What if your patio or porch could become the best living space in your home? Done well, they can serve as more than mere extensions of our homes. While working to elevate your outdoor space, consider how the right outdoor fire and patio ideas can play a role in your entire environment. To share a bit of inspiration, we tapped the team at Deckorators to share popular products, contemporary design ideas, and architectural styles from real-life projects. While no two backyard remodels are alike, the following themes are on trend with homeowners who look to make the most of the fall outdoor season.
1. Create a Partially-Covered Retreat
A partial roof over a porch or covered patio helps a covered space remain light and airy, while providing necessary coverage during fall weather. The roofline, in combination with a stone fireplace, makes this outdoor living project a true year-round retreat.
“The stone fireplace is nestled into the outer corner of the deck, strategically framed with Deckorators Voyage decking featuring Surestone™ technology in Costa and Tundra to continue the design motif up from the floor boards," shares says Michelle Hendricks, Deckorators Category Marketing Manager. "Here, the fireplace serves as an anchor to center the cream-colored furniture—echoing the colors of the stone—and creates a cozy, intimate space to have conversation or watch the latest game."
2. Lean Into an Elevated Cabin Aesthetic
This project offers a more classic, traditional feel, and elements of the modern design would help any home feel like a cabin in the woods. "The stonework around the fireplace lends a hint of texture to the room, complemented by the timeless warmth of surrounding Deckorators Voyage decking featuring Surestone™ technology.," highlights Hendricks. "The blend of earthy, brown tones across the walls and flooring allows the lush greenery of the backyard oasis to take center stage."
3. Coordinate Materials For a Pared-Back Outdoor Fireplace
The exterior fireplace in this design is uniquely integrated as an understated addition rather than a focal point: It was wrapped with the same Deckorators decking material used for the flooring. The design team also highlights that this detail carries down to the addition of darker Picture Frame Board, which adds clean lines and a hint of contrast.
"This technique is used to maintain visual continuity and enhance the overall design," notes Hendricks. "Material uniformity creates a sense of tranquility in this space, allowing for a fluid transition between the fireplace seating area and the other zones on the deck."
She adds, "Additionally, the pared-back nature of the traditional fireplace enables the intricate privacy walls on either side to capture more visual attention, adding texture and definition."
4. Design a Distinctive Hardscape
This outdoor patio fire feature, set beyond the deck and away from the buzz of other outdoor activities in the backyard space, offers some peace and respite for homeowners and guests who prefer to step further away from the home. Strategically placed lower than the deck onto a ground-level hardscape, the outdoor fire pit serves to open up the outdoor space without blocking the view from the upper portion of the deck. Paver stones are great for homeowners looking to look beyond traditional design and create a rustic elegance. Whether you favor a wood-burning fire pit or gas fire pit table, there are a wide range of options for those willing to create an expansive hardscape for additional entertaining space in a backyard.
“Recessed outdoor lighting on the deck stairs supports a safe and smooth transition between zones, without diminishing the ambiance of the open flames," highlights Hendricks. "Additionally, built-in seating crafted using Deckorators decking—featuring stain-and fade-resistant cap stock with micro-embossing that reduces overall heat retention—adds a touch of functionality and style."
5. Upgrade Your Landscape Features
This project's outdoor stone fireplace feature, elegantly simple on its own, stands out thanks to the complex decking installation techniques used to highlight and frame it. "The sleek, monochrome, natural stone is brought to life with multicolored deck borders and a herringbone pattern, adding a sense of definition and luxury to the design," shares Hendricks. "Additionally, the dark Picture Frame Board echoes the dark geometric lines of the outdoor furniture adjacent from it."
Safety Tips
- Make sure the fire pit or fireplace is positioned away from flammable materials, such as wood railings or low-hanging branches.
- Install a fire-resistant mat beneath portable fire pits to protect your decking.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper ventilation.
- For gas or propane fire pits, regularly check for leaks or malfunctions to avoid hazards.
Which fire feature options are most eco-friendly?
Bioethanol and propane gas fire pits offer a clean burning, smoke-free fire and produce fewer emissions compared to traditional wood-burning options. Additionally, opt for fire features made from sustainable or recycled materials, and look for energy-efficient designs that maximize heat output while consuming minimal fuel.
Can you safely put a fire feature in a small space?
Of course, but be prepared to make some concessions. Compact designs like tabletop fire bowls or wall-mounted fireplaces work best in limited areas. Opt for designs that won't overwhelm the space, and focus on creating a cozy atmosphere with complementary casual seating and soft patio lighting.
