Houston Outdoor Fireplaces
- Thousands of satisfied customers
- Local and family owned
- +15 years in business
- Licensed and insured
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Licensed & Insured Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Construction in Houston, TX
Thinking about adding real wood warmth to your patio or backyard? We build safe, beautiful masonry fireplaces that draft properly, stand up to Houston weather, and meet code. From engineered footings to chimney caps and spark arrestors, our team handles the details that protect your home and family.
With 15+ years in Houston neighborhoods, we know how permits, HOA rules, floodplain reviews, and burn-ban advisories affect design and use. Our NFI- and CSIA-certified pros use proven materials and methods for lasting results. Get an on-site consultation and a clear plan from design through inspection. Contact us for a free estimate for Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Construction Houston TX.
Why Our Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces Deliver Safety, Comfort, and Lasting Value
You want the ambiance of real flames without headaches - smoke roll-out, cracking masonry, or permit delays. Choosing professional Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Construction means the firebox is sized to draft, the chimney is built to code, and the finish matches your home. With our team, you’ll enjoy faster approvals, premium materials, and a fireplace designed for Houston’s climate, soil, and wind conditions.
Safety & Risk Elimination
Your family’s safety comes first. We build to NFPA 211 and IRC R1001, apply the 3-2-10 chimney rule, and set proper clearances to combustibles. Every chimney gets a stainless cap and spark arrestor (3/8"–1/2" mesh) to help contain embers. We advise on best-practice setbacks from the house, fencing, and pools (often 10–25 ft based on site and jurisdiction).
We also account for Harris County burn bans and TCEQ Outdoor Burning rules so you understand when and how your fireplace can be used. Example: a River Oaks project adjacent to a wood fence required an elevated chimney, deeper hearth, and ember screening to pass inspection and protect nearby surfaces.
Professional Results & Quality
Drafting depends on exact firebox, throat, and flue geometry. We build fireboxes with medium-duty firebrick in a tight herringbone pattern and parge smoke chambers with refractory mortar for smooth flow. Clay flue liners (ASTM C315) are sized and stacked with refractory joints for durability in Houston’s humidity.
On the exterior, we match Acme or Oldcastle brick or install hand-selected Austin limestone, ledgestone, or stucco. We use CMU cores (ASTM C90), steel angle lintels, and Type S/Type N mortars for strength. A formed, waterproof crown with drip edges and counterflashing sheds water and helps prevent staining and leaks.
Time & Stress Savings
Permits and approvals can stall projects for weeks. We prepare permit-ready drawings, coordinate with the Houston Permitting Center Residential One-Stop, and submit HOA architectural packages when needed. If you’re in a floodplain (Chapter 19), we help assemble floodplain documentation and site plans to keep things moving.
On-site, our crew uses laser levels, scaffolding, HEPA dust-control vacs (for silica compliance), and weather protection to work cleanly and efficiently. You won’t wrangle multiple trades - we coordinate masonry, gas log lighters (licensed plumber), and any electrical tie-ins (TDLR-licensed).
Cost-Effective Solution
DIY or inexperienced builds often lead to smoke spillage, cracking, or water intrusion - repairs can exceed original cost. Our engineered footings suit Houston soils, reducing settlement and cracking. Correct throat and flue sizing minimizes smoke roll-out that can stain stone and furniture.
We prevent rework by doing it right the first time: proper base compaction, #4/#5 rebar, counterflashing at roof penetrations, and detailed caps. We include demolition and haul-off, and we can add a gas log lighter for easy starts without kindling waste.
Peace of Mind & Warranty
We’re fully insured, and our team carries NFI Woodburning Specialist and CSIA certifications. You get a written workmanship warranty plus manufacturer warranties on caps and components. We recommend annual NFPA 211 chimney inspections and can schedule sweeping as needed.
From Memorial to The Heights, our projects pass inspection and perform. You’ll enjoy a fireplace that lights easily, drafts cleanly, and endures Houston’s heat, rain, and coastal winds with minimal maintenance.
How Our Fireplace Construction Process Works
We make the experience clear and stress-free, from your first idea to your first fire. Our certified team handles design, permitting, construction, and final walk-through.
- On-Site Consultation – We assess space, setbacks, wind, utilities, and your design goals; then share options and code considerations.
- Design & Permit-Ready Drawings – We create layouts, elevations, and specifications for HOA and City of Houston/Harris County submittals.
- Fixed-Price Proposal – You receive a detailed scope, materials, schedule, and firm price - no surprises.
- Construction – Engineered footing, masonry, flue, cap, and finishes built to NFPA 211 and IRC R1001, with daily cleanup.
- Final Walk-Through – We review operation, maintenance, and warranty, and schedule your first chimney inspection plan.
