In the heart of Marietta, Atlanta Waterscapes recently completed a project that redefines the concept of a “screened-in porch.” The centerpiece of this luxury gazebo is a custom-built, wood-burning stone fireplace that demands attention.
The Craftsmanship
The defining feature of this build is the solid stone mantel. Measuring 7 feet by 2 feet, this massive piece of natural stone required a seven-man team to set it in place. This isn’t just a fireplace; it’s a structural anchor.
Below the hearth, we integrated custom cabinetry to discreetly house controls for the home’s TV and stereo systems—blending rustic masonry with modern technology.
The Exterior Flow
Just outside the gazebo, the stonework continues into a multi-level concrete pond and waterfall. We used natural stone edging to create a seamless transition between the manicured lawn and the aquatic environment.
The project is rounded out by a full outdoor kitchen, featuring a built-in grill and burner set into matching stone cabinetry, proving that functionality and luxury can exist in perfect harmony.
How We Set a Seven-Man Stone Mantel
A 7-foot by 2-foot stone mantel is a piece of natural stone heavy enough to need a seven-man crew just to lift and place. Getting it level, square, and balanced takes planning before anyone touches a stone.
Before the mantel lift, the crew pours the footing, sets the firebox, and builds up the wood-burning stonework around it. The mantel stone is positioned next to the work area and checked against the shoulders of the finished stonework. Only then does the lift happen. Once that stone is down, it isn’t moving again.
This is the kind of anchor piece that turns a porch into a real outdoor room.
Learn more about our Fire Pits & Fireplaces, Outdoor Kitchens, and Creek Beds & Ponds service pages.
Related Full-Build Projects
Three other projects with the same level of on-site stonework:
Custom Fireplace in Sandy Springs — a floor-to-ceiling dry-stack stone fireplace built as the bridge between an existing kitchen and a new room extension.
The $85,000 Backyard Transformation — a full month on-site in West Cobb with a flagstone floor, 80-foot stone wall, outdoor kitchen, and a commercial-grade pizza oven.
The Buckhead Backyard Transformation — sweeping tiered retaining walls with a mosaic Old-World stone face, turning a steep slope into a multi-level yard with embedded LED lighting.
Serving Marietta and the Surrounding Area
Marietta has some of the larger lots in the metro, which makes it a good fit for builds like this one. Full outdoor rooms with stone fireplaces, kitchens, and water features living in the same space work best when there’s room to let the stonework breathe.
Beyond Marietta, we’ve built fire features, outdoor kitchens, ponds, and stone walls across Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, and Johns Creek. See our full service area for the list of cities we cover.
Start Your Marietta Outdoor Room Project
If you want a real outdoor room built from stone, not a deck with furniture on it, the first step is a site walk with John. He’ll look at the space, figure out what fits, and walk the stoneyard with you. Call John directly at (770) 361-7446, the office at (770) 433-1607, or email [email protected] to schedule a site visit.