• There are many ways to design an outdoor fireplace to fit your patio or deck.fireplace image by Joseph Pierce from Fotolia.com
  
  Outdoor fireplaces can add design and warmth to decks, patios and back yards. They may serve as the design focal point or as a complementary background feature. Homeowners may choose from a wide variety of outdoor fireplace designs and materials. If you are planning to add an outdoor fireplace to your house or porch, there are several different types available to meet your décor and budget needs.
  
  

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces

• Portable outdoor fireplaces are fireplaces, firepits or chimineas that give the homeowner positioning options. They can be moved around the patio or deck to fit the specific day or evening's needs. For example, on a cold night, the portable fireplace may be set up close to the patio table and guests. Some of these types of outdoor fireplaces even come in table designs and are used for marshmallow or hot dog grilling. Portable fireplaces come in a wide variety of styles and prices and are usually available at hardware stores and retailers that sell outdoor furniture.
  
  

Permanent Outdoor Fireplaces

• Some people who have large design budgets choose to build a permanent outdoor fireplace that serves as a focal point of their patio or deck. These types of fireplaces are also added next to designer swimming pools and in-ground hot tubs. According to the Firepit and Grilling Guru website, permanent outdoor fireplaces are typically similar to indoor fireplaces, as they are built out of brick or stone and have tall chimneys. Some of them are made out of stucco or other materials that complement the external design of the home. A permanent fireplace can be positioned next to the exterior wall of the home or as a stand-alone feature in the middle of the patio or next to a water feature. Some have designer grills and outdoor kitchens built-in next to them.
  
  

Materials and Design Ideas

• The majority of chimineas, or Mexican-style portable fireplaces, require natural firewood and come in several materials, such as metal, terra cotta and ceramic.
  
  Most portable and permanent outdoor fireplaces come in either wood or gas-burning models.
  
  Homeowners have more design choices when it comes to permanent outdoor fireplaces. According to the Remodeling Center, some homeowners install double-sided fireplaces that face both a pool feature and a sitting area. They may look rustic, with different-sized pebbles and stones to fit a country home, or they may be elegant, complete with a mantle, to fit more traditional-style homes.