Broken Arrow Outdoor Fireplace FAQ
Outdoor fireplaces are one of our most requested projects in Broken Arrow — and they generate the most questions. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often from Broken Arrow homeowners considering an outdoor fireplace.
Construction and Design Questions
What’s the difference between an outdoor fireplace and an outdoor fire pit?
A fire pit is an open fire feature — fire visible from 360 degrees, no smoke direction control, no chimney. A fireplace has three solid sides, a firebox, a smoke chamber, a flue, and a chimney — it directs smoke up and out rather than across the seating area. Fireplaces are better for covered patio use and seated areas where smoke management matters. Fire pits create more of an open communal gathering feel.
How is an outdoor fireplace built?
A properly built outdoor fireplace has these structural layers:
- Concrete footing (below frost line for permanent structures)
- Concrete masonry unit (CMU) structural core — the smoke chamber and surround
- Firebrick firebox lining — refractory brick that handles extreme heat
- Flue tile chimney — terra cotta or refractory flue tiles for draft management
- Chimney cap — protects the flue from rain and debris
- Spark arrestor screen — required by code in most Oklahoma municipalities
- Decorative veneer — natural stone, brick, or stucco over the CMU core
Can I build my outdoor fireplace against a wall or fence?
No — outdoor fireplaces require clearances from combustible structures. Minimum clearances are 3 feet from any combustible material at the sides and back, and 10 feet from combustible overhead material. Building against a wood fence is not safe or code-compliant.
Cost and Permit Questions
What does an outdoor fireplace cost in Broken Arrow?
Outdoor fireplace costs in Broken Arrow range from $6,000–$8,000 for a basic brick outdoor fireplace to $12,000–$20,000 for large natural stone fireplaces with integrated seating walls. Premium designs with decorative stone, raised hearths, and masonry seating walls run $20,000–$35,000+.
Do outdoor fireplaces require permits in Broken Arrow?
Yes — outdoor fireplaces are permanent structures requiring building permits in Broken Arrow. The permit covers structural inspection of the footing and smoke chamber. VistaScapes handles all permit applications.
Usage and Maintenance Questions
How do I break in a new outdoor fireplace?
New masonry outdoor fireplaces need to be cured gradually — start with two or three small fires over the first two weeks before building full-sized fires. This allows the mortar to cure completely and prevents cracking from thermal shock.
What maintenance does an outdoor fireplace need?
Annual inspection of the flue, spark arrestor, and mortar joints before each burning season. Clean ash after every 3–4 uses. Inspect and repoint mortar joints every 5–10 years. The spark arrestor screen should be inspected for damage or blockage annually.
Can an outdoor fireplace be used during Oklahoma burn bans?
Generally no — statewide burn bans typically prohibit all open burning including residential fireplaces. Check Oklahoma Forestry Services’ current burn ban status before any fire use.
Gas Conversion Questions
Can I convert a wood-burning outdoor fireplace to gas?
Yes — gas log sets and gas burner systems can be installed in existing wood-burning fireboxes to add push-button gas fire capability. This requires a gas line connection by a licensed plumber and appropriate ventilation considerations. VistaScapes can evaluate your existing fireplace for gas conversion compatibility.
Call VistaScapes for Your Outdoor Fireplace Project
Call 918-779-1317 with any additional questions or to schedule a free outdoor fireplace consultation in Broken Arrow.
