Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for Ottawa Backyards | Design & Build Guide 2026
🔥 Quick Answer
A custom outdoor fireplace in Ottawa costs $6,000 to $20,000+ for a masonry build, or $1,500–$9,000 for a prefabricated kit. Important: in most urban Ottawa neighbourhoods, wood-burning backyard fireplaces are not permitted—natural gas and propane fireplaces are the best option and require no fire permit.
Prices reflect 2026 Ottawa-area rates for materials, masonry labour, gas line, and finishing.
There’s something irresistible about gathering around an outdoor fireplace on a crisp Ottawa evening—the warmth pushing back the chill, the soft glow lighting up your patio, and the feeling that your backyard has become a genuine year-round living space. In a city where winter arrives early and lingers late, a backyard fireplace doesn’t just look beautiful—it extends your outdoor season by weeks or even months.
But building a backyard fireplace in Ottawa isn’t as simple as stacking stone and striking a match. Between the City’s fire bylaws, fuel type restrictions, climate considerations, and the sheer range of design options available, there’s a lot to navigate before that first flame flickers to life.
At Ottawa Masonry, our masons have been designing and building custom backyard fireplaces across the Ottawa area for years. This guide covers everything—from design inspiration and material options to realistic costs and Ottawa-specific permit rules—so you can plan your backyard transformation with confidence.
Ottawa Fire Bylaws: What You Need to Know Before You Build
Before choosing a design or material, every Ottawa homeowner needs to understand the local fire regulations. The City of Ottawa’s Open Air Fire By-law (2004-163) governs what type of outdoor fire you can have and where.
⚠️ Critical Rule for Urban Ottawa Homeowners
Wood-burning backyard fireplaces are not permitted in most urban areas of Ottawa. Ottawa Fire Services classifies masonry and metal outdoor fireplaces that burn wood as open air burning. Use the City’s address look-up tool to check your property’s burn zone before planning any wood-burning feature.
Here’s the quick summary:
✅ No Permit Required
Natural gas, propane, or ethanol fireplaces and fire tables. ULC-approved outdoor cooking appliances. These are the best choice for urban Ottawa backyards.
⚡ Permit Required
Wood-burning fireplaces and campfires in eligible rural/suburban zones only. Annual Open Air Fire Permit ($15) from Ottawa Fire Services. 5-metre clearance from buildings, fences, and combustible material.
🚫 Not Permitted
Wood-burning backyard fireplaces and fire pits in most urban Ottawa neighbourhoods. Any open air fire during a fire ban declared by the Fire Chief.
💡 Best Practice: Even for gas and propane fireplaces that don’t require a fire permit, check with your homeowner’s insurance provider before installation. Permanent fire features may affect your coverage, and disclosing the installation ensures you’re fully protected.
8 Backyard Fireplace Design Ideas for Ottawa Homes
From rustic stone hearths to sleek modern installations, here are the most popular outdoor fireplace designs Ottawa homeowners are building in 2026:
1Full Masonry Stone Fireplace
The classic showpiece—a floor-to-chimney natural stone or stone veneer fireplace built from the ground up. Typically features a full masonry firebox, stone or brick chimney, stone hearth, and optional mantel. This is the ultimate focal point for an Ottawa patio. Cost: $8,000–$20,000+
2Gas Fireplace with Stone Surround
A gas fireplace insert housed within a custom stone or brick surround structure. No chimney required—vents directly through the back. Start it with a switch or remote, no smoke, no sparks, no permit needed in urban Ottawa. The most practical choice for city backyards. Cost: $4,000–$12,000
3Patio Fireplace + Kitchen Combo
Integrating a patio fireplace into a larger outdoor kitchen creates the ultimate entertaining space. Stone countertops, built-in grill, pizza oven, and a fireplace on the end wall—all clad in matching stone veneer for a cohesive look. Cost: $15,000–$40,000+
4Indoor-Outdoor (Two-Sided) Fireplace
Built into an exterior wall, this fireplace is visible and usable from both inside and outside your home. It’s a stunning architectural feature that bridges indoor and outdoor living spaces. Requires careful planning for insulation, flashing, and weather protection. Cost: $6,000–$15,000+
5Covered Patio Fireplace
A fireplace under a pergola, gazebo, or covered patio roof creates a true three-season room feel. The overhead structure protects furniture and guests from rain and snow while the fireplace provides warmth. Gas-fueled units are safest for covered installations. Cost: $5,000–$15,000 (fireplace only; structure extra)
6Modern Linear Fire Feature
A sleek, horizontal gas fireplace built into a low stone or concrete wall. The long, ribbon-like flame creates a contemporary aesthetic that pairs beautifully with modern Ottawa homes. Often integrated into a seating wall or retaining wall. Cost: $3,000–$10,000
7Fireplace with Built-In Seating
A stone fireplace flanked by curved or angled masonry seating walls—capped with flagstone or natural stone slabs. Creates an intimate gathering space without needing separate patio furniture. The seating walls double as retaining walls on sloped properties. Cost: $10,000–$25,000
8Prefab Kit with Custom Veneer Finish
The best-of-both-worlds option: a manufactured concrete framework (modular kit) finished with your choice of natural stone or manufactured stone veneer. The kit provides the structure; the veneer gives it a fully custom appearance. Saves significantly over a full masonry build. Cost: $3,000–$9,000
Let’s Design Your Dream Backyard Fireplace
Ottawa Masonry — Custom masonry fireplaces built for Ottawa’s climate.
