Building an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
The backyard is considered an extension of your home. It serves as a space for entertaining family and friends. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit creates an inviting gathering location for a relaxing evening. Many outdoor fireplaces can be included as part of a covered or screened porch, while fire pits work well for patios, swimming pools, or near a lake.
When looking to design an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, consider what you will be using the area for. Will you be entertaining friends and family or seeking a more intimate seeking for you and your spouse?
Be sure that when designing your fire pit that you make it large enough so that all your guests can gather around without feeling cramped. Layout the area with the chairs to verify the size before you begin digging the footers.
For a more intimate arrangement you can choose furniture such as over-sized outdoor couches and chairs that seat two people comfortably and allow you to sit back and enjoy a bottle of wine by a warm fire.
There is not much of a difference in indoor and outdoor fireplaces. The main distance is the height of the chimney. As long as the chimney is high enough to provide a strong draw you will be fine. This is likely a job for a professional, but there are kits that can be purchased that coupled with some carpentry skills can be done by a do it yourselfer.
Fire pits are generally constructed with fire rated brick masonry attached to concrete blocks and attached to a steel reinforced concrete footer. Fire rated bricks are also laid on even ground with a sand base. To allow for easy cleanup, you can also have a drain line installed to wash away ash residue. You can also install a gas fuel line to make starting and maintaining the fire easier.
There are also many great choices in portable fire pits which are of metal. When using these systems, be sure the fire pit is resting on a non flammable surface like a brick paver or concrete patio and not situated directly under roof overhangs.
In Closing
Whether you choose to build an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you can be sure that it will provide you with many nights of enjoyment year round.