdoor living area.

Outdoor stone fireplace in Parkville MO