📞 (613) 454-8186
How Much Does an Outdoor Fireplace Cost in Ottawa?
Your fireplace project budget depends on three main factors: whether you’re building custom or using a prefab kit, the materials used, and the fuel type. Here’s a comprehensive pricing overview for 2026:
Additional Costs to Factor In
Fuel Types: Gas, Propane, Wood & Electric Compared
Your choice of fuel affects cost, convenience, ambiance, and—critically in Ottawa—whether you need a fire permit:
Best Materials for Backyard Fireplaces in Ottawa
Ottawa’s freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and temperature extremes demand materials that can handle the punishment. Here’s what works best:
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Natural Stone
Granite, limestone, or Ontario fieldstone. Most durable, naturally frost-resistant, authentic character. Premium cost but lasts a lifetime.
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Firebrick + Brick
Firebrick lines the firebox; standard brick or brick veneer clads the exterior. Classic look, excellent heat tolerance.
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Manufactured Stone Veneer
Lightweight, realistic, cost-effective. Applied over a concrete or block structure. Ledgestone and stacked stone profiles are most popular for fireplaces.
How a Custom Backyard Fireplace Is Built
Here’s what the process looks like when our masons build a custom masonry fireplace from the ground up:
Design & Planning
On-site consultation to assess your yard, discuss your vision, choose materials, and determine fuel type. We verify setback requirements, check your property’s fire zone status, and plan the foundation location relative to your patio or outdoor living space.
Foundation & Footing
A reinforced concrete footing is poured below frost line (minimum 48 inches in Ottawa) to prevent shifting and settlement. The footing must support the significant weight of a masonry fireplace—often 2,000–5,000+ lbs.
Firebox & Chimney Construction
The firebox is built with firebrick and high-heat mortar. For wood-burning units, a full chimney with flue liner is constructed. Gas units use a pre-engineered vent system. The structure is framed with concrete block or steel studs.
Stone or Veneer Finishing
Natural stone, stone veneer, or brick is applied to the exterior structure—transforming the raw frame into a beautiful finished piece. Mantel, hearth cap, and decorative details are installed.
Gas Line, Testing & Cleanup
A licensed gas fitter connects the gas line. The system is pressure-tested for leaks. The fireplace is test-fired and adjusted for proper flame height. Landscaping is restored and the site is cleaned. Most projects are completed in 3–7 days depending on size and complexity.
How to Save on Your Backyard Fireplace Project
Choose a modular kit + custom veneer — You get the look of a fully custom fireplace at 40–60% less cost. The concrete framework does the structural work; stone veneer creates the finished appearance.
Go with natural gas over propane — If you already have a gas line to your home, extending it to the patio is significantly cheaper than installing a propane tank system.
Build during shoulder season — Booking in early spring (April–May) or late fall before the ground freezes often means faster scheduling and potentially lower quotes than peak summer months.
Bundle with patio or landscaping work — If you’re also installing a stamped concrete patio, retaining wall, or walkway, combining projects with one contractor saves mobilization and coordination costs.
