How to Pick the Right Outdoor Fireplace for Your Broken Arrow Backyard
An outdoor fireplace is one of the best investments you can make in your Broken Arrow backyard — it extends your outdoor season, creates a natural gathering point, and adds genuine warmth and ambiance to evening entertaining. But not all outdoor fireplaces are the same, and choosing the right one for your space takes more thought than browsing a few photos online. Here’s a complete guide.
Step 1: Choose Your Fuel Type
Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces
The authentic experience. Nothing matches the smell, sound, and warmth of a real wood fire. Wood-burning outdoor fireplaces are ideal if:
- You have access to firewood (rural properties, nearby timber)
- You want maximum heat output for cold evenings
- The crackling fire experience matters to you
- You’re OK with ash cleanup and wood management
VistaScapes builds wood-burning fireplaces the right way — proper smoke chamber geometry to create draft, vitrified flue tile liner rated for wood burning, and a UL-listed spark arrestor cap to comply with fire safety codes and prevent ember escape. A properly built wood-burning fireplace draws correctly every time and won’t smoke out your seating area.
Natural Gas Outdoor Fireplaces
Maximum convenience. Push a button or turn a knob, instant fire. Natural gas fireplaces are ideal if:
- You want fire without any maintenance or preparation
- You entertain frequently and want fire on demand
- You have easy access to a natural gas line (most Broken Arrow neighborhoods have ONG service)
- You want the option to shut off the fire completely when not in use
Natural gas fireplaces use a gas log set or a fire glass and burner pan system. They produce less heat than wood but the visual effect can be beautiful — especially with glass media and a clean masonry surround.
Step 2: Choose Your Size
Fireplace size is about two things: scale relative to the patio, and firebox size relative to your seating area.
| Seating Area | Recommended Firebox Width | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intimate (4–6 people) | 30–36 inches | Cozy, proportional to smaller patios |
| Standard (6–10 people) | 36–48 inches | Most common in Broken Arrow residential |
| Large (10–20+ people) | 48–60 inches | For serious entertainers, larger patios |
The overall fireplace structure (mantel, surround, chimney) should be tall enough to anchor the space visually. A fireplace that’s too low disappears. Most residential outdoor fireplaces are 7–10 feet tall to the top of the chimney.
Step 3: Choose Your Materials
The material choice defines the look of the fireplace and should complement your home’s exterior and overall patio aesthetic.
- Brick — classic, traditional look; matches many Broken Arrow homes built in the 1980s–2000s; relatively affordable
- Natural stone (Oklahoma limestone, flagstone, river rock) — natural, organic look; highly durable; each fireplace is unique; premium cost
- Stacked stone veneer — manufactured stone panels that look natural; more affordable than real stone; wide range of styles
- Smooth stucco with stone accents — modern look; works well with contemporary homes
- CMU block with stone veneer — structural core in block, beautiful exterior in stone; our most common construction method
Step 4: Consider Integration with Your Patio Design
The best outdoor fireplaces aren’t standalone features — they anchor a larger patio composition. Consider:
- Seating walls flanking the fireplace — creates a complete fireside seating area without needing to bring furniture in and out
- Hearth extension — a raised hearth at the base of the fireplace provides additional seating and a place to set drinks
- Built-in wood storage — flanking the firebox with wood storage niches is practical and looks intentional
- TV niche above the firebox — controversial but popular; a weather-rated outdoor TV above the fireplace creates an outdoor living room
- Privacy wall integration — the fireplace wall can extend to create a privacy wall on one side
Step 5: Placement on Your Property
Where you put the fireplace matters as much as what you build. Key considerations:
- Prevailing wind direction — in Broken Arrow, wind typically comes from the south in summer and the north in winter; orient the fireplace opening perpendicular to prevailing wind to minimize smoke issues
- Distance from the house — keep wood-burning fireplaces at least 10 feet from the house structure; check local codes
- Setback from property lines — most Broken Arrow lots require 5–10 foot setbacks from property lines for permanent structures; HOA rules may be more restrictive
- View from inside the house — placing the fireplace where it’s visible from the kitchen or living room gives you enjoyment even when you’re not outside
Get a Free Outdoor Fireplace Consultation
VistaScapes has built outdoor fireplaces throughout Broken Arrow and northeast Oklahoma — wood-burning and gas, brick and stone, intimate and grand. We design and build every fireplace to last: proper engineering, quality materials, and craftsmanship that shows.
Call 918-779-1317 to schedule a free in-person consultation. We’ll look at your yard, discuss your vision, and show you options that work for your space and budget.
