Backyards tend to get used differently once the weather finally starts warming up in Minnesota. After a long winter, many homeowners in Minnetonka want outdoor spaces that feel comfortable enough to spend time in rather than look at from inside the house. For some homes, that means a simple fire pit area with seating. Others are looking for a more complete setup with an outdoor fireplace, kitchen, patio space, or built-in entertaining area.
Outdoor living projects are rarely one-size-fits-all, either. The way a family uses the backyard usually shapes the layout more than anything else. Some homeowners want a quiet space for evening outdoor gatherings, while others are designing for larger gatherings throughout the spring and summer months.
Twin City Fireplace & Stone Company works with homeowners throughout Minnetonka, MN, on outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and custom outdoor living projects.

Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits
Fire features become the center of the backyard once everything is finished. Even during cooler spring and fall evenings in Minnetonka, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits make the space feel more usable and comfortable.
Some homeowners still prefer wood-burning fireplaces because they like having a real fire going during the winter. Others would rather have a gas system that is easier to start and requires less cleanup afterward.
Outdoor fire features may include:
- Outdoor fireplaces
- Gas fire pits
- Wood-burning fire pits
- Seating walls
- Stone or masonry surrounds
The layout usually depends on how the backyard is used and how much space is available around the patio or entertaining area.
Many homeowners in Minnetonka also try to position fire features so they naturally connect with the rest of the yard rather than making them feel separated from the home.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular for homeowners who spend a lot of time outside during the warmer months. Some setups stay fairly simple with a built-in grill and prep space, while others become full cooking and entertaining areas.
Depending on the space available, outdoor kitchens may include:
- Built-in grills
- Prep counters
- Refrigeration
- Bar seating
- Storage areas
- Stone countertops or masonry finishes
The overall design usually depends on how often the space will realistically be used and how much cooking or entertaining will take place outside during the summer.

Building for Minnesota Weather
Outdoor spaces in Minnetonka go through a lot of snow, rain, humidity, and long winters. That is part of the reason outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, and masonry features need to be built with materials that can actually handle the weather over time.
Many homeowners also look for ways to extend the outdoor season a bit longer by incorporating fireplaces, lighting, covered seating areas, or wind protection into the overall design.
Outdoor Living Projects in Minnetonka, MN
Outdoor living projects are usually less about trends and more about creating a backyard people actually want to use regularly. Twin City Fireplace & Stone Company provides outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and custom outdoor living solutions throughout Minnetonka, MN.









