Boost Home Value with Stylish Outdoor Features
At Inspire Design & Build, we believe the best memories are made around the fire. With over 30 years of experience designing outdoor living spaces across Saint Louis and nearby areas, including Clayton, Maplewood, University City, Affton, Ferguson, and Richmond Heights, we bring craftsmanship, creativity, and comfort to every outdoor fireplace project. Whether you're imagining a rustic fire feature for quiet nights under the stars or a modern centerpiece for social gatherings, we’re here to bring that vision to life with timeless quality and design expertise.
We build custom outdoor fireplaces that are as durable as they are beautiful, using top-tier materials like natural stone, firebrick, pavers, and stucco.
Our fireplaces are designed to handle the changing Midwest climate while elevating your outdoor environment. We tailor each installation to your preferences, offering both wood-burning and gas options with features like built-in lighting, seating walls, and remote-control functionality.
Our process includes everything from initial site evaluation and 3D design concepts to permit coordination, foundation preparation, and final masonry work. Whether you’re adding a fireplace to a new patio or retrofitting it into an existing backyard layout, we deliver seamless integration and lasting performance. An outdoor fireplace adds more than just heat—it becomes a place to gather, relax, and create lasting memories. At Inspire Design & Build, we help you extend your lifestyle outdoors with custom fire features that reflect your taste and enhance your space. Let’s build something unforgettable—right in your own backyard.
Benefits of Professional Outdoor Fireplaces
Year-Round Outdoor Enjoyment
An outdoor fireplace allows you to enjoy your patio throughout the cooler months. It creates warmth and comfort during chilly Saint Louis evenings, extending the usability of your outdoor space well into fall and winter. Cozy nights and fresh air become part of your year-round routine.
Ambiance and Aesthetic Appeal
The glow of a real flame adds unmatched charm to any backyard. An outdoor fireplace creates a stunning visual centerpiece, enhancing your landscape’s design and mood. It adds a luxurious, inviting feel to your outdoor space, perfect for both relaxing and impressing guests.
Increased Property Value
Adding a fireplace is a smart investment in your home’s value. It boosts curb appeal, enhances outdoor functionality, and attracts potential buyers looking for unique amenities. A custom fireplace turns your yard into a standout feature, offering both beauty and market appeal.
Social Gathering Spot
Fireplaces bring people together. They create a natural gathering point for friends and family, ideal for celebrations, casual conversations, or late-night storytelling. From roasting marshmallows to enjoying a drink by the fire, it transforms your patio into a year-round social destination.
Design Versatility
We offer fireplaces in a wide range of styles and materials—from traditional brick to sleek contemporary stone. Whether you want rustic charm or modern elegance, we tailor each build to suit your taste, lifestyle, and existing outdoor decor for seamless visual integration.
Safe and Controlled Heat Source
Compared to open fire pits, fireplaces offer a more contained and wind-resistant flame. They’re safer for use near structures, plants, and seating areas. This makes them an excellent option for families and smaller yards where safety, control, and warmth are top priorities.
Our Outdoor Fireplaces Services
Custom Outdoor Fireplace Design
We design custom outdoor fireplaces tailored to your space and style. From selecting stone or brick to layout planning, we ensure every detail enhances your home’s aesthetic and outdoor living. The result is a one-of-a-kind fireplace that’s functional, beautiful, and perfectly integrated.
Gas Fireplace Installation
Our gas fireplace installations deliver instant ambiance with push-button ease. We manage everything from gas line hookups to venting systems, offering safe, efficient performance. Choose from modern or classic designs with remote control features, creating a maintenance-free, elegant centerpiece for your outdoor living space.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
We craft masonry wood-burning fireplaces using fire-rated brick and stone for lasting beauty and function. Perfect for those who love a traditional flame, these units offer rich sensory appeal with crackling sounds and natural aroma, bringing campfire charm right to your backyard.
Fireplace Integration with Patios
We seamlessly integrate fireplaces into new or existing patios, ensuring cohesive flow and visual balance. Whether it’s built into a seating wall, corner feature, or as a central focal point, our designs enhance functionality and elevate your outdoor living environment.
Chimney and Venting Solutions
Proper ventilation ensures safety and performance. We install durable chimneys and direct-vent systems suited to your fireplace style, optimizing smoke dispersal and air circulation while complying with local building codes. Each venting solution is designed for durability, safety, and architectural harmony.
Outdoor Fireplace Repair & Upgrades
We restore and modernize outdated or damaged fireplaces. Whether it’s cracked stone, outdated fuel types, or general wear, our repair and upgrade services improve safety, aesthetics, and performance, transforming your fireplace into a reliable and beautiful outdoor feature once again.
A Warm Investment in Outdoor Living
An outdoor fireplace is more than a stylish upgrade—it’s a long-term investment in warmth, beauty, and year-round outdoor enjoyment. At Inspire Design & Build, we specialize in crafting custom fireplaces for homeowners and property managers across Saint Louis, including areas like Maplewood, Affton, and University City. With over 30 years of experience, we bring precision, creativity, and local expertise to every build. Whether you envision a rustic wood-burning hearth or a sleek gas-powered centerpiece, we tailor the design to match your space and lifestyle. Our fireplaces extend your outdoor season, create natural gathering spots, and boost property value. With Inspire Design & Build, your backyard becomes a comfortable, welcoming extension of your home, designed for moments that matter.
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FAQ's
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fireplace?
Yes. Most cities in Saint Louis require a permit before building an outdoor fireplace. Our team takes care of all permitting, inspections, and paperwork. We ensure your fireplace meets local codes and fire safety regulations so that you can enjoy it with full peace of mind.
Which is better: gas or wood-burning?
Both options offer unique benefits. Gas fireplaces are convenient, low-maintenance, and clean-burning. Wood-burning fireplaces offer traditional warmth, aroma, and ambiance. We help you choose based on your lifestyle, how often you plan to use it, design preferences, and your outdoor space’s specific features and fuel availability.
How long does installation take?
Installation typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on complexity, size, material choice, and weather. If it’s part of a larger outdoor renovation, timelines may vary slightly. We provide a detailed project schedule in advance and communicate clearly throughout the build for transparency and efficiency.
Can I add a fireplace to an existing patio?
Yes, we can incorporate a fireplace into your current outdoor space. Our team evaluates your layout, ventilation options, and fuel access to ensure a safe, seamless upgrade. We ensure the new fireplace complements your existing design without needing a complete patio remodel.
Is maintenance required for outdoor fireplaces?
Yes. Gas fireplaces need occasional cleaning and component checks. Wood-burning fireplaces require ash removal, chimney cleaning, and brick inspection. We provide you with easy-to-follow maintenance tips and can offer seasonal servicing to ensure everything stays safe, functional, and visually appealing year after year.
What materials do you recommend?
We use fire-rated, durable materials such as natural stone, brick, stucco, and pavers. These are chosen based on your style preferences and how the fireplace integrates with your existing space. All materials are designed to handle heat, weather, and long-term exposure in Saint Louis’s changing climate.
Can I cook on my outdoor fireplace?
Yes, in some cases. Certain fireplace designs can include cooking features like hearth extensions, built-in grills, or rotisseries. If cooking is important to you, let us know early in the design process so we can integrate this functionality safely and effectively into the fireplace structure.
Is it safe to install near a home or structure?
Absolutely, when designed properly. We follow strict fire codes for safe distances from buildings, decks, or pergolas. Using fireproof materials and proper ventilation, we ensure your fireplace installation is safe and secure, even when installed near your home or other outdoor structures.