Few features create warmth and atmosphere quite like an outdoor fireplace. More than a source of heat, it becomes a natural focal point — adding comfort, character, and a sense of occasion to outdoor living spaces.
With more than 25 years in the landscape design industry, I’ve had the pleasure of incorporating outdoor fireplaces into residential garden designs across Auckland — creating spaces that feel inviting, refined, and designed to be enjoyed year-round.
More Than Warmth: Creating a Place to Gather
Outdoor fireplaces work beautifully in a range of settings, whether that’s a decked entertaining area, a courtyard, or a relaxed poolside space. When positioned well, the fireplace naturally becomes the heart of the area, shaping where seating, dining, and outdoor cooking elements sit around it.
Layering in thoughtful landscape details makes all the difference. Soft lighting, built-in seating, and well-chosen planting help the space feel intentional and inviting, rather than simply functional.
It’s also worth thinking about comfort. Adding a windbreak wall or discreet screening can make a significant difference, protecting the fire from the elements and helping to hold the warmth — so the space feels just as enjoyable as the evening cools.
Timeless Design Starts With the Right Materials
When it comes to outdoor fireplaces, material choice is key. Natural stone, concrete, and carefully selected masonry not only define the look of the fireplace but also determine how it will age over time. High-quality materials develop character, blending more seamlessly into the landscape as the garden matures.
Style matters just as much. A fireplace should feel at home within the architecture of the property — whether that’s clean and contemporary or more organic and textural. The goal is always balance: a feature that stands out without overpowering the space.
Durability is equally important. Outdoor fireplaces need to perform year after year, exposed to the elements while still looking refined. Thoughtful detailing, proper construction, and quality finishes ensure the fireplace remains a lasting part of the garden rather than a feature that dates or deteriorates.
Gas vs Wood: Finding the Right Fit for Your Outdoor Space
When clients ask me whether gas or wood is the better option, my answer is usually, it depends on how you want to use the space.
Gas fireplaces are all about ease. They give you quick, consistent heat at the push of a button, with very little maintenance. They burn cleanly, are easy to control, and for many homeowners, feel like the most practical choice — especially if the fireplace will be used regularly or on a whim. The trade-off is cost. Gas can be more expensive to run over time, although bottle delivery has become much easier, with suppliers able to deliver nationwide straight to your door.
Wood-burning fireplaces, on the other hand, are chosen for the experience. The look, smell, and sound of a real fire create an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. For some clients, that ritual is part of the appeal. Wood can also be a more cost-effective option, depending on supply. That said, it does come with a bit more effort — keeping dry wood on hand, managing smoke in changing conditions, and allowing for more ongoing maintenance. Emissions are also something I always recommend discussing with your retailer to ensure everything meets local requirements.
In the end, both options can work beautifully when they’re thoughtfully designed into the landscape. The best choice is the one that suits your lifestyle, your expectations, and how you imagine spending time in your garden.
Recently, I completed a landscape concept and planting plan for a residential garden in Devonport, Auckland. An outdoor fireplace was an important part of the design brief, as the clients wanted to create a warm, functional outdoor living space they could enjoy year-round. They spent time researching options to find an outdoor fireplace solution that suited both their lifestyle and the layout of their garden.
“We found the Trendz service and choices excellent for our outdoor fireplace. You can match the concrete of fireplace to the paint colour of your house. We went with lift in and install through Trendz and would recommend early on and use them unless builder is comfortable with heavy lift in. Tip with Corten is seal it well after it has rusted as does drip onto painted concrete but easily resolved by painting over. Also get the concrete extended hearth if fitting next to deck to stop any embers like we have in our version. Good product” – Cameron F.
Common Questions About Outdoor Fireplaces
I asked Ashley Lawry, Director/Technical Sales at Trendz Outdoors along with Lilian Fenerty, Sales Consultant, to share their insights on outdoor fireplaces. Here’s what they had to say.
Ashley Lawry, Director/Technical Sales….
What do you think makes an outdoor fireplace a must-have for a backyard? ”An outdoor fireplace is a great feature that compliments any back yard entertaining space, however a fireplace is much more than that. It creates warmth, ambience and a place for families to gather and share memorable times. On top of this, a fireplace adds great value to your home meaning you will almost certainly get your money back, plus some, if you sell your home in the future”.
What advice do you give homeowners when choosing fireplaces? ”Think about the way the area will be used in view of positioning
it in the right position. This is important as positioning and location of the fireplace can be the
difference between regular and minimal usage”.
What are the most common mistakes people make when placing or installing an outdoor fireplace? “There are lot of mistakes we have seen people make over the 20 years of supplying outdoor fireplaces. These range to home built jobs that don’t work like they should, fireplaces that don’t have a steel firebox so aren’t efficient with heat output and right to flues that are too short so the fire smokes. Also a common issue we come across is that if someone has had a fire built on site and the owner decides to
sell them home, potential purchasers can often want to see specifications and engineers drawings if the fire wasn’t included on the house plans. If these aren’t available, this can often cause a number of issues turning people away.”
Lilian Fenerty, Sales Consultant….What makes an outdoor fireplace a must-have in a backyard?
Fire naturally draws people together. It encourages conversation, connection, and time spent outdoors — whether you’re entertaining friends or relaxing with family. An outdoor fireplace also brings together warmth, atmosphere, and, in some cases, the ability to cook, making it one of the most versatile features you can add to a garden.
What advice would you give homeowners when choosing a fireplace?
I always encourage clients to think of an outdoor fireplace as an investment — not just in their property, but in how they live. A well-designed fire adds value, enhances wellbeing, and creates moments that become part of everyday life. Done well, it’s a feature that supports a slower, more considered way of living outdoors.
What are some common mistakes people make when installing an outdoor fireplace?
Scale is a big one. A fireplace that’s too large can overwhelm a space, while one that’s too small can feel underwhelming or ineffective. This is where expert input really matters. Having access to solid technical advice, accurate specifications, and proper planning support helps ensure the fireplace suits both the space and how it will be used.
When thoughtfully designed, an outdoor fireplace becomes far more than a feature. It becomes part of how a garden is used, enjoyed, and remembered — season after season. If you’re considering an outdoor fireplace, book a design consultation to explore the best options for your space.
Landscape Design Tip: Choose natural, enduring materials such as stone, brick, concrete or tiles in neutral tones which will weather beautifully and keep an outdoor fireplace looking relevant for years.
About the author
With over 25 years’ experience in landscape design, Sandra Batley is an Auckland-based Landscape designer specialising in refined, enduring residential gardens. Her work focuses on thoughtful planning, quality materials, and creating outdoor spaces
designed to be enjoyed year-round. If you’re looking for a landscape designer in Auckland to help you integrate an outdoor
fireplace into your outdoor living space you can book a consultation here.
Photo credit: Sandra Batley and Trendz Outdoors