outdoor fireplace designs – Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor Fireplace Kits

Are you considering a cozy fireplace for your deck, patio, garden or yard? Fireplace kits are a great option if you want a do-it-yourself outdoor fireplace, or if you want to make the construction a bit easier so you can start enjoying this new backyard addition in just a few days. With these patio fireplace kits you can have a traditional single opening fireplace or one that’s a little more like a raised outdoor fire pit with a multi-sided view of the fire.

Why Buy An Outdoor Fireplace Kit

If you want an outside fireplace and want to do it yourself it’s best to get an outdoor fireplace kit, sometimes known as prefabricated fireplaces. Unless you’ve had experience with outdoor fireplace construction you may not know what materials to use. Many types of rock and stone can’t withstand the heat produced in a fireplace so they will crumble and degrade. It’s important to have a secure firebox that can withstand the heat of having fire after fire in it.

Especially in certain areas of the country if the fire isn’t contained properly it can be very dangerous and have long-lasting consequences. Outdoor fireplace kits help prevent problems with materials or construction as long as they are put together according to the directions.

These patio fireplace kits are assembled more quickly than a full masonry constructed outdoor fireplace, usually in a fraction of the time. Because they come with pre-cut, ready to install pieces they typically lower the cost of materials and labor compared to custom outdoor fireplaces too.

If you’re skeptical about outdoor fireplace kits because you want your fireplace to have a unique look and feel, more like a custom outdoor fireplace, don’t worry, it can easily be customized. Once the outdoor prefab fireplace is installed it can be decorated or veneered with stucco, stone or brick to get the specific look you want. So your outdoor fireplace kit can be the foundation for your beautiful outdoor stone fireplace. This flexibility also makes it easier to match the look of the fireplace to the already existing decor of your landscaped patio.

Where To Find Outdoor Fireplace Kits

You can find a variety of companies online that produce outdoor fire place kits. Many offer instructions, pictures and videos of how to assemble their kits and of the finished product. You can find different outdoor fireplace designs, and see how they will look when finished.

Some of these companies have distributors throughout the United States where you can order and pick up your kit. But with other companies you can order your kit online and it will be delivered to your home.

But before you start looking at outdoor fireplace kits make sure outdoor fireplaces are permitted in your area. If they aren’t you may be required to deconstruct your new fireplace, which would be terribly sad. It’s always best to check ahead of time so you know before you delve into the process.

It’s not surprising that outdoor fire pits and fireplaces have become so popular. They create such a nice, warm atmosphere for a cozy evening or for entertaining. They also allow you to enjoy your outdoor area earlier and later in the season, providing more usable space in your home. If you’re looking for an attractive outdoor patio fireplace that is affordable and easy to assemble consider outdoor fireplace kits. You may be surprised by just how convenient they are.

Stone Outdoor Fireplaces

by Charlie

Stone fireplaces are one of the most common types of outdoor fireplaces for many good reasons. Stone outdoor fireplaces have a hearty, solid look that fits well outdoors and they are very sturdy so they will last a long time. A stone fireplace can easily fit the look of a modern or a traditional home by using different types of stones and the right design to fit the overall style of the home.

Adding an outdoor stone fireplace can increase your usable living space, making your home feel bigger. When you spend the time to properly plan and build a custom outdoor fireplace it can turn your yard into a cozy, inviting area where you can enjoy quiet evenings alone or invite friends to share the ambient glow of your beautiful stone fireplace. Before you jump into this project there are some things you will want to consider.

Things To Consider

First and foremost you need to do some research to determine the building and fire codes in your area. Call local municipal offices to get the specific regulations before you start your outdoor fireplace designs. In some areas you may be required to apply for a permit in order to add a new structure to your yard. Some areas are very lenient but others can be quite strict. In the the worse case scenario you spend time and money on fireplace construction building your dream patio, only to find out you have to remove the fireplace because it is not allowed or because you didn’t follow the necessary rules and regulations.

Next you may want to decide if you want a gas fireplace or a wood burning fireplace. Part of this decision may be made for you when you find out what is allowed in your area. If you have gas lines already installed around your home you can call a professional to come out and connect your gas unit to your gas lines. Or you can look into outdoor propane fireplaces if you don’t have gas lines installed. Wood burning stone fireplaces are usually a bit less expensive and more attractive because you get the crackling sound of the fire as it burns. But they can cause more air pollution with the smoke they emit.

