Why DIY Outdoor Fireplaces Often Cost More Than You Think

...and why a prefab Trendz fireplace might just be the smarter choice.

Dreaming of transforming your backyard into the ultimate hangout spot with a fire as the centrepiece? You're not alone. Outdoor fireplaces are one of the most sought-after features for modern Australian backyards. And with inspiration everywhere, from Pinterest to DIY blogs, it’s tempting to take on the build yourself or hire a local tradie to piece something together. 

But before you get too deep into concrete pours and chimney angles, it’s worth asking: 

Is DIY really the cost-saving solution it promises to be? 

Let’s unpack the reality, using a recent real-life DIY example as a case study, and explain why a prefab Trendz fireplaces often ends up being the smarter investment. 

The $1,300 Fireplace That Took a Week (and Much More) 

In a popular U.S. blog, one couple documented their backyard fireplace build, spending over a week constructing it from scratch. Inspired by board-formed concrete designs, they handled everything themselves: digging and pouring the foundation, constructing the fireproof surround, building a timber frame, installing the firebricks, adding a roof, and finishing it with cement board cladding. 

Their total spend? USD $1,300 (roughly AUD $2,000 at current exchange rates). But that was just for materials. The hidden costs and labour included: 

• Renting or buying tools 
• Purchasing fire-rated products 
• Managing permits and council compliance 
• Battling weather delays 
• Dozens of hardware runs 

And that doesn’t include the time, multiple full days (plus evenings) of hard physical work. 

Hidden Costs of DIY Outdoor Fireplaces 

At first glance, the DIY outdoor fireplace route seems budget friendly. But here’s what that view doesn’t account for: 

• Foundation Work: DIY projects still need a solid, level concrete base, and that’s no small job. Labour, prep time, and materials can easily chew through your outdoor fireplace budget before you’ve even stacked a block. 
• Tools and Materials: Unless you're already stocked with everything from a float to a masonry drill, you'll likely need to rent or buy equipment. Even “affordable” projects quickly stack up in cost. 
• Engineering and Safety:  Outdoor fireplace performance depends on precise flue dimensions and internal geometry. If the draw or heat output isn’t right, you may end up with a smoky mess, or worse, something unsafe that can invalidate countless hours of work . 
• Time: DIY takes time, often far more than expected. Add in weather delays, council requirements, and the learning curve of working with unfamiliar materials, and you may be months away from enjoying that first fire. 
  
• House resale: Often overlooked is the effect of a DIY outdoor fireplace on the resale value of a home. While an outdoor fireplace can add considerable value, a DIY fireplace can do the opposite if appropriate engineering, specifications and permits aren't obtained.

Trendz Prefab Fireplaces: Built Smart, Built to Last 

Instead of wrestling with plans, permits and pouring concrete, Trendz offers pre-engineered outdoor fireplaces that arrive ready to install in hours - not weeks. Here's what you get with a prefab Trendz outdoor fireplace: 

• Fully engineered and proven to perform in Australian conditions 
• Easy installation in as little as 30 minutes 
• Customisation options like plaster, stone, schist or board-form concrete finishes 
• Built-in safety and compliance with airflow, chimney/flue height, and heat protection already taken care of 
• Modern designs that instantly elevate any outdoor space and proven to add value to your property 

And most importantly? You get a focal point that works beautifully from day one, no trial and error needed. 

DIY Kit Options: A Middle Ground 

Still keen to DIY? We’ve got you. Trendz also offers: 

A bare concrete structure, starting from $6,995AUD (delivered to your closest depot), and yes, that price is including the 6mm Steel firebox. Then you or your builder can take care of the aesthetic; render, stone, schist to suit your backyard. 

This outdoor fireplace option still saves time, reduces risk, and give you confidence in the core structure, without compromising your creative vision. 

Make the Right Choice for Your Project 

A backyard outdoor fireplace is a big investment, not just in dollars, but in time, safety, and how your space functions for years to come. While DIY can be rewarding, it also comes with risks. Mistakes in chimney dimensions, structural integrity or fire safety can turn costly fast and might even affect your home’s resale value. 

With Trendz, you get architectural beauty, functional design, and peace of mind, all in one ready-to-go package. 

Explore our range of fireplaces today
and start building the kind of outdoor space that brings people together.