Precision-engineered masonry fire features designed for safety, thermal durability, and long-term structural integrity.
Custom Outdoor Fire Pits & Fireplaces Built for Year-Round Use
A custom fire feature is the architectural centerpiece of an outdoor living space, but its beauty must be matched by its build quality. Standard masonry often fails under repeated thermal expansion, leading to cracking, shifting, and long-term safety concerns. At Main Line Hardscapes, we take an engineering-first approach—using refractory firebrick linings, reinforced masonry cores, and frost-depth foundations to build fire pits and fireplaces that perform reliably year after year. Whether it’s a formal wood-burning fireplace or a gas-fed fire feature, every fireplace we build is designed for durability, safety, and seamless integration into your landscape.
Fire Feature Construction Done the Right Way
Built to manage heat, weight, and seasonal movement — not just look good on day one
- Refractory Firebrick Linings: Open flames should never come into direct contact with decorative stone. Every fire pit and fireplace we build is lined with industrial-grade refractory firebrick and high-heat mortar. This internal thermal barrier absorbs extreme temperatures, protecting the exterior masonry from cracking, spalling, and long-term heat damage.
- Frost-Depth Reinforced Foundations: Masonry fire features carry significant weight and are exposed to constant thermal stress. We install reinforced concrete footings that extend below Pennsylvania’s frost line to prevent winter heaving, settling, or tilting—ensuring your fire feature remains level, stable, and structurally sound for decades.
- Ventilation, Drafting & Safety: Proper airflow is the most critical technical component of any fire feature. Whether you choose a wood-burning or gas-fed system, we prioritize precision engineering to ensure smoke and heat are diverted correctly through optimized drafting and ventilation pathways. For gas-fed features, we focus on integrated airflow designs to prevent heat buildup and ensure all clearances meet local safety codes and performance standards.
Our Fire Features Design & Build Process
A clear, professional process designed to deliver safe, lasting results.
01
Site Evaluation & Planning
We begin with an on-site consultation to evaluate placement, clearances, prevailing wind, and fuel access. This allows us to determine whether a gas or wood-burning fire feature is appropriate and ensures all safety and code requirements are addressed.
02
Design & Material
Once the layout is confirmed, we finalize the fire feature design, material selections, and internal engineering details. This includes thermal linings, foundation requirements, ventilation planning, and—when applicable—gas line routing and ignition systems.
03
Precision Installation
Construction starts with excavation and reinforced footing installation below the frost line. We then build the masonry structure, install refractory linings, integrate burners or fireboxes, and complete all connections with careful attention.
04
Final Inspection
Before completion, we test all gas systems, draft performance, and safety clearances. We walk you through proper operation and maintenance, ensuring your fire feature is fully functional, safe to use, and ready to enjoy immediately and for generations.
Fire Feature Design Options
Purpose-built fire features designed around how you use your outdoor space
Our approach to fire feature design is centered on providing practical, high-impact solutions that fit your goals and budget. Our experience in building these structures helps guide our clients toward finding the aesthetic they want, coupled with materials and finishes that are engineered to withstand high heat and Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles. Whether you are looking for a brand-new build or want to modernize what you already have, we offer efficient systems that deliver professional results without unnecessary costs.
Fireplace Restoration & Veneer Upgrades
Beyond new construction, we specialize in upgrading veneers on existing fireplaces, both indoors and out. This is a highly effective way to transform an outdated brick or concrete fireplace into a modern masterpiece without a full teardown. Using premium natural stone or architectural veneers, we can provide a high-end “facelift” that breathes new life into your living space and increases your home’s value.
Built-In Masonry Fireplaces
A full-height architectural focal point that delivers warmth, wind protection, and strong visual presence. Masonry fireplaces are ideal for structured outdoor living areas where permanence, scale, and long-term performance matter.
Best for: Formal patios, outdoor living rooms, estate-style layouts
Fuel options: Wood-burning or gas
Custom Fire Pits
Designed for social gathering and 360-degree seating, fire pits create a natural centerpiece within patios and courtyards. We build both raised and flush designs using materials that match surrounding hardscaping for a cohesive look.
Best for: Social spaces, backyard patios, casual gathering areas
Fuel options: Gas or wood
Modern Fire Tables
Low-profile and contemporary, fire tables provide warmth without overpowering the space. Often gas-powered, they work especially well in modern landscapes or tighter layouts where simplicity and clean lines are key.
