Outdoor Fireplaces & Kitchens

Transform Your Backyard Into an Entertainment Destination

Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens change how you use your property. Instead of staying inside when the weather is nice, you create a reason to spend time outdoors with family and friends. An outdoor fireplace extends your season by providing warmth on cool spring and fall evenings. An outdoor kitchen means you can cook and entertain outside without constantly running back into the house. Together, they turn your backyard into a true outdoor living room.

These features also add significant value to your home. Buyers love outdoor living spaces, and a well-designed outdoor fireplace or kitchen can return a substantial portion of its cost when you sell. But more importantly, you get to enjoy these spaces while you live there. Think about gathering around a crackling fire on October evenings, hosting summer cookouts where everything happens outdoors, or enjoying quiet morning coffee by the fireplace before anyone else wakes up.

We specialize in building outdoor fireplaces and kitchens that handle Fort Wayne weather while looking beautiful year after year. From simple fire pits to elaborate outdoor kitchen complexes with pizza ovens and bars, we design and build spaces tailored to how you want to use your property. Quality masonry construction ensures these features last for decades with minimal maintenance. Visit our homepage to explore the full range of outdoor masonry projects we create for Fort Wayne homeowners.

Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Space

Every outdoor living space is unique because every family uses their yard differently. We work with you to design features that match your lifestyle, property, and budget.

Outdoor Fireplace Options

A traditional outdoor fireplace creates a focal point for seating areas and provides real warmth. We build them with brick, stone, or a combination that matches your home style. The firebox size determines how much heat you get and how big your wood pieces can be. We include proper flue systems that draw smoke up and away from seating areas. Mantels, built-in wood storage, and custom details like arches or corbels add character and functionality. For maximum versatility, we can include both a wood-burning fireplace and a separate gas fire feature.

Fire Pit and Fire Table Designs

Fire pits offer a more casual gathering spot where everyone sits around the fire instead of in front of it. We build them at various heights, from ground level to raised designs that double as seating walls. Round, square, or custom shapes work for different spaces. Gas fire pits provide instant flames with no wood mess, while wood-burning pits give you that authentic campfire experience. Fire tables combine seating with a fire feature at table height, perfect for appetizers and drinks around the flames.

Outdoor Kitchen Components

We design outdoor kitchens around how you actually cook and entertain. Built-in grills are the centerpiece, but consider adding side burners for sauces and sides, refrigeration to keep ingredients and drinks cold, sink and running water for prep and cleanup, and storage cabinets for utensils and supplies. Pizza ovens bring authentic wood-fired cooking to your backyard. Bars with seating let guests hang out while you cook. We often integrate these kitchens with custom paver patios to create complete outdoor entertaining areas.

Features to Consider Adding

These additions make outdoor spaces more comfortable and functional:

• Seating walls that provide extra seating without taking up patio space with furniture
• Built-in lighting for ambiance and safety after dark
• Pergolas or roof structures that provide shade and weather protection
• Countertops in granite, concrete, or tile for prep space and serving
• Built-in coolers that keep beverages icy cold without bringing coolers outside
• Sound systems for music during gatherings

Building Outdoor Features That Last

Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens face constant exposure to weather, temperature changes, and heavy use. Proper construction ensures they perform reliably and safely for decades.

Site Planning and Layout

Location matters more than many people realize. Fireplaces should be positioned where smoke blows away from seating areas based on prevailing winds. Kitchens need to be close enough to your house for utility connections but far enough to keep cooking heat and smoke outside. We consider sun exposure, views, privacy, and traffic flow through your yard. Local codes specify setback distances from property lines and structures, and we ensure everything meets requirements.

Foundation and Structure

Outdoor masonry features need solid foundations just like indoor construction. We pour concrete footings below the frost line to prevent settling and cracking. For tall structures like fireplaces, we use rebar reinforcement and proper engineering. Kitchen islands need level foundations that support heavy stone countertops and equipment weight. Getting the foundation right prevents expensive problems later. If your yard has slopes or drainage issues, we can integrate retaining walls that create level building areas.

Material Selection and Durability

We use materials rated for outdoor exposure and freeze-thaw conditions. Firebrick lines fireboxes to withstand high heat. Stainless steel components resist rust and corrosion. Sealed stone and concrete surfaces repel water and resist staining. We choose mortars formulated for outdoor use that remain flexible through temperature changes. Quality materials cost more upfront but last far longer than bargain alternatives that fail within a few years.

Utilities and Connections

Outdoor kitchens often need gas lines for grills and burners, electrical circuits for lighting and appliances, and water supply and drainage for sinks. We coordinate with licensed plumbers and electricians to ensure all utilities are installed safely and to code. Gas lines must be properly sized and pressure tested. Electrical circuits need GFCI protection for outdoor safety. Water lines require proper drainage so they do not freeze and burst in winter.

Common Questions About Outdoor Fireplaces and Kitchens

Here are answers to the questions Fort Wayne homeowners ask us most often about outdoor living space projects.