Outdoor Fireplaces & Kitchens

An outdoor fireplace or kitchen changes how you use your backyard. Instead of just grass and a deck, you have a functional living area where you can cook, entertain, and relax. Imagine gathering around a warm fire on cool spring evenings, grilling dinner while friends relax nearby, or extending your entertaining season well into fall. These features turn your yard into a true extension of your home, adding both lifestyle value and significant resale value to your property.

Here in Springfield, our weather gives us plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor living. Spring and fall are perfect for cozy fires, and summer evenings are ideal for outdoor cooking and dining. A well-designed outdoor fireplace provides warmth and ambiance, creating a natural gathering spot for family and friends. An outdoor kitchen takes the mess and heat of cooking outside, which is especially welcome during hot summer months. Together, these features create a complete outdoor living experience.

At SFM Springfield Masonry, we design and build custom outdoor fireplaces and kitchens that match your style and meet your needs. We work with you to create a space that fits your property, your budget, and how you want to use it. From traditional brick fireplaces to contemporary stone designs, from basic grilling stations to fully equipped outdoor kitchens, we have the experience to bring your vision to life with quality materials and skilled craftsmanship.

Outdoor fireplaces come in many styles, each creating a different atmosphere and serving different purposes. Understanding your options helps you choose the right design for your space and how you plan to use it.

Traditional Masonry Fireplaces

A full masonry fireplace is a substantial structure built from brick or stone with a firebox, chimney, and often a mantel. These classic designs provide excellent heat output and create a dramatic focal point in your outdoor space. They work well for larger properties where you want a permanent, impressive feature. We build them with proper foundations, fireproof firebrick linings, and chimneys that draw properly for efficient, smoke-free operation. Our expertise in chimney construction ensures your outdoor fireplace functions safely and effectively.

Fire Pits

Fire pits offer a more casual, social atmosphere where everyone gathers in a circle around the flames. They can be built at ground level or raised, with simple ring designs or elaborate stone construction. Fire pits work well for roasting marshmallows, casual conversations, and creating a relaxed outdoor vibe. We build them with proper drainage and ventilation, and we can incorporate seating walls or built-in benches to maximize comfort and functionality.

Fireplace and Seating Combinations

Many homeowners choose to combine their fireplace with built-in seating walls, creating a complete outdoor room. The walls provide comfortable seating, help define the space, and can include storage underneath for firewood or cushions. This integrated approach creates a cohesive design that looks intentional and works beautifully. We can coordinate the fireplace design with retaining walls and other hardscaping for a unified outdoor living area.

Wood-Burning vs Gas

Wood-burning fireplaces provide authentic crackling fires and the traditional experience many people love. Gas fireplaces offer convenience with instant ignition and easy control, plus they produce no ash or smoke. Both have their advantages, and we can help you decide which makes more sense for your situation. We handle all aspects of installation including gas line connections when needed.

Popular features for outdoor fireplaces and fire pits:

• Built-in wood storage nooks or compartments
• Mantels for displaying decorations or holding drinks
• Integrated seating walls with caps for comfort
• Surrounding patios or paver areas for furniture placement
• Overhead structures for partial weather protection
• Ambient lighting built into walls or surroundings
• Custom stone or brick patterns matching your home
• Cooking grates or rotisserie attachments for fire pits

An outdoor kitchen can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Some homeowners start with just a grill station and add components over time. Others want a fully equipped kitchen with everything needed to prepare complete meals outside. We design outdoor kitchens to match your cooking style, entertaining needs, and budget.

The foundation of most outdoor kitchens is a quality built-in grill. We create masonry structures to house your grill, providing a permanent installation that looks professional and integrates with countertops and storage. Countertops give you work space for food prep, serving, and setting down plates and drinks. We typically use granite, concrete, or tile that can handle weather exposure and is easy to clean.

Storage is important in outdoor kitchens. Built-in cabinets or drawers keep cooking utensils, plates, and supplies close at hand and protected from weather. Refrigerators designed for outdoor use let you keep food and drinks cold right where you need them. Sinks make cleanup convenient without running back and forth to your indoor kitchen. Side burners expand your cooking options beyond the main grill.

We build the masonry structure that holds everything together, creating a cohesive design that looks built-in rather than thrown together. The materials we use typically match or complement your home's exterior, your patio, and other hardscaping elements. Whether you want traditional brick, natural stone, stucco, or a combination, we create outdoor kitchens that are both beautiful and functional. Proper design includes weather protection, drainage, and utilities run correctly for safety and code compliance.