Masonry fireplaces are considered more durable than those made of cast iron, brass, or aluminum. Cast iron can rust. Brass can crack. Aluminum can cause serious health problems. Common masonry materials include bricks, different kinds of stones like marble, travertine, sandstone, slate, granite, or limestone, and concrete blocks. This wide range of options allows you to create your own unique custom design. These materials are bound together by mortar for a highly durable rust-free construction.

In addition to its durability, outdoor masonry fireplaces can give a rustic, old-world charm to any backyard, garden, or patio. With a fire flickering and crackling in it, the feeling of being transported into an earlier time is complete. It is sure to enhance any gathering of your family and friends in your backyard, even during chilly autumn or even frosty winter nights.

Outdoor masonry fireplaces can be as simple as a fire pit dug into the ground, or as elaborate as one with an overmantel of finely wrought brass or iron. They can either be freestanding or integrated into a building structure. Basically, they consist of a footing, firebox, and a chimney. The footing supports the structure, the firebox is the chamber where the fire burns, and the chimney gathers the smoke and hot gases away from the firebox.

Since outdoor masonry fireplaces are permanent structures, care must be taken before you actually start building one. You have to plan where you want it installed, choose which type of bricks or stone you want, determine how big or small you want it to be, and draw up a design to suit your tastes. Depending on the design and size you want, you may need to hire a contractor to do the job. If you are confident, however, that you have enough skills to build it yourself, there are a lot of guides available on the Internet.

Should you opt to construct your own outdoor masonry fireplace, you will need to research local ordinances governing the building of outdoor fireplaces. The authorities sometimes require specific distances from buildings, chimney height, or even fuel type. Some localities prohibit wood-burning fireplaces because of the danger of floating embers causing accidental fires. In addition to this, they also pollute the air. When choosing the location, be sure there are no branches or wires hanging overhead. It would also help to have a ready source of water near by in case of any fire emergency.