Outdoor Fireplace UK: The Complete Guide to the Schiedel Volcanic Garden Fireplace
Everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and using a Schiedel Volcanic garden fireplace in the UK — from sizes and cooking capability to planning permission and pricing.
Browse Schiedel Fireplaces →The outdoor fireplace has become one of the most sought-after features in UK garden design — and it's easy to understand why. As homeowners invest more in their outdoor living spaces, the desire for a focal point that delivers genuine warmth, ambience, and year-round functionality has never been stronger. The Schiedel Volcanic garden fireplace sits at the top of that market: a freestanding, volcanic stone outdoor fireplace and barbecue combination that transforms how you use your garden from February through to November.
This guide covers everything prospective buyers in the UK need to know: what these fireplaces actually are, how the Medium 950 and Large 1200 models compare, whether you can cook on them, what installation involves, and whether you need planning permission.
What Is a Volcanic Garden Fireplace?
The Schiedel Volcanic is not a chiminea, a fire pit, or a decorative garden ornament. It is a precision-engineered, freestanding outdoor fireplace manufactured in Austria by Schiedel — one of Europe's most respected names in chimney and combustion system design, with more than 75 years of engineering heritage.
What sets the Volcanic apart is its construction material: lightweight volcanic pumice stone. This is the same thermally stable, fire-resistant material used in high-performance chimney liners. It absorbs heat slowly, retains it efficiently, and radiates warmth long after the flames have died down — giving you a real-fire experience that cheap steel or cast-iron alternatives simply cannot match.
The fireplace features a generous firebox, a structured flue column that directs smoke upward and away from seating areas, and an integrated barbecue grill system — making it a genuine dual-purpose garden investment. It is available in two sizes: the Medium 950 (£2,600) and the Large 1200 (£2,995).
Medium 950 vs Large 1200: Which Should You Choose?
Both models share the same Schiedel volcanic stone construction and dual fireplace/BBQ functionality. The key differences come down to dimensions, firebox capacity, and the scale of the visual statement you want to make in your garden.
| Feature | Medium 950 | Large 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,600 | £2,995 |
| Total Height | 950 mm | 1,200 mm |
| Firebox Opening | Medium | Large |
| BBQ Grill Included | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Volcanic Stone Body | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Integrated Flue Column | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Best For | Smaller patios, courtyard gardens | Larger gardens, terraces, statement pieces |
| Typical Garden Size | Medium gardens upward | Large gardens and commercial spaces |
Our recommendation: if you're placing this on a generous terrace or want it to command attention as a garden centrepiece, the Large 1200 is worth the difference in price. For a more intimate patio setting, the Medium 950 is a more proportionate fit and no less capable as a fireplace.
Can You Cook on a Schiedel Volcanic? BBQ Functionality Explained
Yes — and this is one of the Volcanic's most practical selling points for UK buyers. Both the Medium 950 and Large 1200 models are designed as outdoor fireplace and barbecue combinations. The integrated grill system sits over the firebox, allowing you to cook directly over a wood fire in the same way you would over charcoal.
Wood-fired cooking delivers a flavour profile that gas and charcoal simply can't replicate: a genuine smoke char, better crust development on meats, and the kind of open-fire cooking experience that's rare in a UK domestic garden setting.
Practically speaking, the volcanic stone firebox reaches cooking temperature quickly and retains it steadily — giving you better heat control than a conventional open fire pit. You can use the grill for steaks, whole fish, vegetables, flatbreads, and anything that benefits from direct high heat. When you're done cooking, simply remove the grill and return the fireplace to its primary function: a beautiful, radiant source of outdoor warmth for evening gatherings.
This dual function makes the Schiedel Volcanic one of the most cost-effective premium garden additions available — two substantial products (outdoor fireplace and barbecue) in a single, architecturally considered structure.
Installation Requirements
The Schiedel Volcanic is a freestanding structure that does not require foundations, groundworks, or connection to any utility services. This simplicity is part of its appeal — there is no building work involved in the conventional sense. However, there are several important siting and safety considerations to bear in mind before positioning your fireplace:
- Surface: The fireplace must be placed on a stable, level, non-combustible surface — natural stone paving, porcelain tiles, or concrete are all suitable. It should not be placed on decking, artificial grass, or any combustible material.
- Clearance from structures: Maintain a minimum clearance of 1.5 metres from any building, fence, pergola, or overhead structure. The flue column directs smoke upward, but lateral clearance from combustible structures is essential.
- Clearance from seating: Position the fireplace so that prevailing wind does not direct smoke toward your primary seating area. A distance of at least 2–3 metres from seating is advisable.