Use manufactured stone veneer — Manufactured stone costs 40–60% less than natural stone but is nearly indistinguishable in appearance. Ideal for fireplace surrounds where durability matters more than the stone being “real.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Backyard Fireplaces in Ottawa
Can I build a wood-burning backyard fireplace in Ottawa?
Only if your property is in an eligible burn zone—primarily rural and some suburban areas. Most urban Ottawa neighbourhoods prohibit wood-burning backyard fireplaces under the Open Air Fire By-law. Use the City of Ottawa’s address look-up tool to check your zone. Gas and propane fireplaces are allowed everywhere without a fire permit.
How much does a custom backyard fireplace cost in Ottawa?
A custom masonry backyard fireplace costs $6,000–$20,000+ in Ottawa, depending on size, materials, and fuel type. Prefab kits with professional installation run $1,500–$9,000. A modular kit finished with stone veneer—the sweet spot for value—costs $3,000–$9,000.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor gas fireplace?
No. Natural gas, propane, and ethanol backyard fireplaces do not require a fire permit from Ottawa Fire Services. However, running a new gas line requires a gas permit and must be done by a licensed gas fitter (TSSA-certified in Ontario). If your fireplace involves a permanent masonry structure, check whether a building permit is needed.
How close can a backyard fireplace be to my house?
Ottawa’s by-law requires wood-burning backyard fireplaces to be at least 5 metres (about 16 feet) from any building, fence, hedge, overhead wiring, or combustible material. Gas fireplaces have more flexible placement options, but manufacturer specifications typically require a minimum 3-foot clearance from combustible surfaces. Always follow both municipal regulations and manufacturer guidelines.
Is a backyard fireplace a good investment?
Yes. Backyard fireplaces have an estimated ROI of approximately 56% at resale, and they extend your usable outdoor season by weeks in Ottawa’s climate. Beyond resale value, the lifestyle benefit—evening gatherings, three-season entertaining, and the ambiance of an outdoor flame—is what most homeowners value most.
What’s better — a backyard fireplace or a fire pit?
A fireplace directs heat in one direction, provides better wind protection, looks more architectural, and can be enjoyed closer to a covered patio. A fire pit provides 360-degree access and is generally more affordable ($500–$5,000 vs $3,000–$20,000+). For Ottawa’s windy conditions, a fireplace often provides a more comfortable experience. Many homeowners choose both — a fireplace near the main seating area and a fire pit in a secondary gathering spot.
What maintenance does a backyard fireplace require?
Gas fireplaces need annual inspection and cleaning of the burner, ignition system, and gas connections. Wood-burning fireplaces require annual chimney cleaning ($150–$375) and ash removal. All masonry fireplaces should be inspected each spring for cracked mortar, shifted stones, or frost damage—repairs are typically minor if caught early. Covering your fireplace during winter helps protect it from Ottawa’s heaviest freeze-thaw cycles.
Can I use my backyard fireplace year-round in Ottawa?
Gas and propane fireplaces can operate in any temperature and are perfect for three-season use (spring through late fall). They can technically be used in deep winter too, though most homeowners find it impractical below –15°C. The masonry structure itself is built to withstand Ottawa’s full temperature range, from +35°C summers to –30°C winters.
How long does it take to build a backyard fireplace?
A prefab kit can be installed in 1–2 days. A modular kit with stone veneer takes 3–5 days. A full custom masonry fireplace typically takes 5–10 days depending on size, complexity, and whether gas line work is included. Allow 2–4 weeks for the concrete footing to cure before masonry work begins.
Should I hire a mason or a landscaper for my backyard fireplace?
A mason. Backyard fireplaces involve masonry construction (footings, firebrick, chimney, stone finishing) that requires specialized skills and experience. Landscapers can handle the surrounding patio and plantings, but the fireplace itself should be built by a qualified masonry contractor. Gas line connections must be done by a TSSA-licensed gas fitter. At Ottawa Masonry, we coordinate with licensed gas fitters to deliver a complete, code-compliant installation.
Your Backyard Deserves a Fireplace
Ottawa Masonry — Custom backyard fireplaces designed and built for Ottawa’s climate.
Serving Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Nepean, Gatineau & surrounding areas.
📞 (613) 454-8186