4 Things to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Fireplace
Outdoor living combines the comfort of the indoors with the natural beauty of your backyard. Today, fire features are a popular choice when creating an outdoor retreat. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits add ambiance and comfort to your patio or deck during all four seasons, making hosting and relaxing even better. There are many choices in outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, so here are some important points to consider when deciding which type best suits your space and lifestyle.
Property Constraints
First and foremost, consider any property constraints that might affect the installation of a fire feature. If you belong to a homeowner’s association, check for any rules regarding open fires. Check local municipal building codes and fire regulations as well for any restrictions. Some codes and regulations require a certain amount of space between an open fire and a flammable structure, like a house, shed, or fence. Also, building codes typically require the height of a chimney to be two feet higher than any roofline within a certain radius.
If you are facing property constraints, a gas feature might be the way to go. Gas fireplaces offer a controlled burn without the risk of ashes or embers, allowing them to be placed safely near your home or under permanent structures like pergolas and pavilions. They also offer the option to be incorporated into tables, fountains, and even outdoor kitchens, all of which can add beauty and interest to your outdoor living space.
Heat Output
You’ll need to decide whether heat output is a priority when choosing an outdoor fireplace. Wood-burning features generate more heat than gas features in most cases. If you’re looking for a source of warmth so you can enjoy the great outdoors even on a cold winter night, wood-burning is the way to go.
Something else to consider regarding heat output- fireplaces and fire pits project heat differently. While fireplaces project heat in a single direction, fire pits project heat in all directions, providing greater warmth. Don’t forget to think about the seating you can place around your fire feature. You can place several chairs around a fire pit, making it easy to pull up closer to the flames for more heat. It’s harder to do so with a sofa in front of a traditional outdoor fireplace.
Gas, Wood, or Electric
Gas, wood, and electric fire features all have pros and cons. For convenience, gas is best since there’s no need to worry about wood or ashes, and the fire can be started in seconds and keep going all night. Gas features require little maintenance making them easy to operate.
For that campfire ambiance, nothing beats the warm glow, crackling sound, and unmistakable scent of a wood-burning fire. Wood-burning fireplaces do require some maintenance though. You’ll have to obtain and properly store seasoned wood, and also keep ashes cleaned out to keep your fireplace functioning correctly.
You can also choose from a variety of outdoor electric fire features if constraints prohibit you from having a gas or wood-burning fire. Today’s electric fireplaces look more realistic than ever and are a safe and versatile option to make your outdoor space warm and cozy.
Style
Consider the style you’re going for when choosing an outdoor fireplace. Are you planning to host elegant dinner parties on your deck or patio? The grand appearance of an outdoor fireplace will help you achieve a more formal look. If you’re dreaming of a cozy space to roast marshmallows with the kids on cool summer nights, consider a wood-burning fire pit to create a campfire-like experience in your backyard.
Take into account how many people will be sitting around the fire. Outdoor fireplaces are often preferred for smaller gatherings, as traditional furniture arrangements with a sofa and chairs can accommodate five to six people. A fire pit can accommodate six to ten chairs, which is better if you plan to entertain larger groups.
Call Rettinger Fireplace to Get Started!
At Rettinger Fireplace Systems, our outdoor specialists can help you find the perfect outdoor fireplace or fire pit to transform your outdoor space into a cozy extension of your home. As a professional outdoor custom fire pit provider in South Jersey, we know a thing or two about exceptional outdoor fireplaces. Call, click, or visit our showroom in Berlin and see how the inviting glow of an outdoor fireplace or fire pit can make your outdoor living space warmer and more enjoyable.