Picture this: it’s a cool summer’s night. You’re lounging in your backyard. The sun has set, soft music is playing, and a drink is in hand. This is the relaxation you’ve waited for all winter. What could possibly make the evening any better?
An outdoor fireplace (or fire pit).
Now that the idea has entered your daydream, I’m fairly confident you’ll want to keep it. The good news is there’s a wide range of outdoor fireplace and fire pit options that will fit any budget and style so you can turn this daydream into a reality. Let’s explore some of the factors you’ll need to consider for designing and building an outdoor fireplace feature.
Location
An outdoor fire pit or fireplace can be located on a patio or deck, or in a more secluded area somewhere in the yard. An outdoor fireplace can also be affixed to the house. You will want to consider if late-night entertaining noise will affect anyone inside when deciding how close the location should be to the house. Also make sure that the location is free of overhanging branches, bush, and anything else that could pose a fire hazard.
Fuel Type
Your fireplace or fire pit will be fueled either by gas (propane or natural) or wood. Wood and propane powered fire features can be located almost anywhere and can be permanent or portable. Natural gas-powered fire features may be limited by the location of the gas line.
Size
The more heat you want to generate, the bigger your feature will need to be. Or, even if a smaller feature will suffice, you can choose an elaborate design that will end up with a bigger finished product.
Materials
It’s important that your fire feature matches your existing exterior décor. We offer a wide range of materials like stucco, tile, metal, and more. Choose from a standard model or work with us to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art that perfectly melds with your home.
Professional or DIY
Building an outdoor fireplace may seem like a daunting DIY project, but it can be simplified by purchasing a prefab outdoor fireplace kit. If you still feel like the project is out of your league, our professionals are ready to help! Fill out our contact form with any questions or for more information. Follow us @jchuffmancabinetry on Instagram and like our Facebook Page for more outdoor design tips!
