Do you love spending time on your screened porch, but wish you could utilize the space even when the weather turns cool? Adding an indoor/outdoor fireplace allows you to enjoy your porch long after summer ends.
Fireplaces extend porch season by providing warmth on crisp evenings. They also add ambiance and a cozy feel to transform the area into a true four-season room.
Types of Fireplaces for Screened Porches
If you’re considering adding a fireplace to your screened porch, you first need to decide which type makes the most sense for your goals, climate and budget.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces powered by logs offer a classic, nostalgic feel with the sight and sound of a real crackling fire. Units are typically masonry construction with decorative facades in stone, brick or other materials to match your porch aesthetic.
Wood-burning fireplaces require proper ventilation, generally via a chimney, to guide smoke and emissions outdoors. Installation costs tend to be higher compared to gas options.
Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces offer convenience, control and flexibility for screened porch installations. Units can burn natural gas or propane fuel. With the flip of a switch or turn of a knob, you can adjust flame height and heat output.
Gas fireplace installations have lower costs than wood-burning masonry construction. Energy-efficient models with high efficiency ratings are also available to help reduce your utility expenses.
Fireplace Placement Considerations
One decision in adding a fireplace to your screened porch is determining the ideal positioning.
- A central fireplace creates an intimate area for sitting around the warmth and chatting with family and friends.
- Tucking the fireplace into a corner saves space for furniture arrangements and traffic flow.
- Consider sightlines from porch seating areas so the fireplace can be enjoyed from multiple vantage points.
Design Factors for Porch Fireplaces
Materials
Fireplaces come in a wide range of housing materials, fuel types and design options to match your screened porch style.
| Housing | Stone, brick metal and more |
| Fuel | Natural gas, propane, wood |
| Decor | Log sets, glass crystals, glowing embers |
Energy Efficiency
To help reduce your environmental impact and utility expenses, look for energy-efficient fireplace models with features like:
- Advanced burner systems to lower emissions
- Added insulation behind firebox
- Glass doors , fans and thermostatic control to reduce heat loss
These measures enhance efficiency so less fuel is wasted heating the outdoors.
Smart Home Integration
Modern advancements even allow you to integrate your screened porch fireplace into an automated smart home system. With app and voice control, you can conveniently:
- Adjust temperature settings
- Turn the fire on/off remotely
- Set custom schedules and scenes
Upgrades like these make enjoying your outdoor fireplace simpler than ever!
Adding a fireplace will increase your screened porch project budget to some degree. Gas appliances have lower install costs than wood-burning masonry construction. Operation expenses also vary depending on features and fuel efficiency.
While upfront pricing is a factor, also consider the value an outdoor fireplace delivers in expanded seasons of enjoyment. For many homeowners, the ability to use their porch year-round makes the investment worthwhile.
