An Outdoor Fireplace with Your Pergola: the Ultimate in Comfort and Style
The perfect outdoor living space depends on creature comforts. First comes shelter. A pergola is a classic way to make your patio or deck comfortable on the hottest days. But what about when the weather cools down? Will your pergola still be the place to be? Yes… if you add an outdoor fireplace. Nothing can match the coziness of an outdoor fireplace. A pergola and an outdoor fireplace work incredibly well together as a way to make any outdoor space more livable. Here, we’ll showcase some great ideas for creating a comfortable, stylish, and welcoming outdoor living space by combining a pergola with an outdoor fireplace.
The pergola is one of the most versatile components of landscape design. Whether it’s party central or a place to hide out with a book. Adding an outdoor fireplace simply takes it to the next level. Beauty? Check. Practicality? Check. Let’s dive in!
Safety First with Pergolas and Fire Features
Is it possible to put a wood-burning outdoor fireplace under a pergola? Definitely! An outdoor fireplace can be fueled by wood or natural gas.
Natural gas fires are safer to operate since there’s an off switch, the flames don’t burn as hot, the flames are consistent, and a natural gas fire doesn’t produce sparks or flying embers. Either way, your outdoor fireplace will need a chimney that extends several feet above the peak of the pergola roof. Other than needing a spark arrestor at the chimney top, you can safely put a wood-burning outdoor fireplace within the pergola.
The Biggest Choice: Location, Location, Location
The location of your outdoor fireplace depends on several factors including the size of the pergola, the size of the fireplace, and the fuel.
The size of your pergola is the first determinant of the location of your outdoor fireplace, no matter the size of the fireplace. Most people put an outdoor fireplace along one of the outer edges of the pergola to maximize interior space: but this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.
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A pergola designed to be just big enough for two couches will not be big enough for a central fireplace which is why most outdoor fireplaces are positioned along one of the pergola “walls.”
A spacious pergola with an outdoor “living room” on one side and an outdoor kitchen/dining space on the other, could accommodate a central double-sided fireplace.
If you have the space and want to place the fire centrally, consider an outdoor fireplace with multiple openings. Most outdoor fireplaces have a single opening (fire box) on one side. However, some contemporary designs feature double-sided openings, three-sided openings, or even 360 degree designs that enable a more communal experience. This can give you flexibility with regard to placement of the outdoor fireplace in the center of the pergola or on the perimeter.
If your backyard has a view, be sure to position the outdoor fireplace on the side of the view so that you and your guests can enjoy the view and the fire at the same time without having to turn around. An outdoor fireplace can even act as a windbreak, making your pergola a cozy space even on windy days or in windy locations. It can also serve as a privacy wall. Be sure to consider views, prevailing winds and nosy neighbors when deciding on the location of your outdoor fireplace.
What is the Best Pergola Material for Outdoor Fireplaces?
The material you use in your pergola can make the space even safer when you’re using a wood-burning fireplace. Traditionally, pergolas have been built with wood. However, modern pergolas can be wood or aluminum, which could be a great safety-first pairing with a large wood-burning fire feature since even a single flying ember could cause damage to the pergola. With that said, a spark arrestor on the chimney and some careful fire-tending will allow the fireplace to be safely used with a wood pergola.
Another consideration is longevity. Masonry outdoor fireplaces will last practically forever; and it’s nice for the pergola to stand the test of time along with the fireplace. This means that an aluminum pergola could be the way to go if you don’t want the hassle of regularly maintaining wood. Aluminum pergolas are strong, lightweight, and stylish. They can last half a century or more with minimal care. With regular care, a wood pergola can also last a very long time; and it has the added bonus of character that no man-made material can provide.
Style Points for Shade Structures
Here are some ways to create the ultimate outdoor experience by combining a pergola with an outdoor fireplace.
Fully integrate the outdoor fireplace and pergola with masonry pillars in the same material as the fireplace.
Use an L-shaped design that places the outdoor fireplace along one “wall” and the outdoor kitchen along the other “wall” (in a large pergola), with an open-concept living/dining space between the two.
If your pergola is on the small side, add a seating wall to one or more sides so that you can host larger parties without having to bring in more furniture. If you are embracing the L-shaped design with an outdoor fireplace on one “wall” and the outdoor kitchen along the other “wall”, a third “wall” could be devoted to a low sitting wall; this will balance the look, continue the masonry theme, and provide lots of overflow seating. Keep the fourth “wall” open for an open feel and easy access to the space.
Use outdoor curtains, stand-alone laser-cut metal screens, or install a vine-covered trellis to add privacy if your pergola is situated in an exposed space.
Be sure to have adequate lighting in the pergola. String lights are a perennial favorite for their ease of installation and festive vibe. You can also integrate lighting into masonry: use the fireplace, pillars, and outdoor kitchen walls as a way to add light to your pergola.
Since the whole point of adding an outdoor fireplace to your pergola is comfort, be sure that your furniture follows suit. Generously upholstered outdoor furniture makes it so much nicer to enjoy the fresh air than hard plastic or wicker furniture.
Outdoor fireplaces come in a myriad of styles: narrow and tall, short and broad, and everything in between. Kit fireplaces are typically on the smaller side. Custom fireplaces can include special features like a wood-fired pizza oven or built-in water features.
And speaking of water, it’s the exact opposite of fire and pairs so well with it! Add a small bubbling fountain to your pergola space. The soothing sounds of water beautifully complement the dancing flames.
Life outdoors can be simple. It can also be extravagant. Depending on the materials you choose for your pergola and outdoor fireplace; their respective sizes; and the furnishings and accessories you choose, you can create a rustic retreat, a chic hangout, a cozy boho hideout, or an elegant entertainer’s paradise with this winning combination focused on creature comforts.