How to Choose an Outdoor Fireplace for Your Broken Arrow Backyard
Choosing an outdoor fireplace for your Broken Arrow home involves more decisions than most homeowners expect. Fuel type, material, size, placement, and how the fireplace integrates with your overall outdoor living space all matter — and the wrong choice means either a fireplace you don’t love or one that fails prematurely in Oklahoma’s demanding climate. This guide walks through every consideration.
Step 1: Choose Your Fuel Type — Wood or Gas
This is the first and most important decision. Each has real advantages:
Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces in Broken Arrow
- Pros: Authentic crackling fire, ability to cook over coals, no gas connection required, lower installation cost
- Cons: Requires dry wood storage nearby, produces smoke (can’t use under fully enclosed covers), ash cleanup required, can’t be used on Broken Arrow’s high-wind days due to ember risk
- Best for: Large open patios, homeowners who want the traditional campfire experience, properties without easy gas access
Gas Outdoor Fireplaces in Broken Arrow
- Pros: Instant on/off, no smoke, safe under covered patios, adjustable flame height, no wood storage needed
- Cons: Requires natural gas or propane connection (cost and permits), less “authentic” than wood, ongoing gas cost
- Best for: Covered outdoor rooms, homeowners who want convenience, properties on natural gas service
Step 2: Choose Your Material — Stone or Brick
Natural Stone Fireplaces
Natural limestone, sandstone, fieldstone, or ledgestone provides an organic, timeless look that complements Broken Arrow’s landscape-heavy outdoor spaces. Stone is more variable in cost depending on species, but the look is unmatched.
Brick Fireplaces
Brick is the most traditional material and is extremely durable. Traditional red brick, tumbled antique brick, and buff/tan brick all provide different aesthetics. Brick is generally slightly more affordable than premium natural stone but more expensive than cultured stone products.
Step 3: Size the Fireplace to Your Space
A common mistake is building a fireplace that’s disproportionate to the surrounding patio and home. General guidelines for Broken Arrow residential outdoor fireplaces:
- Small patio (under 200 sf): 36″–42″ firebox opening, 6’–8′ total height
- Medium patio (200–400 sf): 42″–48″ firebox opening, 8’–10′ total height
- Large patio or outdoor room (400+ sf): 48″–60″ firebox opening, 10’–14′ total height
Step 4: Plan Placement for Safety and Function
Key placement considerations for outdoor fireplaces in Broken Arrow:
- Minimum 10 feet from combustible structures (wood decks, arbors, home walls)
- Orient the firebox opening away from prevailing wind (Broken Arrow’s prevailing wind is from the south and southwest)
- Allow adequate circulation space on three sides — minimum 6 feet from seating
- Consider smoke direction relative to covered dining or seating areas
Step 5: Budget Realistically
Broken Arrow outdoor fireplace budgets:
- Basic gas fireplace with stone veneer: $9,000–$16,000
- Full natural stone fireplace with wood alcove and hearth: $18,000–$35,000
- Premium fireplace as part of full outdoor living build: $25,000–$55,000+
Ready to Plan Your Fireplace?
Call VistaScapes at (918) 779-1317 for a free fireplace design consultation in Broken Arrow. We’ll help you work through all of these decisions and provide a detailed proposal for your specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What direction should an outdoor fireplace face in Broken Arrow?
In Broken Arrow, prevailing winds come from the south and southwest. Orienting the fireplace opening to face north or northeast helps reduce smoke blowback toward the primary seating area in most conditions. Your specific lot orientation and wind patterns should be evaluated on-site.
Can you build a wood-burning fireplace under a covered patio in Broken Arrow?
Wood-burning fireplaces under covered patios require careful engineering — proper chimney height, clearances to combustibles, and ventilation design. It’s possible but requires code compliance and a well-designed chimney system. Many homeowners in this situation choose gas instead for smoke-free operation.
How much does a gas outdoor fireplace save vs. wood in Broken Arrow?
Gas fireplaces cost more upfront due to the gas line connection but save on annual fuel costs if you purchase firewood. In Broken Arrow, cord wood runs $150–$250 delivered. Natural gas operation costs roughly $0.50–$1.50 per hour depending on burner size and current gas prices.
