Outdoor Fireplaces Get a Glow Up As A Key Outdoor Lounge Feature

A fire pit was extremely popular in 2020 and it continues to be in demand among homeowners. However, if we’re being honest, they don’t give off the same luxurious feel as say, an outdoor fireplace can. In fact, according to 65% of real estate agents who participated in HomeLight’s End of Year Report, there has been a significant demand for outdoor fireplaces, especially in the South Central part of the country. 

A whopping 69% of realtors in this region say their clients are keen on finding properties with an outdoor fireplace, and one realtor in Alabama in particular reported that she has many clients who love their outdoor fireplace because they can relax after work or gather around it to catch up with friends and family.

Which is better: wood-burning or gas-burning?

Are you thinking about doing some home improvements prior to selling your home? Maybe you just want to turn your hum-drum backyard into a backyard oasis that’s perfect for late night gabfests with the besties or have a romantic date with your favorite person. It doesn’t matter why you want an outdoor fireplace, what matters is the “what kind” of fireplace you should install. 

A wood-burning fireplace and a gas-burning fireplace both have their merits, but in terms of whether one is better than the other… Well it depends on your local ordinances. Gas-burning fireplaces are usually preferable because they don’t violate wood-burning (naturally) or air quality ordinances. However, sometimes people just prefer the crackle and sizzle that they can only get with a wood-burning fireplace. 

What is the ROI of installing an outdoor fireplace?

Usually when we’re planning what home improvements we’re willing to take on, we’ll factor in things like what needs to get done, how much it’ll cost, and how it’ll improve our lives. What we may not always take into consideration is whether it’ll be worth the investment when it comes time to put our homes on the market. 

Well, if you’re thinking about adding an outdoor fireplace to your “renovation wish list,” we have some great news! If you were to install an outdoor fireplace, you will add value to your property. The question is, how much? 

When you install a gas-burning outdoor fireplace, you’ll see a 72% value increase, going from $3,337 up to $5,753! If you’re in the Pacific region, you can see a 123% increase in value, going from $4,254 to $9,497! Not too shabby, right? 

We should take a moment and note that the ROI you can expect on your outdoor fireplace is dependent on how much money you’re spending - particularly on the custom work that needs to be done to make your outdoor fireplace a permanent structure - which can easily get as high as $20,000.

Is an outdoor fireplace right for you? 

We can’t think of anything more relaxing than sitting by a fire with the people you love, enjoying the cool air and a warm beverage. While you can definitely do this with your average fire pit, an outdoor fireplace just turns the wow-factor up to 100! 

Of course, installing an outdoor fireplace on your property is going to require a lot of work, planning, money and research. You have to make sure you follow the local code enforcement regulations so that you’re not slapped with any code violations at some point down the road. However, when you have everything in order and the project is complete, you’ll be glad that you made the investment!