Enhance Your Outdoor Living Area With Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces are becoming more and more popular as people see the benefits of landscaping their yards essentially increasing their living space. When I was young our patio was pretty much a concrete slab. We had a good sized back yard but we didn't really spend that much time out there.

Things have been changing in a fun way. More people are spending time fixing up their yards, landscaping, putting in nicer stamped concrete patios, flagstone or decks. Improving our outdoor living areas not only makes your yard more inviting on a regular basis but it also provides a great space for gatherings of friends and family.

For many part of beautifying their outdoor area means installing an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces give a distinct, warm feel to the space both literally and aesthetically. They bring a bit of the feeling of the indoors outside; it's like a blend of the best of both worlds.

Outdoor fireplaces are very similar to their indoor cousin. They still have a flue to bring in air so it flows through the chimney instead of the the front of the fireplace. They are a permanent fixture, unlike the other popular option, an outdoor portable fire pit, so it's important to give some thought to the design and materials. Your outdoor fireplace will be around for a long time so you'll be glad you spent the extra time making the right decisions.

You may want to get some help or advice from design professionals to make sure you get the look you want in your patio layout and design. You will also probably want a professional to install any outdoor fireplaces, or if you are a DIY kind of person you may want to look into outdoor fireplace kits.

Once the design has been decided and your outdoor fireplace is up and running you'll be able to enjoy the many benefits of it for years to come. Just imagine all the fun you can have either a relaxing evening alone gazing into the fire, a romantic evening for two, or cozy evening with family and friends.

An Outdoor Fireplace Can Make You Enjoy Outdoor Living During Chilly Days!

Having an outdoor fireplace is a great idea whether you put it in your deck, garden, pool and patio or wherever you choose it to be. Just imagine the different fun and entertainment activities you and your family, friends will enjoy. If you plan to be the one to handle the project yourself, it is necessary for you to familiarize yourself with the nitty-gritty details in its construction. There are various models of DIY fireplace kits which are very easy to assemble. They are designs which are equipped with necessary metal rings and materials to convert a wooden or charcoal fueled fireplace into a gas powered one.

There is an assortment of styles, shapes, materials and designs of an outdoor fireplace. There is the portable and movable fireplace or a permanent one with the chimney attached. You can opt for a chiminea which is an attractive style good for heating bonfire. It has accessories like stainless steel grills and doors if you want to do some cooking. Fuel used is charcoal or wood. They come in a variety of portable designs and sizes and shapes.

Fire pit table is another option. It is a rounded dish which handles the fire. There is a wide selection to choose from. You can have patio tables with fire pits in the center. You can use gas or wood as fuel. Another style of outdoor fireplace has gas log set to the fire pit. You can get vented logs to eliminate the need for a chimney. It is made of stainless steel design and includes a grate. Another unique model is a free standing ethanol or gel powered fireplace with a wide array of color, features and designs.

If you want a full-blown outdoor fireplace, you can choose a wood or gas operated model or an electric style with built-in speakers and a CD player with MP3 input. Or you can select a customized stand out model with sleek features to harmonize with your home and lifestyle. It is fueled by a hidden propane tank camouflaged as a side table. There is also a popular fire pit with a large 35 inch porcelain coated steel fire bowl and supported by a stable and fashionable stand. It can use up to four logs. It includes added lifting tools to keep the fire pit safe and easy to operate and clean. It is designed to provide steady heat and controlled fire. With so many styles and designs available, you have to know basic elements and technicalities about the subject to make an intelligent choice.

With regards the materials used to build fireplaces, there are various types. There is the cast iron or cast aluminum type. The beauty of a cast iron is it is quite sturdy and with proper maintenance, it will last a long time. This kind is much heavier than cast aluminum. To prevent it from rusting, hot paint is the answer. Cast aluminum is an excellent choice. It is light in weight and rust resistant. It can last for many years. Another type is the sheet metal fireplace. This is not a popular variety because of its lack of durability. It is also prone to rust.

There is still another option which is the copper fireplace. Although it looks good when it is new, the downside is it rusts very quickly. The last option is a clay or ceramic fireplace. This type is very affordable but is not expected to last long. When canvassing around for the best material, pick the one which is durable and lasts long.

Enjoying the outdoors can be maximized to the fullest even during chilly nights or days with the aid of a stable and beautiful exterior fire pit. You can add your own touch by putting brick, stone or stucco to create the kind of look you desire. Being able to enjoy outdoor living with warmth and coziness during fall, winter and spring should be worth the investment, time and effort you put in to your outdoor fireplace project.