Why Choose Us for Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Construction in Houston
At Houston Outdoor Fireplaces, we specialize in masonry fireplaces built for performance and longevity. With 15+ years of local experience and thousands of successful projects, we pair certified expertise with Houston-specific code knowledge. If you’re comparing providers of Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Construction Houston TX, our process, credentials, and results set us apart.
Certified Fireplace & Masonry Expertise
Our team includes NFI Woodburning Specialists and CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. We’re active with HPBA, Texas Masonry Council, and the Greater Houston Builders Association, staying current on best practices and code updates. That means your fireplace is built to draft, disperse heat safely, and resist moisture intrusion.
We use industry standards such as NFPA 211, IRC R1001, and ASTM specs for firebrick, mortars, CMU, and clay liners. Every detail - from smoke chamber parging to flue sizing - is managed with performance in mind.
Permitting, Code, and HOA Navigation
We handle City of Houston building permits (Residential One-Stop), Harris County permits for unincorporated areas, and HOA architectural submittals. In mapped floodplains (Zones A/AE/VE), we prepare documentation for Floodplain Development Permits under Chapter 19.
We also guide you on TCEQ Outdoor Burning rules and Harris County burn bans. Whether it’s setback best practices, spark arrestor mesh sizing, or 3-2-10 chimney height compliance, we streamline approvals and inspections.
Built for Houston Climate & Soils
Houston’s expansive clays and heavy rains demand engineered solutions. We size footings to soil bearing capacity, reinforce with #4/#5 rebar, and include weeps, crowns, and flashing for water control. For patio-cover penetrations, we coordinate structural details and install counterflashing to keep roofs dry.
Coastal wind zones call for added bracing on tall chimneys. We factor wind loads, integrate veneer anchors, and use corrosion-resistant flashing systems suited to Gulf humidity.
Materials, Tools, and Workmanship Standards
We build with medium-duty firebrick, refractory mortar (ASTM C199/C270), clay flue liners (ASTM C315), and CMU cores (ASTM C90). Exteriors include Austin limestone, Acme/Oldcastle brick, cast-stone mantels, flagstone caps, and stucco finishes. Stainless chimney caps, spark arrestors, and drip-edge detailing complete the assembly.
Our crews use laser levels, wet saws, rebar benders, scaffolding, and HEPA dust-control vacs to maintain precision and cleanliness. Temporary weather protection keeps projects on schedule during summer storms.
Customer-First Process & Guarantees
Expect proactive communication, organized scheduling, and daily site cleanup. We offer clear timelines, permit updates, and a written workmanship warranty. After completion, we provide an owner’s guide, fuel recommendations (post oak, pecan, hickory), and set up your first NFPA 211 inspection plan.
From West University to Cypress, our clients appreciate fireplaces that look right, light easily, and last.
Proven Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Construction Backed by Local Experience
We design and build wood-burning masonry fireplaces across the Greater Houston area - Memorial, River Oaks, The Heights, Bellaire, Katy, Sugar Land, and beyond. Our portfolio ranges from rustic Austin stone to modern stucco-clad designs matched to the home’s architecture. If you’re searching for Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Construction Houston TX, our proven methods deliver reliable draft and beautiful finishes in neighborhoods from 77024 and 77056 to 77494.
Types of Projects We Handle
We build stand-alone backyard fireplaces, see-through/double-sided units for large patios, corner or linear fireplaces to maximize space, and models with integrated seating walls. Want more? We can add wood storage niches, a TV recess with heat deflector, or a pizza oven combo for entertaining.
For covered patios, we frame a chimney chase through the roof with proper clearances, firestop details, and flashing. Poolside builds receive non-slip hearth detailing and corrosion-resistant components.
Our Proven Process & Methods
We start with engineered footings sized to soil capacity and compacted bases. Fireboxes are laid in herringbone firebrick with precise throat and damper dimensions. Smoke chambers are parged smooth with refractory mortar to enhance draw and reduce turbulence.
We apply the 3-2-10 chimney rule, install clay liners with refractory joints, and cap with stainless assemblies that include spark arrestors. Veneer is anchored and tied to cores, and crowns are detailed with drip edges and waterproofing to protect the masonry.
Complex Situations We’ve Mastered
Chimney through a patio cover? We coordinate structure, counterflashing, and water management to keep your roof dry. Tight setbacks or nearby rooflines? We tune chimney height, lay out safe clearances, and recommend screens or doors to control embers.
Recent examples: a see-through fireplace in Spring Branch (2024) that required wind-load bracing for a tall stack; a floodplain build in Meyerland (2023) permitted with mitigation details; and a brick-match project in Westchase (2024) using Acme brick to mirror the home facade.
Results You Can Expect
Most projects run 2–4 weeks after permit release, depending on complexity and weather. You’ll get a fireplace that lights easily, drafts cleanly, and resists water intrusion. We wrap up with a detailed walkthrough, care tips, and scheduling for annual inspections and chimney sweeping.
