Outdoor Fireplaces & Kitchens

Why Outdoor Living Spaces Matter in Alaska

Alaska's summers are too special to spend entirely indoors. When you finally get warm weather and those incredibly long daylight hours, you want to be outside as much as possible. An outdoor fireplace or kitchen transforms your backyard from a space you look at into a space you actually live in.

Outdoor fireplaces extend your usable outdoor season significantly. Cool spring evenings and crisp fall nights become comfortable when you have a fire going. Your patio or deck stays warm enough to enjoy even when temperatures drop. We've built outdoor fireplaces throughout Anchorage that get used from April through October, adding months of enjoyment to backyards.

Outdoor kitchens change how you entertain and spend time with family. Instead of running back and forth between your indoor kitchen and backyard, everything you need is right there. You can grill, prep food, serve drinks, and socialize all in one space. Guests naturally gather around outdoor kitchens the same way they cluster in indoor kitchens. It becomes the heart of your outdoor entertaining area.

These features also significantly increase property values. Buyers see complete outdoor living spaces as major assets. They recognize the quality of masonry construction and know these features will provide decades of use. A well-designed outdoor fireplace or kitchen can return a substantial portion of its cost when you sell, while providing immense enjoyment in the meantime.

Outdoor Fireplace Design and Construction

Outdoor fireplaces range from simple fire pits to elaborate stone structures that rival indoor fireplaces. We help you design something that fits your space, budget, and how you actually use your yard.

Traditional Outdoor Fireplaces

These are full masonry structures with fireboxes, chimneys, and often built-in seating or storage. Natural stone construction creates stunning focal points that anchor your outdoor space. We build fireboxes sized appropriately for the space and designed to draw properly. Chimneys vent smoke up and away so you can enjoy the fire without getting smoked out. Many designs include side walls that provide wind protection and create cozy alcoves.

Fire Pits and Fire Features

Built-in fire pits offer more casual gathering spaces. We construct these with stone or brick walls in circular, square, or custom shapes. They sit lower than fireplaces and create intimate settings where everyone can see the fire and each other. Gas fire pits offer convenience with instant flames and no wood handling, while wood-burning pits provide traditional campfire experiences.

Outdoor Fireplaces with Pizza Ovens

Combining a fireplace with a wood-fired pizza oven creates the ultimate outdoor cooking and gathering space. The pizza oven becomes both functional cooking equipment and an attractive architectural element. These installations require specialized construction techniques to handle the high temperatures and proper venting, but the results are spectacular.

All our outdoor fireplaces are built with proper foundations, quality materials rated for exterior use, and attention to safety codes. We ensure adequate clearance from structures and combustible materials. Proper construction means your fireplace performs safely and reliably for decades.

Outdoor Kitchen Components and Design

Outdoor kitchens can be as simple or elaborate as you want. We design them based on how you cook and entertain. Here are the elements we commonly include:

• Built-in grills: We create masonry surrounds for gas or charcoal grills. Natural stone or brick counters provide prep space on both sides. Many designs include storage underneath for propane tanks, tools, and supplies.
• Countertops and prep areas: Granite, concrete, or tile countertops offer durable work surfaces. We design adequate counter space for food prep, serving, and staging. Outdoor-rated materials handle weather and temperature extremes.
• Sink stations: Running water outdoors is incredibly convenient. We plumb sinks with proper drainage and winter shutdown capabilities. This lets you wash vegetables, clean dishes, or just wash hands without going inside.
• Refrigeration: Outdoor-rated refrigerators or beverage coolers keep food and drinks cold right where you need them. Built-in units integrate seamlessly into masonry surrounds.
• Storage and cabinets: Weather-resistant cabinets store cooking equipment, serving pieces, and supplies. Proper storage keeps your outdoor kitchen organized and functional.
• Bar and seating areas: Counter-height bars with seating create casual dining spots. Guests can sit, eat, and chat with the cook without being in the way.

We design outdoor kitchens with Alaska's climate in mind. Materials need to withstand freeze-thaw cycles. Plumbing requires proper winterization. We orient kitchens to take advantage of views while providing some weather protection. The result is an outdoor kitchen that's beautiful, functional, and built to last.

Building Process and Material Selection

Creating outdoor fireplaces and kitchens requires skilled masonry work and careful planning. Here's how we approach these projects:

Design comes first. We visit your property to assess the site, discuss how you want to use the space, and understand your aesthetic preferences. We consider sun exposure, wind patterns, views, and how the outdoor space connects to your home. We create designs that work functionally while complementing your home's architecture.

Material selection affects both appearance and performance. Natural stone creates rustic, organic looks that blend with Alaska's landscape. Brick offers traditional warmth and formality. Concrete blocks provide modern, clean lines. We show you samples and discuss how different materials will look and age. For outdoor kitchens, we select countertops that handle weather exposure and food prep requirements.

Construction starts with substantial foundations. Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens are heavy structures that need support below the frost line. We excavate properly, install footings, and build bases that remain stable through freeze-thaw cycles. Cutting corners on foundations causes settling and structural problems later.

Then we build the masonry structures using proper techniques and quality materials. For fireplaces, we install fireboxes rated for outdoor use, ensure proper clearances, and build chimneys that draft correctly. For kitchens, we rough in plumbing and electrical before building masonry surrounds. We install equipment securely and create weathertight installations.

Throughout construction, we coordinate with other trades if needed for gas lines, plumbing, or electrical work. We handle permits and ensure everything meets building codes. When we're finished, you have a complete, functional outdoor living space ready to enjoy. These projects often integrate with our other work like masonry patios to create cohesive outdoor environments.

Frequently Asked Questions