Outdoor Fireplaces - Beautifying Your Backyard Ambiance

Having a fireplace inside your domicile is a classy decision. It not only provides warmth to you and your family but also provides a rich outlook to the interior. But for some natives having a fireside inside their residence is not sufficient. People know that having an outside fireplace will not only add space to the living area but will also craft an extra room for outdoor living.

Outdoor fireplaces are those accessories that are meant to be installed in your garden, courtyard or backyard area. It enables you to enjoy the outdoor ambiance even in chilly weather. These fireplaces are mainly constructed on rock surface in order to avoid any misfortune.

A wide range of firesides is available for the people with varied tastes and preferences. Sometimes you are also provided with a firebox which helps in containing logs. This can be used for cooking food items. It is a wonderful accessory to be purchased along with the fireplace.

Here are some essentials points you must consider while purchasing outdoor hearths:

1. Diverse Variety Of Fuels Used
Most of the outdoor fireplaces are operated by burning wooden logs or gas. It is a very convenient option and you can purchase that which you think is most suitable for you. Firewood is generally considered as the finest option for outdoor firesides. You can also take your outdoor hearth along with you while going for camping or trekking. Firewood can be conveniently arranged for burning these hearths. Nowadays real gel fuel can also be used for lighting up backyard inglenooks.

2. Material Of The Inglenook
Innumerable options are available in the market when it comes to the choice of material to be used for creating the fireplace. Big manufacturing houses are nowadays providing you varied options like stone, copper, granite, cast iron, aluminum and stainless steel. You can select the suitable material for your fireplace. Different kinds of shapes and designs are also available which help beautifying your backyard.

3. Permanent Or Portable Outdoor Hearth
Getting a permanent fixed outdoor inglenook is an economical option for you. Special precautions are needed to be taken when the fire is burning in the fireplace. People who do not wish to own a permanent fireplace can go for portable fireplaces. These hearths can be easily carried along wherever you want to as they are light weighed. You can also easily hoard these portable hearths during the summer season.

4. Budget
All the available options must be considered before making the final purchase. If you spend most of the time traveling at different places, in that case a portable fireplace is best suited for you. Some classy options are also available which are very expensive. They posses certain special features and functions. Outdoor fire pits may be an appropriate option for the people who do not want to spend hefty amounts.

Outdoor Fireplace Design Helps When Selling a House

Outdoor fireplace design can be innovative in so many ways. Most designers can come up with designs that are easily applicable to the generic masses, but there are also some designs which comes from the personal preferences of the owner of the fireplace to be designed. Designing fireplaces can accentuate it in the place that contains it, and with proper designing protocol, the outdoors will be enhanced with simple guides depending on what kind of appearance the owner wants to convey.

Designing the outdoor fireplace begins with using outdoor fireplace plan so that the owner will find it easier to work towards a definite goal he has set for the plan. Different ideas can be merged into the plan for preliminary editing purposes. There is no limit as to the amount of basic ideas included in the plan, for the number can be narrowed down easily once outdoor fireplace design procedures begin.

Different kinds of materials can also be included in the plan. For instance, for a more classical outdoor fireplace, stone and brick can be a very good combination. These two are the preferred materials for the fireplace because of their durability and strength to withstand changes in the weather.

The fireplace is meant to give warmth during cold weather and must not be disregarded during the summer season. During times when the summer is in full swing, the fireplace can be an aesthetic addition to the house even when it is not used.

The outdoor fireplace need not be limited into the given designs; they can be personalized so that they are the perfect and unique fireplace that will fit in the design of the house. Even when it is situated in the outdoors, it is still a part of the house. And due to this, the fireplace design should not ruin the appeal of the house with its nondescript appearance. Instead, since it is at the outdoor, where it can be easily seen by people, it should call attention to the house.

The curb appeal of the house varies with its appearance, both inside and outside. And for prospective buyers to even consider coming inside the house to check the interior, they need to be attracted with the exterior first.

It is not uncommon for people to depend their decisions on the outside appearance when buying a house and a customized fireplace is simply a hands-down addition to the house that can be the source of easy income for home owners. For those who are leasing a room inside their house, the case is still the same.

The fireplace, as grandiose as it is, can make or break the house easily. The presence of a fireplace outdoors is a bold indication of extreme appeal-either extremely attractive or extremely distracting. And since it is a matter of transaction or no transaction, the extreme should lie on the positive side.

Of course there is still a possibility of it being sold even when the fireplace is negatively connoted, probably because or its rundown appearance, but this will mean a depreciation of value because buyers will ask for a smaller price for the house with a decrepit fireplace.