The outcome: a safe, gorgeous focal point that adds year-round enjoyment and market appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fireplace in Houston?
Most masonry outdoor fireplaces in the City of Houston require a building permit, and projects under a patio cover may trigger additional reviews. We prepare permit-ready drawings and submit through the Houston Permitting Center’s Residential One-Stop. In unincorporated areas, Harris County permits may apply. If your property lies in a mapped floodplain, a Floodplain Development Permit (Chapter 19) can also be required. We handle the process and coordinate inspections for a smooth approval.
How much does a custom wood-burning outdoor fireplace cost in Houston?
Typical projects start around the mid–$8,000s to $15,000+ for a stand-alone masonry fireplace with brick or stone veneer. Complexity, chimney height, finishes (Austin limestone, cast stone, stucco), gas log lighters, and roof penetrations can increase cost. Permit fees, HOA submittals, and floodplain documentation are separate. After an on-site visit, we provide a fixed-price proposal detailing materials, timeline, and scope so you know exactly what’s included.
How long does outdoor fireplace construction take?
After design and permit release, most builds take 2–4 weeks, depending on size, chimney height, veneer selection, and weather. Covered-patio penetrations or double-sided fireplaces can add time for framing, flashing, and inspections. We provide a realistic schedule up front, protect the jobsite with weather shields as needed, and keep you updated until final walkthrough and lighting tutorial.
Can a wood-burning fireplace go under a covered patio?
Yes, with proper clearances, firestopping, and a chimney that extends above the roof per the 3-2-10 rule. We frame the chase, install liners, add counterflashing, and parge the smoke chamber to improve draft. We also verify structural considerations and coordinate with HOA and city inspectors. A screen or doors may be recommended to control embers in breezy conditions common to Houston.
What maintenance does a wood-burning outdoor fireplace require?
Annual NFPA 211 inspections and periodic chimney sweeping are recommended, especially with frequent use. We check caps, spark arrestors, mortar joints, and crowns for weathering. Keep the firebox clean, burn seasoned hardwood (post oak, pecan, hickory), and avoid treated lumber. If you notice smoke roll-out, staining, or loose brick, schedule a service visit - minor repairs like crown sealing or joint tuckpointing prevent bigger issues.
What materials are best for Houston’s climate (stone vs. brick vs. stucco)?
All three can perform well when built correctly. Brick (Acme/Oldcastle) offers durability and easy color matching to the home. Austin limestone delivers a classic Texas look; we seal and detail drip edges to manage moisture. Stucco provides a clean, modern profile and pairs well with cast-stone accents. The key is a proper crown, flashing, and weeps to handle Gulf humidity and heavy rain.
Do you handle HOA approvals and city permits?
Yes. We prepare architectural submittals for HOA review and manage City of Houston or Harris County permitting. For floodplains, we assist with Floodplain Development Permit documentation. Our permit-ready drawings include plan, elevation, sections, specs, and code notes, helping shorten review cycles and reduce revision requests.
Do you install chimney caps and spark arrestors?
Absolutely. Every build includes a stainless-steel chimney cap with integrated spark arrestor. We typically recommend 3/8–1/2 inch mesh to help contain embers while allowing adequate airflow. Caps also keep rain and debris out, protecting the flue and improving longevity. If you have an existing fireplace, we can retrofit caps, dampers, and screens as part of a safety upgrade.
What is the 3-2-10 chimney rule and why does it matter?
The 3-2-10 rule requires the chimney to extend at least 3 feet above the roof penetration and 2 feet higher than any roof surface within 10 feet. It’s critical for proper draft and to reduce fire risk to nearby roof materials. We apply this rule to outdoor fireplaces, especially under patio covers, to help ensure reliable performance and code compliance.
How far from my house or pool should an outdoor fireplace be?
Setbacks vary by jurisdiction and site conditions, but 10–25 feet from structures and pools is common practice. We evaluate wind patterns, overhead hazards, utilities, and HOA guidelines before recommending a safe location. During consultation, we’ll confirm clearance requirements, plan hearth protection, and propose screening or doors if the fireplace will face prevailing winds.
Do I need a Floodplain Development Permit in Zone A/AE?
Possibly. In mapped flood zones within the City of Houston, outdoor fireplace structures can trigger a Floodplain Development Permit under Chapter 19. We review your address, check FEMA and city maps, and include any required elevation, anchoring, or mitigation details in the permit set. Our team coordinates with HPW to avoid delays.
Will Harris County burn bans restrict using my wood-burning outdoor fireplace?
Yes, temporary burn bans or air-quality advisories can limit outdoor wood burning. We advise clients to check Harris County and TCEQ updates before use. Your fireplace will remain compliant, but operation may be restricted during specific periods. We can also discuss low-smoke hardwoods and adding a gas log lighter for easier, cleaner starts.