Get matched with top outdoor kitchen pros in Bath, NC

A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly outdoor brick pizza ovens—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons.

No, even if you have a vague idea of what you want, it’s a good idea to reach out to a contractor that specializes in outdoor kitchens for assistance. Professionals who have constructed kitchens for other homeowners can not only help you think about the functionality and convenience of your outdoor space—which many homeowners neglect—but they can also help you choose high-quality, durable materials that meet your budget and match the rest of your outdoor space. In fact, it’s often better to contact a contractor and get the ball rolling before you have a solidified plan for your outdoor kitchen.

Deciding whether to buy a prebuilt fireplace kit or build one from scratch comes down to aesthetics, available space, and budget. Many homeowners like the convenience and lower cost of prebuilt options—around $1,500—versus the involved planning and construction of a larger fireplace. Another bonus: you can usually move prebuilt units. Custom projects are more common when homeowners have access to a larger budget and more area in the yard to place the fireplace.

Use fire bricks for a brick pizza oven. These bricks are typically used for fireplaces and chimneys as they can withstand high temperatures from heat sources. If you attempt to use any other kind of bricks, it’s likely that this material will crack from such high heat exposure in the best case—and potentially explode and cause serious harm in the worst case.