You will also need to consider your budget. Outdoor stone fireplaces can range from fairly reasonable to incredibly expensive depending on exactly what you want. Unless you really know what you are doing you should hire a contractor to help design and install this; building an outdoor fireplace is a big project to take on alone. The price can vary quite a bit depending on the size, shape and stone work involved. If you don’t have a very large budget you may want to consider an outdoor fireplace kit. Outdoor fireplace kits are easier to install because they are cut and sized for the pieces to easily fit together. You can then finish them in the stone of your choice. They are also a good option for those who like to do the work themselves, but even if you hire someone to install the kit it will be less expensive because there will be less work involved.

Another thing to consider with outdoor stone fireplaces is the type and color of stone you want to use. You will want something that will blend well with the color and feel of your patio, landscaping and home design and color. Unless you have a really good eye for this you may want to have a professional help you design the look. This will be a long lasting structure you want to be sure to get it right. Once again unless you really know what you are doing have a professional help build the core structure. The firebox needs to be durable enough to withstand the high heat of multiple fires. Only certain materials can handle this kind of use; you need to consider safety here. Once you have built the core structure you can finish it in the stone of your choice to make this patio fireplace feel like a natural part of your home.

Finally make sure you have a safe design with adequate ventilation. The basic stone outdoor fireplace design is the same as one you would use indoors except outdoor fireplaces don’t use dampers. Instead outdoor fireplaces have a taller chimney to carry away the smoke.

Stones Used For Outdoor Stone Fireplaces

Natural stones are a common choice for stone outdoor fireplaces. Some opt to use a mix of large and small stones or you can use a blend of stone and wood.

Some choose cast stone or cultured stone which is man-made. It is lighter and a little easier to set into place than natural stone and can be made into specific sized and shapes.

Limestone is another popular choice. It has a simple, neutral color and is typically more affordable.

Marble is another option of natural stone you can use. Marble can create a beautiful look with its wide range of colors and unique designs. The down side is that it can be pretty expensive.

Granite is very durable and almost maintenance free. It’s also easy to clean.

Remember to consider the maintenance over the long haul. While outdoor stone fireplaces usually last longer than metal fireplaces, which can rust over time, they will still wear. Consider how your mortar will hold up over time while exposed to all the elements outside. By using less porous, stronger materials your stone outdoor fireplace will last longer with less maintenance.

Brick Outdoor Fireplaces

by Charlie

Installing outdoor fireplaces has grown more popular as people are enjoying the beautiful outdoors and creating a nice outdoor living space in their own garden or backyard. Resting by your brick outdoor fireplace enjoying its warmth and glow is a great way to relax after a long day or long week of work — especially if you are stuck working indoors most of the day.

Deciding On An Outdoor Fireplace

But before you start shopping for a brick outdoor fireplace there are a few things you need to consider and research. First you need to find out what is allowed in your area.

Are there any restrictions in your area? Can you have an outdoor wood burning fireplace or do you need to get one that burns cleaner like an outdoor gas fireplace? Do you need a permit to build a fixed outside fireplace? What type of materials are allowed in your area? Once you verify what is allowed in your area you can start considering outdoor fireplace designs and find the best outdoor brick fireplace plans to fit your needs.

Brick is a common material used for both indoor and outdoor fireplaces because it has an aesthetic appeal, it is durable and it can withstand the elements it will be exposed to outdoors. Because it will be a permanent fixture you want to plan your outdoor area carefully and think about any possible future additions.

Building Brick Outdoor Fireplaces

Building a custom outdoor fireplace can be a complicated project because of all the necessary parts involved in this type of construction, including the use of heat withstanding materials in the firebox. It’s best to hire an expert to handle this project.

One other option is to look at outdoor fireplace kits to help construct your ideal fireplace. An outdoor fireplace kit provides you with the materials you need to build an outdoor fireplace; once it is constructed you can add the brick to give it the look you want. If you don’t feel experienced enough to assemble the fireplace kit yourself you can hire someone who is. In most cases fireplace kits are much more affordable than custom outdoor fireplaces that are designed and built from scratch.

Brick outdoor fireplaces can make a great addition to your yard and increase the value of your home as long as you follow local laws and use fire safety precautions.