Outdoor Fireplace in Overland Park

In Kansas City, the temperature rarely rises above 50° in the winter months, making spending time outside less than ideal. When you invest in curating your dream screened-in patio in Overland Park, you deserve to enjoy it year-round.

At Shack Built, our design-build team considers your comfort when creating your outdoor space—functionality is just as important as aesthetics, not an afterthought. Here’s how to decide on the right heating solution for you and your family when building your outdoor living area, as figuring this out before starting construction is key.

→ Get the Full Guide to Preparing for a Deck Remodel in Overland Park

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

If you’re considering building a traditional wood-burning outdoor fireplace in Overland Park, there are a few things to think about. These fireplaces come with significant maintenance, requiring materials—and patience—to start a fire, stoking to keep it going, and regular cleaning.

It’s also crucial that you ensure the fire is completely out when you’re done using it. That being said, wood-burning fireplaces offer an irreplaceable ambiance through crackling sounds and smell, which is a pro for some and a con for others.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are a cleaner alternative to wood-burning fireplaces. Plus, they turn on instantly with the flick of a switch.

While they’re easier to install than wood fireplaces, they still require a gas line and proper ventilation. These are also great for staying warm, but can make you too warm in the summer months.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces create the illusion of flames—using water vapor and light—with some generating heat through electricity and others designed solely for aesthetic purposes.

Most modern fire pieces you see at restaurants and hotels that look like stone structures with a thin line of “fire” are electric fireplaces, which are safe to the touch and produce no sound, smell, or emissions. These also turn on instantly and are easy to install, as they simply need somewhere to plug in.

Electric Heaters

If you’re solely interested in warming your space, electric heaters are the most cost-effective solution, as they don’t require extensive electrical work, a gas supply, or a structure to be built around them. These heaters also take up less space than fireplaces, making them ideal for smaller spaces and safer for families with children or pets.

Emitting invisible infrared rays, these electric radiant heaters use less electricity than conventional air-forced heaters, making them more energy efficient while also getting warmer faster. We’ll help you find the optimal location to install your heaters, whether it be above the door to your patio or mounted up on a wall, as we did for this award-winning covered porch in Overland Park.

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space

At Shack Built, we’re not just invested in making your space beautiful, but also making it make sense for you and your family so you can enjoy it for years to come. We specialize in exterior home design in Leawood, offering a wide range of custom solutions for outdoor remodeling that make your home yours.