Outdoor Fireplaces & Kitchens

Why Ann Arbor Homeowners Choose Outdoor Living Spaces

Your backyard has the potential to become so much more than just grass and trees. When you add a custom outdoor fireplace or kitchen, you create a true extension of your home where family and friends naturally gather. Here in Ann Arbor, we see homeowners using these spaces from spring through fall, and even on mild winter days when a crackling fire makes everything cozy.

An outdoor fireplace becomes the focal point of your yard. Picture yourself roasting marshmallows with the kids, or enjoying evening conversations with neighbors while the fire takes the chill off a cool Michigan evening. Add an outdoor kitchen to the mix, and suddenly you are grilling steaks, making pizzas in a wood-fired oven, or prepping vegetables without running back and forth to your indoor kitchen. These spaces genuinely change how you use your property.

We have built outdoor living spaces throughout Ann Arbor for over a decade. Every project starts with understanding how you want to use the space. Some families need a simple fireplace for ambiance. Others want a full kitchen with a grill station, sink, refrigerator, and pizza oven. We design and build everything from scratch, using quality materials that stand up to Michigan weather and look beautiful for years to come.

Building Outdoor Fireplaces That Last

A well-built outdoor fireplace needs proper foundation work, quality masonry materials, and attention to detail. We do not cut corners. Your fireplace starts with a solid concrete footing that goes below the frost line. This prevents settling and cracking when the ground freezes and thaws each year. From there, we build up using firebrick for the interior and your choice of stone, brick, or manufactured veneer for the exterior.

What Goes Into Your Outdoor Fireplace

• Engineered foundation designed for Michigan soil conditions and freeze-thaw cycles
• Refractory firebrick firebox rated for high temperatures and long-term use
• Properly sized chimney with cap to prevent water intrusion and improve draft
• Natural stone, brick, or cultured stone exterior matching your home and landscape
• Built-in seating walls or hearth areas for gathering around the fire

The chimney design matters more than most people realize. We size it correctly for the firebox opening and build it tall enough to create good draft. A proper cap keeps rain out while allowing smoke to escape freely. These details prevent smoking problems and keep your fireplace functioning perfectly season after season. Learn more about our brick restoration services that can also enhance your outdoor spaces.

Designing Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens range from basic grilling stations to elaborate cooking centers with every amenity. We help you figure out what makes sense for your property, budget, and cooking style. The key is creating a layout that flows naturally and puts everything within easy reach when you are cooking.

Most of our Ann Arbor clients start with a built-in grill and work surface. From there, you might add a sink with hot and cold water, storage cabinets, a refrigerator, or a wood-fired pizza oven. We build the base structure from concrete block and finish it with stone, brick, or stacked stone veneer to match your home. Countertops typically use granite, bluestone, or concrete for durability in all weather conditions.

The best outdoor kitchens include overhead coverage, either a pergola or roof structure. This lets you cook in light rain and provides some shade during hot summer days. We work with local contractors to add electrical service, gas lines, and plumbing as needed. Everything gets built to code with proper permits and inspections. Visit our main services page to see examples of our completed outdoor kitchen projects.

Frequently Asked Questions