An outdoor fireplace can liven up your backyard and increase the value of your property but for it to truly be an addition to your outdoor living space, there are a few factors to consider when selecting the perfect outdoor fire pit.
An outdoor fireplace also provides your garden with an attractive update which will boost the aesthetics of your garden. You can even use it to cook your food. If you think an outdoor fire pit could be for you, keep reading to find the perfect outdoor fireplace that fulfills all your needs.
Why do I need an outdoor fireplace?
An outdoor fireplace is an easy way to transform your garden for the better. One of the most practical benefits of installing an outdoor fireplace is the warmth it provides and all the memories it will generate. Since summer only lasts a few months in Canada, it’s important to make the most of it.
The other great thing about an outdoor fireplace is that it can completely redesign your outdoor living space. If your outdoor space is currently a bit boring and uninspiring, installing an outdoor fireplace could be exactly what you need to make it an appealing environment where you want to hang out. With an endless variety of outdoor fireplace designs, you can choose something that perfectly fits your personal desires.
Depending on the type of outdoor fireplace you get, you can incorporate any kind of accessories you may find beneficial. From a BBQ cast-iron grill to a fire screen for safety, you can custom build the perfect fireplace.
What are the types of outdoor fireplaces?
Here are different types of outdoor fireplaces:
- Outdoor gas fireplace
- Wood-burning fireplace
- Electric fireplace
Outdoor gas fireplace
A gas fireplace is a perfect solution for anyone who wants all the benefits of an outdoor fireplace without all the work that goes into a traditional fireplace. Gas fireplaces are easy to use and maintain because you do not have to worry about collecting wood, getting it to light, and the mess that comes afterward. The downside of an outdoor gas fireplace is that you will need to contact and pay a master plumber certified in gas plumbing. The installation is costly and must be well covered during winter.
Wood-burning fireplace
If you are looking for the most authentic type of fireplace, a wood-burning outdoor fireplace is the perfect solution. A wood-burning fireplace will provide you with a real campfire vibe, and you’ll be able to cook over it unlike an outdoor gas fireplace. Whilst it might incur a little more effort to set up and clean a wood-burning fireplace than a gas fireplace, the smell and ambiance that it creates is unmatched, making that extra work completely worth it.
Electric fireplace
An electric fireplace is less common but it is still an option. Electric fireplaces are somewhat similar to gas fireplaces because they are fairly low maintenance. However, there are some key differences. Whilst a gas fireplace produces a real flame, an electric fireplace does not. Electric fireplaces can also drive up your electricity bill by a lot, so it is worth thinking about whether you will be able to afford it in the long term.
Preparing your outdoor fireplace for winter
What materials are used to make an outdoor fireplace?
The materials which are used to make an outdoor fireplace are usually brick, stone, stucco, and concrete. All of these materials are durable and will handle the heat the fire pit produces.
Outdoor stone fireplace
Stone is the most traditional and universally loved material used for an outdoor fireplace due to the simplicity and maintenance of the design. Outdoor stone fireplaces are more robust than other types of fireplaces (metallic ones) and will instantly add value to your property thanks to their aesthetic appeal.
Stone fireplaces are often used as a centerpiece for your garden, with a seating area built around it to create a social area within your garden. This makes it perfect for parties and gatherings. You can also customize it to fit the look of your house and garden!
Wooden table fire pit
A wooden table fire pit is not only safe, but it is one of the most practical outdoor fire pits available. Although the table itself is wooden, the fire pit is encapsulated in a steel bowl that sits with the table, making it extremely safe. The addition of the table surrounding the actual fire pit is perfect for an apéritif, as you can have your guests sit around the table, providing a perfect place to keep glasses, plates, etc. You can even place a grill over the top of the fire pit to create a BBQ that everyone can sit around.
Tips to choose an outdoor fireplace
Set a budget
Before you start shopping for outdoor fire pits, it is a good idea to first set a budget. You will likely be able to instantly eliminate some fireplaces because the range in pricing can be drastic. Establishing a budget will also make you consider what kind of accessories and designs you would like to have in your garden. It is essential to set a budget before you enter a store, or before you start to shop, as it will help streamline your search.
Think about your home
It goes without saying that the outdoor fireplace should fit with the overall look of your home, otherwise it will look out of place. Therefore, you need to think about things such as the color scheme of your home and garden to ensure your fire pit fits in perfectly with your outdoor living space and property.
It is also essential to think about the space you have to work with. If you have an extremely small garden, a smaller fire pit is more appropriate, while if you have a huge garden, a bigger outdoor fireplace could be a great addition to your property. Many people buy fire pits to disguise uncanny vegetation or corners of their garden. Given their size, they attract attention.
What accessories are available for my outdoor fireplace?
There are some additional accessories that can be useful to elevate your outdoor fireplace and the experience that accompanies it. Some of the most popular accessories that are in outdoor fireplace kits are the components needed to turn your fireplace into a fully functioning BBQ. Things such as grills, charcoal holders, and hoods with rotisserie spits built-in.
There are also some important outdoor fire features and accessories that you should invest in that provide additional safety. Although fire pits are designed to be safe, you can never be too safe. You should therefore buy either plates or screens for your fireplace, just to ensure it is secure.
How do I clean my outdoor fireplace?
Once your fireplace has been installed, you then need to start thinking about cleaning the outdoor fireplace. All you really need to maintain the fireplace is a broom and dustpan to sweep the remaining ashes. Passing a fast-pressure hose from time to time also helps the stone keep its original color.
We highly recommend that you keep a steady maintenance of your fire pit if you want it to keep its pristine beauty. Although it can withstand winter, it is best to cover your stone outdoor fire pit with a tarp so that the porous stone won’t drink the melting snow.