- Assembly: The Volcanic arrives in sections and requires assembly on-site. Both models can be assembled by two people in approximately 2–3 hours with the instructions provided. No specialist trades are required.
- Fuel: Use only well-seasoned hardwood logs (moisture content below 20%). Kiln-dried oak, ash, or beech are ideal. Never use softwood, treated wood, or household waste.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Fireplace in the UK?
In the vast majority of cases, no planning permission is required for a freestanding garden fireplace like the Schiedel Volcanic. As a moveable, non-permanent structure that does not require any groundworks or structural attachment to your property, it falls well outside the scope of permitted development restrictions under UK planning law.
However, there are a small number of situations where additional checks are worth making:
- Smoke Control Areas: If your property is within a designated Smoke Control Area (most urban areas in England), you must only burn approved fuels or use an exempt appliance. The Schiedel Volcanic is an outdoor appliance rather than a solid fuel heating appliance, so regulations differ — but it is worth checking your local council's guidance. Many rural and suburban properties are not in Smoke Control Areas.
- Listed buildings or conservation areas: If your property is listed or within a conservation area, consult your local planning authority before making significant changes to your garden, even with moveable structures.
- Leasehold properties: If you own your property on a leasehold basis, review your lease terms — some restrict open fires or large garden structures regardless of planning status.
If you're unsure about your specific situation, our team is happy to advise. Call us on 0330 133 6617 or use the contact form below.
Shop Schiedel Volcanic Garden Fireplaces
Both the Medium 950 (£2,600) and Large 1200 (£2,995) are available for UK delivery. Free delivery on all orders. Expert pre-sale advice available by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a garden fireplace cost in the UK?
Quality outdoor garden fireplaces in the UK range from around £500 for basic steel fire bowls up to £3,000+ for premium volcanic stone models like the Schiedel Volcanic. The Schiedel Volcanic Medium 950 is priced at £2,600 and the Large 1200 at £2,995 — both include the integrated BBQ grill and represent exceptional long-term value as dual-function garden features. Cheaper alternatives typically use thinner steel that degrades rapidly when exposed to UK weather; the Schiedel volcanic stone construction is built for decades of use.
Is the Schiedel Volcanic a good outdoor fireplace for the UK climate?
Yes — the Schiedel Volcanic is exceptionally well-suited to the UK climate. Its volcanic pumice stone construction is naturally weatherproof, frost-resistant, and designed for year-round outdoor use in northern European conditions. Unlike steel or cast-iron fireplaces that rust and degrade in persistent damp, the volcanic stone body does not corrode. It can be left outside throughout the British winter without covers or storage. The thermal mass of the stone means it radiates heat effectively even on cold evenings, making it genuinely usable in UK spring, autumn, and mild winter conditions.
What wood should I use in my Schiedel Volcanic garden fireplace?
Always use well-seasoned or kiln-dried hardwood logs with a moisture content below 20%. Oak, ash, and beech are the best options for the Schiedel Volcanic — they burn hot and clean, produce minimal smoke, and maintain a steady ember bed ideal for both heating and cooking. Avoid softwoods (pine, spruce) which produce excessive resin and creosote, treated or painted wood which releases toxic fumes, and any form of household waste or manufactured board. Using the right fuel also prolongs the life of the volcanic stone body and keeps the flue clean.
Do I need planning permission for an outdoor fireplace in my UK garden?
No planning permission is required for a freestanding outdoor garden fireplace in the UK in the vast majority of cases. The Schiedel Volcanic is a moveable, non-permanent structure with no groundworks or utility connections required, placing it outside permitted development restrictions. The main consideration for UK buyers is whether your property falls within a designated Smoke Control Area — if so, you should check your local council's guidance on open-fire burning. Properties in rural and suburban areas are typically unaffected. Listed buildings and conservation area properties should always seek advice from their local planning authority.
Can the Schiedel garden fireplace be used as a BBQ?
Yes — both the Schiedel Volcanic Medium 950 and Large 1200 include an integrated barbecue grill system as standard. The grill fits directly over the firebox, allowing you to cook over a live wood fire. Wood-fired cooking delivers superior flavour compared to gas or charcoal, and the volcanic stone firebox provides stable, even heat retention that makes it easier to control cooking temperatures than a conventional open fire pit. The Volcanic can move seamlessly between fireplace mode for warmth and ambience, and BBQ mode for cooking — making it one of the most versatile garden features available in the UK.
Ready to Add a Garden Fireplace to Your Outdoor Space?
Our team are garden fireplace specialists. Call us for honest, expert advice on which Schiedel model is right for your garden — no hard sell, no obligation.
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