Everyone adores outdoor fireplaces. Fireplaces draw out of us warm feelings of comfort and romance, and they entrance us with their continuous glowing sparks and elicit stronger bonds with family and friends. Most of us are used to indoor fireplaces, but outdoor fireplaces are spreading rapidly in popularity. Outdoor fireplaces allow for increased enjoyment of year-round outdoor happiness and experiences. It is a delightful moment when you are roasting marshmallows or mountain pies over a flaming fire in a beautifully designed fireplace surrounded by friends or loved ones. The best moments in life come from the perfect combination of beauty, nature, food, and camaraderie. An outdoor pavilion with a fireplace exudes these very moments.
At Lancaster County Backyard, we believe there is no better match for an outdoor fireplace than an outdoor pavilion. They are a hand in glove combo, one perfectly accenting the other in irrepressible outdoor beauty.
How an Outdoor Fireplace and a Pavilion Work Together
Chimney and Fireplace Placement
An outdoor fireplace with a chimney can be incorporated with a pavilion by either installing it outside the beam, inside the beam, or, in special scenarios, in place of the beam (essentially meaning a portion of the beam is removed). Our most popular choice is the first scenario presented, with the chimney being built outside the beam. Because of its immense popularity, we will focus on elaborating primarily on this scenario only.
Pavilions with a Fireplace Gallery
Types of Outdoor Fireplaces Partnered with Our Pavilions
There are typically three types of fireplaces commonly built into our pavilions.
Ventless Gas or LP (also referred to as Vent Free or Unvented)
These fireplaces do not require a working chimney and the chimney does not need to break through the roof.
Vented Gas or LP
Vented Gas or LP fireplaces require a full chimney with roof breakthrough for optimal ventilation.
Wood Burning
This fireplace obviously requires a full chimney and roof breakthrough to channel the smoke and heat efficiently and provide proper ventilation.
Ideal Fireplace Dimensions
What are the fireplace dimensions we typically work with or prefer? Below is the list of dimensions commonly chosen by our previous customers.
- Width – typically 6’
- Depth – this varies based on the type of fireplace. For example, a wood burning fireplace typically has the greatest depth which is around 5’ including the hearth.
- Height –
- For the peak, A- frame, or Gable breakthrough, the top of the chimney must extend at least 3’ out of the roof.
- For the eave and hip roof breakthrough, the top of the chimney must be at least 2’ above anything within 10’ of the chimney.
Special Note: If you already have, or plan to install a wood burning fireplace just outside the pavilion, your fireplace must either be located more than 10’ from the outdoor pavilion, or you must use the following rule: the top of the chimney must be at least 2’ above anything within 10’ chimney.
Outdoor Fireplace Details
Details are as important to the scope of your outdoor fireplace project as the main construction items. One important detail to note is whether your fireplace will be constructed with thin stone veneer or full-dimension stone veneer.
- Thin Veneer – This option is 1-3” thick and includes any of the following: Manufactured Stone, Cultured Stone, Veneer Stone, or Natural Thin Stone Veneer.
- Full-dimension Stone Veneer – The full-dimension Stone Veneer comes 4-8” thick and is sometimes called Real Stone Veneer
Additional Fireplace Detail
A Wooden Mantel- A wooden mantel is a pretty accent atop your fireplace and Doug Fir is a popular choice, but there are more options available.
Most Frequently Asked Installation Question
Q. Does Lancaster County Backyard install fireplaces with their pavilions?
A. Typically no. We often work with landscapers, contractors, or homeowners who are installing a pavilion and incorporated fireplace as part of a larger backyard project. However, if your project is simpler, such as installing a pavilion and incorporated fireplace on an existing patio, and is within approximately 2 hours from our facility, we can hire a mason contractor to install the fireplace.
Revolutionize Your Outdoors in 3 Steps
1. Design
Use our online quote form, or give us a call to discuss your project. Once we confirm your design, we produce an estimate for your approval.
2. Order
Review and approve the estimate, and place your order with a down payment. You prepare your space as we prepare your structure.
3. Happiness
Once your structure is ready, it's delivered to your property, and/or constructed on-site. You enjoy outdoor happiness and hosting like never before!
If you want a custom design or need to satisfy local zoning and permitting requirements, our advanced process may be required. This is typically required on structures of 200 square feet and larger.