Material Choices for Your Outdoor Fireplace

The decision to add a fireplace to your outdoor living space is a fairly easy one. For most homeowners, fire features quickly become a welcome addition to the landscape, bringing increased resale value and helping to create an always-inviting area in the landscape for entertaining or relaxing.

Choosing the right materials is critical to creating an outdoor fireplace that will hit the mark — both in terms of style and performance. Working closely with your landscape contractor or architect, narrow in on the most impactful inspirations for your new focal point feature. Look to the architectural style of your home, other features in your landscape, or simply your current aesthetic preference and work backward to integrate the new with old.

Today’s modern homeowners tend to opt for pre-cast concrete that features the realistic textures and colors of natural stone, but with increased installation efficiency and product durability.

Traditional Outdoor Fireplace Materials

In years past, traditional outdoor fireplace were constructed using clay brick, natural stone such as fieldstone, and concrete masonry block units veneered with either stone cladding or a stucco finish. With the cutting-edge product design and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities of Unilock, many modern homeowners are turning to manufactured wall systems for a whole new design-forward solution.

Cutting-Edge Materials for Today’s Outdoor Fireplaces

Offering full design flexibility for building the types of outdoor fireplaces that modern homeowners desire, Unilock wall systems unite the gorgeous colors and textures of natural stone with dimensional consistency that makes installation fast and easy.

Let’s have a look at some of the shining stars in the Unilock product line when it comes to creating outdoor fire features to remember.

Unilock Brussels Dimensional Stone: The antiqued, weathered appearance of Brussels Dimensional Stone gives you a time-worn look with substantial blocks that balance out large patio spaces. Brussels Dimensional Stone comes in several colors you can mix and match to achieve unique patterns, inlays and accents. It features multi-sized components that offer amazing flexibility to construct a unique fireplace nook with the addition of a Brussels seating wall, steps, retaining wall, water feature, or planters. Brussels Dimensional Stone is also the ideal material for adding a pizza oven to your outdoor fireplace and kitchen!

This large patio features Unilock Umbriano with Brussels Dimensional Walls and Pillars, and Brussels Fullnose Steps. The combination of sleek Umbriano pavers with the tumbled look of Brussels stone gives the space a fresh, yet relaxed and casual feel.

Unilock also offers two gorgeous pre-built outdoor fireplace options that feature Brussels Dimensional Stone:

• Tuscany: Brussels Dimensional Stone and Copthorne accents
• Barcelona: Brussels Dimensional Stone with Umbriano accents

A large Unilock Barcelona fireplace provides a welcoming focal point for this expansive Unilock Umbriano patio. The use of large and overstuffed outdoor furniture encourages lingering as temperatures drop.

Unilock Lineo Dimensional Stone: Sleek contemporary lines define Unilock Lineo Dimensional Stone. The look features a linear multi-length plank look available in several colors that beautifully complement modern homes. The Lineo series is commonly used in contemporary fire pits, but it also works well as a taller fireplace.

The Unilock Moda pre-built fireplace with Lineo Dimensional Stone and Series accents fits perfectly into minimalist, modern and Zen landscapes.

Rivercrest Wall: The natural stacked flagstone look of Unilock Rivercrest Wall gives you the character and flexibility of natural stone with the dimensional consistency and durability of concrete.

The Unilock Bella pre-built fireplace features the ultra-realistic fieldstone look in a timeless Coastal Slate color.

This tall fireplace is constructed using Unilock Rivercrest pavers. The cozy corner is enhanced by an inviting hearth and ample firewood storage.

Custom Design Considerations

Unilock offers pre-built fireplaces in the four style options mentioned above. If you want a totally custom look, a Unilock Authorized Contractor is your source for ideas, guidance, and installation craftsmanship to bring your dream to life. You can customize your look using the same materials used in Unilock pre-built fireplaces but vary the styles and colors… or, working with your Unilock Authorized Contractor, you can do something totally unexpected. The possibilities are endless! Design options for custom fireplaces include:

• Rounded or freestyle forms
• Built-in seating
• Use of mixed materials including hardwoods or stainless steel
• Extra large hearths
• Ornate ironwork
• A large mantle
• Water features
• TV nook
• Built-in planters
• Fireplace/kitchen combination
• Custom inlays
• Double-sided fireplace
• Custom use of materials, textures, and colors
• Petite or oversized fireplaces
• Integrated lighting

Your fireplace should not be thought of as an isolated feature in your outdoor living space. As you explore materials, your main goal is to make your outdoor fireplace fit seamlessly into its surroundings. Unilock designers can help you think through the creation of a cohesive landscape design. You can also lean on Unilock resources such as the Unilock Design Idea Catalog for ideas, and reach out for a free estimate with a Unilock Authorized Contractor to explore the many possibilities for your new outdoor fireplace. Unilock is with you every step of the way as you create an aesthetically pleasing, well-built fireplace that you and your guests will enjoy for many years.