The first thing to do before you think of building an outdoor fireplace is to find out the rules and regulations of your area, get the necessary permission and then start. There may be codes and permits, ordinances and licenses needed before you build an outdoor fireplace. You should also check your insurance policy to see whether it needs any changes. Also find out from your building inspector regarding the regulations of building an outdoor fireplace.
Once all this is done and cleared you need to find out a suitable place to build your outdoor fireplace. If you have a portable one, then there is no problem. But if you are planning on building a permanent outdoor fireplace then you have to select the best place. The fireplace has to be at a safe distance from your home, it should not be near any inflammable item. It should be on an even ground and should not have any underground wires or cables or pipes. There should not be any overhead hanging vines or branches of trees near the outdoor fireplace. If you are planning on using gas for igniting, you should have enough space to store the container or cylinder.
If you are thinking of building your outdoor fireplace on a patio or a deck, check whether it can support the fireplace. A wood patio or deck can pose a fire hazard so you may have to cover the area with a fireproof material. You can get a fire inspector to check all this and do not cut any corners while doing so or else you will land in trouble. While building an outdoor fireplace, you should be clear of your motive. Some people build outdoor fireplaces for ambience, for show and for such people a decorative one can be suitable. If it is only for heating purposes you can build an open pit fireplace. If it is to be used for cooking also, you have to think of the grill and the grate. If you are sure about what you want you can build an outdoor fireplace accordingly.
Keep in mind the architecture of your house and the decorating style when you build this one. And keep at least a three or four foot space between the seating area and the fire for safety.
