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A Custom Outdoor Fireplace Makes a Lasting Impression | Stratton Exteriors

There’s nothing better than sitting in front of a crackling fire on a brisk fall evening or cold winter day.

Actually, a roaring fire—especially one emanating from an outdoor fireplace—is a compelling attraction any time of year, providing warmth and a place for family and friends to gather and relax.

Few, if any, outdoor amenities are as welcoming and inviting as a beautiful fireplace. And even when there’s no fire burning, a custom outdoor fireplace positively transforms your patio and allows you to utilize your outdoor living space in new, exciting ways.

Better yet, it’s an affordable upgrade—an addition that will last for decades and require minimal maintenance, even as it provides years of enjoyment while adding to the value of your home.

This is certainly true in Nashville, where hardscaping—that is, using stone in lieu of other materials—has become an enduring trend, with stone being used for everything from walkways and driveways to patios and decks to outdoor fireplaces and fire pits.

Stratton Exteriors: Nashville’s Custom Outdoor Fireplace Specialists
At Stratton Exteriors, we have years of experience creating custom outdoor fireplaces, and we relish diving in to a fireplace build, which is often accompanied by new patio construction or other outdoor stonework project. We love every part of the process. We’ll work with you to design a fireplace that fits your lifestyle and complements your home, while imbuing each project with craftsmanship and style. 

Nashville Custom Outdoor Fireplace

Ready to explore a custom outdoor fireplace with Stratton Exteriors? Contact us today to schedule your estimate!

Or read on to learn more about custom outdoor fireplaces.

Custom Outdoor Fireplaces: Materials, Shapes and Sizes
We’ve already alluded to some of the advantages of a custom outdoor fireplace. Naturally, some of those advantages are realized thanks to our ability to customize size, style, and materials.

Most commonly, the structure of a custom outdoor fireplace is created using concrete block and mortar. Then the firebox is lined with fire brick. Finally, the outside of the fireplace is finished using natural stone, decorative brick, decorative concrete, stucco or tile.

As for shape, well, the shape can be anything you like, though custom outdoor fireplaces are most frequently constructed in a wall style and designed to integrate into the available space.

In terms of size, most frequently we create fireplaces that are between three- and six-feet wide; larger sizes are appropriate for large families or families that do a lot of entertaining. Naturally, a smaller size provides a more intimate experience. 

Structural Components of an Outdoor Fireplace
There are three main components of an outdoor fireplace.

  • The Base
  • The Firebox
  • Chimney or Exhaust Vents

Base
The base of a custom outdoor fireplace is a thick, reinforced concrete slab; typically we recommend that it’s six inches larger than the fireplace on the back and sides and 24 inches larger in the front. The weight of the fireplace, as well as soil type and freeze/thaw conditions, all need to be taken into consideration when pouring the concrete slab, which typically features rebar or wire mesh reinforcement, not to mention footings that extend below the frost line.  

Firebox
The firebox is the part of the fireplace that houses the fire. Sizes range from 30 inches to 50 inches across and are lined with fire brick. The requirements are different depending on whether you choose a wood burning fireplace or one that burns propane or natural gas.

The Chimney, Exhaust Vents
If you go with a wood burning fireplace you’ll need a chimney with a spark arrester; the chimney will need to be at least two feet higher than any other structure that is within ten feet of the chimney, including your house. If you decide on a gas-fired fireplace, you only need exhaust vents, as gas fireplaces do not produce smoke or ashes.

Request an Estimate from Stratton Exteriors
Want to explore the possibilities at your own home? Contact us or give us a call at (615) 235-3809. We’d be honored to work with you on your custom outdoor fireplace or other home improvement project.