Outdoor Fireplaces
by Charlie
If you want to update to your home outdoor fireplaces provide a great way to enjoy your yard in a whole new way. Having an outdoor fireplace and a furnished patio help make your home feel even bigger. Having a living space outdoors essentially gives you more square footage and more enjoyable living space.
Outside fireplaces provide a great atmosphere for a romantic evening or for entertaining family and friends. They also help extend the season or time you can enjoy and fully use your outdoor area by creating a cozy warm glow on those evenings that would otherwise be slightly too chilly to gather outside.
Outdoor fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor chimineas have become more popular in recent years so there are a wide variety of styles available, enough so that it can get confusing. But with a little thought and understanding of them you can easily find just the right one for your needs whether you’re looking for a simple, movable free-standing fire pit or a custom designed stone outdoor fireplace.
Considerations For Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor Fireplace
Before you get too excited and start researching custom outdoor fireplaces or outdoor fire pits you need to make sure they are allowed in your area. Many condos and townhouses don’t allow them. If you have a neighborhood association be sure to check the covenants to make sure they are allowed first. Also check with local municipalities to see what the rules and regulations are in your city.
Once you’ve verified outdoor fireplaces are allowed in your area there are a few things you want to consider before making your purchase. Do you want an outdoor fireplace that’s mostly enclosed, or do you want more of an open outdoor fire pit? The proximity of your neighbors may be one thing to think about when deciding this. An open fire pit may create drifting smoke for those sitting around it, and for your neighbors, while a chiminea is enclosed and has a shape that directs the smoke up into the air, keeping it away from guests.
Another important decision is whether or not it will be a permanent fixture. Are you more interested in outdoor brick fireplaces or would you prefer one of the many available portable outdoor fireplaces? You may want something that is sturdy and anchored on your patio to help create the patio layout and design like a stone outdoor fireplace. Or you may want something that you can move around the patio, like a portable patio fire pit. It all depends on what you prefer and what type of fireplaces are allowed in your area.
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If you decide you want an outdoor fireplace that is fixed, you may want to consider outdoor fireplace kits. An outdoor fireplace kit can make it easier for you, or someone you hire, to install your outdoor fireplace. Once set up it can be decorated with brick or stone. The other option is to hire a professional to sketch some outdoor fireplace designs according to you specifications and build a custom fireplace.
You’ll also want to consider the type of fuel you want to use. Some cities have wood burning restrictions so your city regulations may help you decide this. You can find outdoor fireplaces that use wood, gas, electricity or gel fuel. Many people like outdoor gas fireplaces because they burn cleaner than wood.
Anytime you are dealing with fire be sure to follow basic Fire Safety. Sometimes people don’t think about this enough when they are outdoors, but there are a variety of things to consider like the wind as well as dry branches, grasses and other debris that can unexpectedly catch on fire, which can be very dangerous in a residential area.
Materials Used In Outdoor Fireplaces
One other important thing to consider is the material used in the construction of the outdoor fireplace. Some materials are more durable and easy to maintain than others.
Freestanding Outdoor Fireplace
Outdoor stone fireplaces are very attractive and they provide that earthy feel that fits well outside. Stone outdoor fireplaces are permanent fixtures so if you want something portable you’ll want to look at other options. But if this is what you’re looking for you want use a stone that can stand up to heat, something like limestone or granite; avoid soft stones for this use. Work with a professional to make sure the firebox is made from materials that will last and to construct the fireplace properly.
Cast Aluminum fireplaces are low maintenance and they typically have a long life span. This material shouldn’t crack, warp or rust and it’s also light so it is easy to move.
Cast Iron fireplaces are very durable but they are also very heavy so it won’t be easy to move. Cast iron can rust so you may want to occasionally paint it with a specialized paint that’s made to withstand high temperatures. This will help avoid rusting.
Clay chimineas are very attractive especially if you’re going for the Southwest look. Clay is often used in chimineas but unfortunately it isn’t very durable. You will need to be more careful with clay outdoor fireplaces, but even then they likely won’t last as long as those made with other materials.
Copper outdoor fireplaces have become popular because copper is also a durable material that should last a while if you keep it protected from the rain and elements. But keep in mind it won’t keep that shinny appearance after using it. It is often used in outdoor fire pits.
Sheet aluminum outdoor fireplaces have become more popular because they are cheaper than copper, but some people have had problems with the assembly parts on these types of outdoor fire pits.
Sheet Metal outdoor fireplaces are common at outlet stores because they are cheaper to make. Unfortunately this type isn’t long lasting; it has a tendency to warp, melt or rust making it a short term option.
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Outdoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits come in a fun variety of designs allowing you to match your current decor or add a little flair to your outdoor living area. They are a great addition to your home making it feel more cozy and usable when you find the right one to fit your needs.
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