Do you have a burning desire to have an outdoor fireplace in your backyard? Do you want to add some design flair and warmth to your outdoor area? This article will help guide you through the essentials when it comes to making the right choice of outdoor heater for your home. We’ll look at factors such as placement, sizing, materials, and finishings. We’ll help to fan the flames of your imagination along with giving practical advice. When it comes to taking your backyard to the next level, we’ve got you covered.
Outdoor Fireplace Kits
First things first—do you want to build a fireplace right from scratch or purchase a fireplace kit? As you can imagine, unless you’re an expert DIY-er or love a challenge, making your own outdoor fireplace can be tricky, stressful, and time-consuming. Lucky for us, many fireplace manufacturers have designed easy-to-assemble fireplace kits.
This means putting together ready-made units rather than spending time and effort making and building complicated fireplace elements and structures. All you have to do is follow the instructions, put the parts together, and install it where you want it to go.
Another advantage of opting for an outdoor fireplace kit is that by law, all manufacturers must guarantee that their kits have been properly tested. The kits must also be approved to similar standards as indoor units, ensuring that they function appropriately and safely. When you buy a ready-to-build kit, you can rest assured that your family and home will be kept safe.
So, what do you get with an outdoor fireplace kit? The main components are the firebox and the chimney. These must be constructed from high-quality materials that’ll withstand cycles of intense contraction and expansion over time.
Look out for manufacturers that use highly durable, lightweight composite materials such as pumice and refractory cement. These materials can radiate heat, not absorb it, and are therefore more likely to last longer.
You’ll also need to check that the outdoor fireplace kit comes with premium-quality features. These include interlocking joints (vital for ensuring the structure of your fireplace is sound) and a chimney made from refractory materials and with a decent throat design. The chimney’s design is crucial; it needs to be angled correctly on the wall to improve heat radiation.
And don’t think that buying a kit means you’ll be limited in terms of what design, size, finishing, or shape you can choose from. There are a wide variety of kits, and you’ll be guaranteed to find one that fits in with the aesthetic of your home. Modern or traditional, large or small, your perfect backyard fireplace is out there waiting for you! You only need to ensure that your backyard area matches the specifications/requirements of the kit. Your new fireplace needs a specific kind of space to be installed in. The correct location will prevent any damage or risk to the unit itself.
But buying an outdoor fireplace can be even simpler! You also have the option of buying a fully finished fireplace. In that case, all that’s required from you is to put the unit in the appropriate place, anchor it, and (if necessary) connect it to a gas supply. There’s no need for you to mess around with assembling the fireplace and its components. There are, however, a few disadvantages to purchasing a ready-made fireplace in this way. You’ll often need a crane or other equipment/machinery to help you move the heavy unit into place and set it down safely. Plus, design options are more limited; you may struggle to find your dream finishing that matches the exterior design of your living area. This is a significant downside for people looking to completely transform their outdoor space or enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Related Post: Best Patio Heater
Outdoor Fireplaces—Factors to Consider
Location
Perhaps the first thing you’ve thought about is where you’re going to put your new fireplace. Some people already have a pretty good idea of where it’s going to go. For others, this can be a daunting and stressful decision-making process. After all, a fireplace is a focal point of a living space, and where it’s placed is pretty important. Brainstorm with family members or friends and try to figure out where the best spot for your new fireplace will be. Remember, a fireplace helps create an ambiance or a vibe and is so much more than just a way to keep you warm outside.
Dimensions
Of course, the size of your new fireplace will partly be dependent on the size of the area you’re going to install it in. A fireplace can be installed against most kinds of walls, fences, or corners. You just need to ensure that there’s enough space in front of the unit for safety reasons. A small fireplace will tend to need about 12 feet x 12 feet of space. A large fireplace will need an area of at least 18 feet x 18 feet for proper installation.
Local construction codes
Beware! Don’t assume that something as innocuous as a fireplace won’t need building permission. Sometimes, depending on the type and size of the fireplace (and more specifically, the chimney), there are rules regarding positioning and dimensions. These types of codes include minimum distancing to existing structures and property lines, chimney height, etc. Always check the local construction rules and regulations by contacting your area’s city planning office. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you’re instructed to take down your fireplace (or receive a fine!).
Privacy
Chances are, you’ve got neighbors. And nothing attracts attention more than an outdoor fireplace. If you’re planning on creating an intimate setting with your new fireplace, the last thing you want is for it to be in full sight of prying eyes. Consider how you can best place the unit so that it’s a beautiful, cozy focal point for your household—not the rest of the neighborhood. You also want to ensure that it won’t block any views or scenery when you look out of any back windows.
Wind direction
You may not realize it, but the predominant wind direction can either make or break the relaxing ambiance you want to create. Bear this factor in mind when deciding where to place your fireplace. The fireplace can act as a windbreaker, helping to make sitting outdoors more comfy and pleasant.
Related Post: Best Freestanding Patio Heaters
Conclusion
An outdoor fireplace will undoubtedly bring a new glow to your household. Selecting the right size, shape, dimensions, style, design, and placement for your fireplace will add an extra sparkle to your backyard space. Just remember to bear the factors we’ve outlined in this article in mind when figuring out the ideal unit for your home.
If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!
