Outdoor Gas Fireplaces: Cost, Permits & What to Know Before You Buy
Quick answer: There are two kinds of outdoor gas fireplace. A permanent linear fireplace becomes part of your architecture, usually needs a building permit and a licensed gas installer, and starts around $6,000 for the unit in our range. A freestanding gas fireplace (a glass flame tower) needs no construction, can move around the patio and doubles as a patio heater.
Option 1: permanent outdoor gas fireplaces
These are long, linear fire features that sit in a wall, a seating backdrop or an outdoor room. In our range they come from The Outdoor Plus in widths from 72 to 120 inches.
Williams Outdoor Fireplace.
Williams
Offered in 72, 84 and 96 inches in stainless steel, powder coat, hammered copper or RTF (Ready to Finish), plus a version with a water scupper. RTF means the steel structure arrives ready for you to clad in stone, stucco or tile to match your house.
See the WilliamsBerkeley (see-through)
A see-through RTF fireplace from 84 to 120 inches. The flame is visible from both sides, so it can divide a pool area from a lounge or dining zone.
See the BerkeleyHuntington
An RTF fireplace from 84 to 120 inches for a large, architectural focal wall.
See the HuntingtonOption 2: freestanding gas fireplaces
Planika's flame towers put a 360-degree flame inside a glass tube on a slim base. There is no construction and no chimney, and they give real radiant warmth, so they work as both fireplace and patio heater.
- Planika Faro: 360-degree flame tower, 27,300 BTU.
- Planika Lighthouse: 360-degree flame tower, 34,120 BTU.
- Planika Bino: compact 360-degree fire column, 27,300 BTU.
Which type is right for you?
| Permanent linear | Freestanding tower | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Contractor + gas fitter | Set it up and connect |
| Permit | Usually required | Usually not |
| Movable | No | Yes |
| Look | Architectural wall of fire | Sculptural column of flame |
| Best for | New builds, renovations | Patios, rooftops, renters' terraces |
What a permanent outdoor fireplace really costs
Budget for three things: the unit, the gas line and the finishing work. Industry cost guides put a basic installed gas outdoor fireplace in the low thousands for labor on top of the unit, plus a few hundred dollars for permits, and more in the Northeast and coastal states. With an RTF unit, add the cost of your stone, stucco or tile cladding.
Permits and HOA rules
A permanent outdoor fireplace is a structure, and most US jurisdictions require a building permit for it. A gas line always needs a licensed installer. Freestanding units usually do not need a permit, but check your city and HOA rules either way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an indoor gas fireplace outdoors?
No. Only use fireplaces rated for outdoor use, like the models in this guide.
Can I burn wood in a gas outdoor fireplace?
No. Burn only the gas the unit is built for.
Does an outdoor gas fireplace give off real heat?
Yes, especially for people seated in front of it. For a whole patio, combine it with a freestanding flame tower or patio heater.
What does RTF mean?
Ready to Finish: the fireplace structure arrives ready to be clad on site in the material of your choice.
Find your outdoor fireplace
Linear, see-through and freestanding models in one collection.
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