Best for: Smaller patios, modern designs, lounge-style seating
Fuel options: Gas
Integrated Fire Features
Fire elements built directly into seating walls, retaining walls, or outdoor kitchens. These designs maximize space efficiency while creating a seamless, built-in appearance across your entire outdoor living area.
Best for: Multi-use spaces, custom outdoor kitchens, cohesive hardscape layouts
Fuel options: Gas (most common)
Materials & Fire Types Built for Extreme Heat
Every component is selected for thermal resistance, safety, and long-term performance
Fire features are exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, and seasonal movement. We use purpose-built materials and proven fire systems designed to perform reliably in Pennsylvania’s climate—without cracking, shifting, or premature failure.
Refractory Firebrick & High-Heat Liners
All fire pits and fireplaces are lined with industrial-grade refractory firebrick and high-temperature mortar. These materials are specifically designed to withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles while protecting the surrounding masonry from thermal shock.
Why it matters: Prevents cracking, spalling, and heat-related structural failure.
Gas vs. Wood-Burning Fire Features
Both fuel types offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on how you plan to use the space.
Gas Fire Features: Clean-burning, easy to operate, and ideal for frequent use. Gas systems allow for instant ignition, adjustable flame control, and minimal maintenance.
Wood-Burning Fire Features: Traditional and atmospheric, offering natural flame and heat output. These require proper drafting, clearances, and ash management.
We evaluate site conditions, usage preferences, and safety requirements to determine the appropriate system for your project.
Structural Masonry Cores
Fire features require more than surface-level stone. We construct reinforced masonry or concrete masonry unit (CMU) cores to support weight, manage heat, and prevent long-term movement.
Why it matters: Provides structural stability and ensures the fire feature behaves as a permanent structure—not a decorative add-on.
Exterior Stone & Finish Materials
Our experience and knowledge in building these structures helps guide our clients to finding the aesthetic they want, coupled with materials or finishes that are made to withstand the specific conditions they will encounter. Whether it’s the intense internal heat of the firebox or the external freeze-thaw cycles and weather of the Main Line, we help you choose the right natural stone, brick, or veneer to ensure your investment lasts.
Why it matters: By matching the right material to the specific environment, we ensure your fire feature maintains its appearance and structural performance year after year without cracking or discoloration.
Our recent Projects
Real installations showcasing our approach to durability, detail, and long-term performance.
These projects highlight how proper planning, material selection, and installation come together in real-world conditions. Each fire feature is built to last for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fire pit or fireplace on the Main Line?
In most cases, yes. Townships such as Radnor, Tredyffrin, and Lower Merion have specific setback, safety, and construction requirements for permanent fire features. Gas-powered systems typically require a mechanical permit to ensure proper installation and pressure testing. During the planning phase, we account for local codes and coordinate inspections as required.
How do you prevent fire pit stone from cracking over time?
Most fire pits fail due to thermal shock—when standard stone is exposed to extreme heat too quickly. We prevent this by installing refractory firebrick linings and high-heat mortar inside every fire feature. This internal thermal barrier protects the exterior stone from cracking, spalling, and long-term heat damage.
What materials work best for fire features in Southeastern Pennsylvania?
For this region, we recommend natural stone such as Pennsylvania Bluestone or Fieldstone, along with high-quality architectural masonry materials. These options perform well through repeated freeze-thaw cycles and high heat exposure. All fire features are capped with heat-safe stone to ensure durability and user safety.
Can a fire pit be installed on an existing patio?
Sometimes. A masonry fire feature adds significant weight and heat stress. If the existing patio was not built with a reinforced sub-base, it may not be suitable. During the site evaluation, we assess the existing construction and determine whether reinforcement or a dedicated frost-depth footing is required.
Is gas or wood better for a fire feature in the Main Line area?
Both options are popular, depending on how the space will be used. Gas fire features offer convenience, clean operation, and easy ignition—often preferred in areas like Wayne and Villanova. Wood-burning fireplaces provide higher heat output and a traditional aesthetic but require more maintenance. We help determine the best option based on your goals, layout, and safety considerations.
Headquarters
Main Line Hardscapes proudly serves all of the Main Line and Greater Philadelphia Area.
132 Biddle Road
Paoli PA, 19032
Phone: (610) 212 – 5672
Email: heath@mainlinehardscapes.com
Request a Design Consultation
Tell us about your project and we’ll help you plan the next steps.
Additional Services
We are a full-scale masonry and site-development firm with the capacity to manage every architectural detail. From grand-scale estate transformations to the meticulous restoration of historic stone, our team provides a seamless, single-source solution for the Main Line’s most ambitious projects
