How to install an outdoor fireplace: an 8-step guide
Installing an outdoor fireplace transforms a backyard into a true living space, designed to extend evenings and structure landscaping around a central gathering point. This project is appealing for its conviviality, but it requires thought, method, and a good understanding of technical constraints. At JML, we offer durable, well-designed propane and natural gas outdoor fire pits that are designed to blend harmoniously into your patio or garden. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about installing them.
Step 1: Define the right project before installation
Before even talking about materials or tools, installing a fireplace starts with a clear vision. Do you want to create a discreet fire pit or a structured outdoor fireplace that is visible from the house? The fireplace model influences everything: traffic, safety, daily use.
Choosing the fuel
A wood-burning outdoor fireplace offers an authentic atmosphere with logs, a poker, and a spark screen, but it imposes constraints related to fuel, fires, and local regulations. A propane or natural gas outdoor fireplace is easier to use, produces less residue, and blends easily into a contemporary setting. At JML, our fireplaces are made of aluminum or granite. The burners are designed for propane or are connected to a natural gas tank, depending on the project.
Choice of format
The format is just as important. Fireplaces are available in square, round, or rectangular versions, at conversation height or dinner height. This choice allows you to optimize space and combine the fireplace with a table (fireplace table), a low wall, or fixed seating.
Step 2: Find out about the rules from your local municipality.
Before installing anything, you must check with your local municipality. Regulations vary from neighborhood to neighborhood: type of fuel allowed, dimensions, distances, periods of use. Consulting these rules will help you avoid costly adjustments later on.
Step 3: Decide where to put your outdoor fireplace
The location of your fireplace will determine not only the experience, but also the safety of the project. An outdoor fireplace must be installed at a regulatory distance from any building, including your home, shed, and any other permanent structure. As mentioned, regulations vary depending on the municipality, so check with your local authorities.
The ground must be stable, flat, and free of any flammable materials. Installing a fire pit directly on grass or loose soil creates risks in the medium term. Landscaping also comes into play: trees, hedges, decorative walls, and traffic around the outdoor fire pit. A good location allows you to create a fire pit without compromising on safety or aesthetics.
On a patio, the analysis is even more precise. Some models are designed to be installed on raised surfaces, provided that the structure can support the weight, including the tank, burner, and cladding.
Step 4: Prepare the base and load-bearing ground
The base is the foundation of the project. A durable installation rests on a solid surface, often made of concrete. In many configurations, a concrete slab or concrete block base is used to distribute the load and prevent settling.
When the ground is natural, you must dig below the ground to remove loose soil, add a layer of compacted gravel, then pour concrete or lay a level concrete block. This preparation ensures that the fireplace will remain stable despite frost, rain, and temperature variations.
Modular fire pits require special attention at this stage. The fire pit blocks must rest on a perfectly flat surface, as the first row determines the alignment of all subsequent rows.
Step 5: Assemble the fireplace structure
Once the base is ready, assembly can begin. This step varies depending on the fireplace model chosen. Some fireplaces are delivered ready to install, while others are based on a modular fireplace system consisting of stacked blocks.
Assembling all the blocks requires method and precision. The fireplace blocks are laid row by row, ensuring they are aligned and level. The rows must be staggered to ensure stability, as with a masonry wall. The materials used, often molded concrete or black steel for certain structures, influence the appearance and strength.
In the case of a fireplace with an exposed hearth, space is also provided to surround the combustion area with heat-resistant material. The goal is to create a cohesive, solid, and durable fireplace.
Step 6: Install the combustion system
This is where the heart of the fireplace comes into play. The fuel determines the configuration. An outdoor wood-burning fireplace requires space for logs, ash management, and often a spark screen to limit the risk of fire. The poker then becomes a common tool in the fireplace corner.
For a propane or natural gas fireplace, the burner is installed in the housing provided by the manufacturer. The fireplaces offered at JML use burners designed to provide a stable and safe flame. The propane connection is made with a standard tank, concealed in the structure or nearby, depending on the model.
Each installation must comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. An incorrectly positioned burner or a poorly secured gas supply compromises safety and performance.
Step 7: Finalize the cladding and visible materials
Once the structure and burner are in place, the cladding gives the outdoor fireplace its character. This is when the project becomes decorative and fully integrates into the living space.
Visible materials can include granite, aluminum, steel, or textured blocks. Combining these elements optimizes aesthetics while maintaining a heat-resistant surface. Some choose a low wall to surround the fireplace, creating a visual boundary and structuring the outdoor fire pit.
Decorative logs or firebricks are installed around the burner without obstructing the flame. This step directly influences the ambiance and visual comfort.
Step 8: Final checks and commissioning
Before using a fireplace, several checks must be carried out. These include checking the stability of the unit, the fastening of the blocks, the tightness of the gas connections, and the distance from flammable items. This phase is often overlooked, even though it determines long-term use.
The first time you light the fireplace, check the flame, heat distribution, and draft. For a wood-burning fireplace, test the combustion with just a few logs. For a propane fireplace, adjust the intensity according to the recommendations.
At this point, the fireplace is ready to create a cozy fireside, designed to last.
The right fireplace is key to a successful installation
Installing an outdoor fireplace is more than just placing a unit in your yard. It’s a landscaping project that involves safety, comfort, and aesthetics. Choosing the right model, location, and materials will change your experience in the long run. At JML, we offer a complete line of aluminum and granite outdoor fireplaces, with configurations suitable for propane or natural gas. To create an outdoor fireplace that fits perfectly into your space, our team can advise and guide you every step of the way.
FAQs about installing an outdoor fireplace
Do I need a permit to install an outdoor fireplace?
It depends on the municipality. It is best to check local regulations before beginning installation.
Can I install a fireplace directly on a wooden deck?
This type of surface is flammable. A concrete or block base is recommended to ensure safe installation.
How far away from the house should it be?
The distance varies depending on the type of fireplace and fuel. The manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations should be used as a reference.
What is the difference between a wood-burning fireplace and a propane fireplace?
An outdoor wood-burning fireplace offers a traditional experience with logs and a poker. Propane is easier to use, with no smoke or ashes.
Are modular fireplaces easier to install?
They are easier to assemble, but require a perfectly level base and careful placement of all the blocks.
