Get matched with top outdoor kitchen pros in Halifax, 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.

The decision to make or buy your outdoor pizza oven depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time. If you pay a professional to build a custom pizza oven, the cost will likely be higher than retail costs. If you purchase materials to create an oven, you can typically build an elaborate one for less money, but there’s a risk that you’ll injure yourself or make a costly building error.

Weatherproofing and winterizing your outdoor kitchen is extremely important, especially if you experience intense weather events. Make sure to choose weather-resistant furniture and waterproof containers to store ingredients. Also, go with a high-quality grill that’s built to last and protect your cabinets with sealant or varnish. Finally, invest in a covering of some kind for when it rains or snows.

A few materials are most commonly used when it comes to building a frame for an outdoor kitchen: wood, steel, and concrete or brick. While there’s no best option overall, each material is better suited to different needs. Concrete and brick are typically more customizable than other options, but aren’t as resistant to inclement weather as steel. Wood is the most affordable pick, but it is more susceptible to rot, mildew, and heat than the others.