Family Outdoor Fireplaces

Archive for the ‘Guide To Choosing’ Category

With a gas or propane burning fireplace, you will not have to worry about gathering wood and tending the fire all night long.

If your like many, you want to be outside and enjoy the comfort of an outdoor fireplace. You’ve finally made the decision to splurge on this and yet, you are not sure exactly what you should get. Some people state a gas outdoor fireplace is better and others love their wood burning outdoor fireplaces. However, which outdoor fireplace is best for you? The following is some information you’ll want to consider before you make the decision of which is best for you.

Gas and Propane Burning Fireplaces
Many people find the outdoor fireplace run on gas to be the best thing ever invented. They enjoy the fact that there is no messy clean-up involved and you simply light the fire and do not have to worry about it again until it is time to shut it off. The gas outdoor fireplace is easy to use and is generally quite safe and will provide the warmth you desire on the evenings you entertain outside. With a gas or propane burning fireplace, you will not have to worry about gathering wood and tending the fire all night long. There clean and efficient and are becoming more and more popular as many people bring their entertaining to their backyards.

Wood Burning Fireplaces
The wood burning fireplace, for many, is all they would ever dream of having. The smell of a fire on a chilly night helps set the scene for a cozy evening of entertaining. With a wood burning fireplace, you may have to take the time to add more wood and keep it going, but it will certainly provide you with enjoyment. The downside is the clean-up of the ashes. However, for many, it is an enjoyment and not a chore. With a wood burning fireplace, you can add different types of wood to get the aroma that you desire. If you do have a wood burning fireplace, you’ll want to be certain to make sure you follow all safety precautions to keep your family safe.

Whichever type, you’ll be certain to enjoy it immensely. On chilly summer nights, you’ll find yourself enjoying the outdoors a little bit longer as you sit by the fire. Many that are on the market can be purchased for as little as $200, however, you will have choices when it comes to size, style, and, of course, what type of fuel you wish to burn.

One of the most popular styles for the patio is the modern Mexican outdoor fireplace.

The patio should be a gathering place and have comfortable seating for all. However, if you find those chilly nights unbearable on your patio, add a fireplace to your patio for warmth, as well as an improvement to the atmosphere. The fact is the outdoor fireplace can increase the amount of time you use your patio.

Choosing one for your patio does not have to be difficult. There are many styles and kinds to choose from and the prices are actually quite reasonable. You should be able to find one to suit your tastes for under $200. Most of them are also portable so if you plan on moving your party from the patio into the further part of the backyard, you can bring your fireplace along with you.

One of the most popular styles for the patio is the modern Mexican fireplace. Used hundreds of years ago for warmth and cooking, they are now used on patios almost everywhere and they not only add warmth, they add charm. Also called chimineas, you can find these is materials of clay, cast iron, and aluminum. You’ll certainly find one that will match the décor of your patio and you’ll find these relatively low-priced, as well.

Another popular one for the patio is the fire pit. Generally, the fire pit is a large bowl and may come with or without a chimney. They come in many styles and you can even find them built into the center of a patio table. You can use these for warmth, as well as cooking.

Whichever style you choose for your patio, you’re sure to find that you’ll enjoy it immensely. Safety is always top priority, however, so when choosing your outdoor fireplace for your patio, make sure you take the proper safety precautions. This includes keeping a fire extinguisher on hand and never leaving the outdoor fireplace unattended.

They will serve as a source of heat, as well as a center piece of where you and your friends can gather. It will certainly liven up your outdoor living space.

Don’t let choosing one for your backyard be overwhelming. If you want to simply make your outdoor entertaining a better experience, adding an outdoor fireplace is the way to go. Outdoor fireplaces will serve as a source of heat, as well as a center piece of where you and your friends can gather. It will certainly liven up your outdoor living space.

Two main types include gas and wood burning. With gas outdoor fireplaces, you’ll never have to worry about the difficulty of starting a fire. One click of a button and your fire will be going. Other reasons many prefer the gas models over wood burning is you won’t have to put up with smoke, cleanup, or sparks. They’re actually quite safe to use.

The wood burning fireplace certainly has its advantages, as well. First of all, it’s charm is real. You gather the wood, start a fire, and anxiously await adding the next log. The smoke, while it may be of an annoyance to some, will also help to keep pests away while you’re entertaining. The smell of burning wood is something that adds to the flavor of sitting outside around the fireplace.

There are several styles you can choose and you’ll find that some come equipped with attachable grates for a cooking surface, as well. You can generally find outdoor fireplaces in a variety of materials, such as clay (more common in the chiminea), aluminum, copper, or cast-iron. If you plan on moving your outdoor fireplace often, you are best to go with a lighter-weight material, such as the aluminum and you’ll find that many have handles and wheels on the back for easier portability.

Many people have jumped at the chance to add one in their backyard and many consider it to be the best thing they have ever done. The outdoor fireplace will certainly improve upon your time outside, bringing you warmth and allowing you to enjoy your time outside!

Before beginning construction, your first step should be confirming that an outdoor fireplace is allowed in your area.

Many municipalities have rules and codes that will determine if the fireplace you have in mind can be built in your neighborhood.

After receiving the okay for construction, the next step in building an outdoor fireplace is to determine a safe location. An outdoor fireplace should not be located close to any existing outbuildings or your home.

Once you have chosen several possible sites, go outside and look up. You should be able to see clear sky. There should be no utility lines or low hanging tree limbs over the selected area.

Next, stand in what you think would be the center of the fireplace. Allow your eyes to do a full 360 degree search of the area. All trees and shrubs should be at least six feet from the center in all directions. Grasses, flowers and any other botanicals should be removed from the immediate area surrounding the location.

Your next consideration should be fire safety, especially if you have a family with children. Can the area be enclosed to prevent anyone from getting too close? Children are fascinated by fire and it only takes turning your back for a moment for an accident to happen.

Choosing the materials to use in your fireplace is your next consideration. It is recommended to use either stone or fireproof brick. Depending on your area, stone can sometimes be reclaimed from old houses being torn down or from construction sites. It is not recommended to use reclaimed brick.

An outdoor fireplace guarantees hours of enjoyment for the entire family. It can become the focal point of outdoor entertainment and used correctly can cook a wide variety of meals. By building your fireplace in the safest area possible, it will give you years of service and satisfaction.