Tips for Building an Outdoor Fireplace
Nothing is as warm and welcoming as a roaring fire in a fireplace, be it an indoor or an outdoor fireplace. Building an outdoor fireplace is the latest trend in home landscape updates and these tips will help homeowners make informed choices for building an outdoor fireplace.
Room with a View
Use the view of the landscape to determine the best location for the outdoor fireplace. Any location in the landscape that is high, such as a ridge, will afford the best views while enjoying the warmth of the fire.
When an outdoor fireplace is added, it becomes a people magnet, literally a room with a view and space for outdoor furniture should be considered when choosing the location for the outdoor fireplace. Choose a location for the fireplace that will provide the best outdoor view and accommodate the desired outdoor furniture in the adjacent area.
Proper Fireplace Dimensions Provide Maximum Heat
The width and height of the firebox and chimney will determine the amount of draw the fireplace will have and the amount of heat it will produce. Build the fireplace with the right dimensions, either by hiring an experienced outdoor fireplace craftsman or by using a fireplace kit. Outdoor fireplace kits can be found online and will help keep the cost down by making the building a DIY project. Purchase fireplace kits from a reputable dealer that guarantees the fireplace to draw properly.
An outdoor fireplace should be at least eight feet tall to have a impressive presence in the landscape and to direct smoke away from the adjacent seating area. If future plans may include adding a roof or pergola to the outdoor space, take that into consideration when planning the height of the chimney.
Personalize the Outdoor Fireplace Design
Whether building the outdoor fireplace from scratch or from a fireplace kit, personalize the fireplace by adding a unique keystone and/or mantel brackets. Local artisans can create the perfect stone pieces to personalize the outdoor fireplace, which will create a unique look for the décor of the rest of the outdoor room.
A wood craftsman can build the perfect chunky mantel for the fireplace, or a rustic wood beam salvage from an old barn is the right scale size for an outdoor fireplace mantel. The mantel will provide a display area for personalizing the outdoor space.
Consider adding a hearth to the outdoor fireplace for personalization and seating. A hearth will raise the firebox several inches off the ground and maximize heating capacity, plus the raised hearth provides additional seating areas and space for additional touches of personalization.
Additional Tips for Building an Outdoor Fireplace
Before making any plans for building an outdoor fireplace, research your municipality's fireplace codes. Those codes will dictate what can and can not be built.
Install a natural gas line when building an outdoor fireplace. It will make starting the fires easier plus save a lot of time and expense later on if an outdoor kitchen is added.
Remove any tree limbs that overhang the top of the chimney and install a cap on the top of the chimney. Capping the top will keep out the rain, disperse the heat and capture any rising sparks.
by Georgia Lund - Yahoo
www.eastbaygaslines.com
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