Outdoor Fireplace Safety Tips

An outdoor fireplace can come in any shape or size. Any consumer may buy any outdoor fireplace that can hold the budget and the style or design concept. Potential buyers of outdoor fireplaces should however have something else in mind when purchasing their ideal home exterior. More than just style and design, safety requirements should also be carefully weighed. This is not, after all, your fun game, but your personal safety, safety of your friends and family and protect your property. Here are some helpful tips in choosing and using your outdoor fireplace.

Many people recommend chimneas more homes and homes for higher grounds of safety and comfort. The type of outdoor fireplace chimneas allows better air circulation, ensuring that you and your companions should not swim in a sea of irritating smoke.Elevated light contrasts also run the risk of tipping and potentially injuring those around him.

Needless to say, you should never be complacent in the combustion of material around. Even as you enjoy your campfire conversation, pay attention to whats going on in your outdoor fireplace. A strong gust of wind, change of wind direction, an animal or a playful whimsical toy can tip your outdoor fireplace, make the fire larger and uncontrollable or send sparks around the camp area.

Do not become more passionate and breath fire on your outdoor fireplace out of proportion to the first attempt. Having a small manageable fire first and the study of things such as how and where the wind blows. Of course, you should never make a fire when the wind is moderately strong. You can send sparks right on your head on your beautiful wooden house.

Be ready at any time to burn. The fire in your outdoor fireplace in May unexpectedly out of control so make sure you're ready.You can have everything in a large bucket of water to a fire extinguisher in the complex case of an emergency. Make sure that everyone around outside your home knows how to use a fire extinguisher and knows where the outer pipe and valve area. Of course, when you have finished your session in the evening and are ready to call it a day, make sure all the single coals.

Make sure you have safety equipment such as hand, as the screen outside of your home and your special gloves. Use the screen to your home outside as it is supposed to be used. The screen of your outdoor fireplace will protect everyone around the fireplace unexpected sparks that fly may just a well. The screen will actually keep your fire where it should be.

Place your outdoor fireplace on a large open space and clear. Make sure there are no plants or trees or overhanging vines or branches that might catch fire.You also have to keep at least 3 feet from the fire to make sure you do not catch fire too.

Never use your outdoor fireplace inside. Common sense would tell you that the designers have such a home specifically for the product safe for use outdoors.

Outdoor Fire Place Design

The appeal of outdoor fire places has indeed increased significantly over the past few years. Currently the focus in home design is primarily on outdoor living areas, and as such much emphasis is placed on features which will make an outdoor living area more appealing and attractive. The trend of constructing outdoor fireplaces and fire pits has rapidly gained popularity across the United States.

If you are interested in making an outdoor fireplace a part of your outdoor landscaping options, then the first thing which you should do is to contact your local authorities. In several areas the burning of any form of fire at night is strictly prohibited, so getting permission to build a fireplace is essential. You certainly do not want to invest money and time in a project which you possibly will be unable to enjoy!

Outdoor Fire Place Design

Technically, there is not much of discernible difference between an indoor fireplace and an outdoor fireplace, as the basic construction is the same. Chimneys, not dampers are used in the construction of outdoor fireplaces, and a beautiful addition to any outdoor fireplace is the Mexican chimenea. These fireplaces design were traditionally made from clay but now are available in cast aluminum. These chimeneas are easily available at most garden centers or even at your local home improvement store.

The most popular materials used in the construction of these fireplaces are cast iron, bricks, stone and aluminum. However, if you choose to go with the brick design, ensure that the bricks used for the inner section of the fireplace are actually 'firebricks' as these are able to readily withstand high temperatures.

Pay particular attention to the location in which you plan to have your fireplace constructed. It is important to ensure that it is far away from your plants, draperies and other nearby garden structures to reduce the likelihood of stray sparks causing a fire. It is advisable that all outdoor fire places be at least fifteen feet away from your home and quite a distance away from tress, overhanging shrubs and electrical wires. Never leave a fire unattended to, and always make sure that the fire is completely extinguished before retiring for the night.

Overall, the main consideration when building outdoor fireplaces really should be on ventilation and safety as opposed to aesthetics. The focus on aesthetics is secondary once all the safety features are already in place. It is recommended that the design of your fireplace should be in tandem with the overall interior decorating theme of your home.

Outdoor fireplaces provide a stimulating area for hosting get-togthers with friends and family while increasing the overall value of your home. Quite possibly this is a major factor which has boosted its popularity so far within the home improvement arena. Best of all these outdoor fireplaces are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and will be perfect for any size lawn or patio. There are a multiplicity of styles available, so you will be able to find one which suits your tastes perfectly.