What You Need to Know Before You Buy or Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Selecting the type of outdoor fireplace whether you want to build the outdoor fireplace or buy a prefabricated one need not be as confusing as it seems with the wide choice in material and design. Outdoor wood burning fireplaces are great both as a source of heat and also a cozy space around which you can get together with family and friends - not to forget the aesthetic value it gives your home.

Woodburning or gas fireplaces?

You can choose between gas and woodburning outdoor fireplaces. If you opt for gas fireplaces, it is much easier to get the fire started. All you need to do is flick a button to have the heat and warmth. Also, you do not have to worry about the place getting smoky, sparks coming out of the hearth and cleaning up the mess.

With woodburning outdoor fireplaces, the first advantage is you get to see real fire. Of course, you have the job of getting logs of wood and then starting the fire, which takes time and effort. Then you have to manage the smoke, just like in a wood stove. While some people can not handle the smoke, neither can the pests! There is also something really charming about the smell of the logs of firewood burning that seems to bring on the smoke flavor when you enjoy some great outdoor cooking.

While fatwood is most recommended for outdoor fireplaces especially if you are using a chiminea, other favorites are pinion which looks and smells great, apple wood, huckleberry and quite a few regular firewood types. But if there is a problem with wood fireplaces smoke in your area, you can always switch to gas fireplace logs which are popular for sheer convenience. You need not worry about it being breezy. Gas fireplace inserts are very easy to install.

Some outdoor woodburning fireplaces come with grates that you can attach turning your fireplace into cooking equipment. Though there are various types of material used in making patio fireplaces like clay, copper, cast iron etc, you can also go for also go for the aluminum type which is easier to move around.

Outdoor fireplaces are special not just because they are great around which to relax but they also extend the season. Rather than heat up the indoor when it is still cold before summer starts, you can build a small fire in your outdoor fireplace and relax. Add a smoker and you are all set to completely wind down at home after a long day.

Many families enjoy their holiday meals around the fireplace both in winter and summer. With the grill, your patio heater can serve two purposes as outdoor cooking equipment and a heat source. You can have some great entertaining with a bbq cooking grill.

If you are using a firepit as your outdoor fireplace, it can give you the wonderful feeling of being around a campfire.

Planning to build an outdoor fireplace?

There are some precautions to take when you decide to build the outdoor fireplace, though. You have got to be careful that you find out about municipal code requirements in your area. The fireplace chimney stack must conform to the required height so that the smoke is carried away properly. Also take care to see the outdoor fireplace is not positioned under a tree since the branches can prevent the smoke from rising and worse still, send it right back at you. The design and material must complement your home. You can also add a mantel and little niches for candles to give it that really special look. For the best effect, locate the outdoor fireplace so you can see it from indoors.