How to Choose an Outdoor Fireplace
Outdoor fireplaces have grown in popularity. Homeowners love maximizing their living space and extending it to the outdoors. One easy way to do that, especially if you live in an area with brisk weather throughout the year, is by adding an outdoor fireplace to your backyard.
Do you really need an outdoor fireplace?
The short answer is a resounding “Yes.” An outdoor fireplace will create a cozy space where you can spend time with family or curled up reading a book on a brisk fall night. Just because the mercury is falling outside doesn’t mean you’ll have to head indoors after you’ve incorporated an outdoor fireplace in your exterior living space.
What kind of outdoor fireplace do you want?
There are many types of outdoor fireplaces on the market today. You can choose an electric fireplace unit that’s as easy to turn on as the flip of a switch. These types burn clean but will have an impact on your monthly electric bill depending on use. The most popular option is a gas fireplace and wood-burning comes in a close second.
What kind of surround do you need for your outdoor fireplace?
You’re limited only by your imagination and eye for design when it comes to the area surrounding your fireplace insert. You can build a complete wall of river rock, choose to secure a rough-hewn mantle as you would with an indoor fireplace, or apply sleek tile to the entire fireplace surround. Be sure to talk to a knowledgeable dealer about all the possibilities from which you can choose for the look of your space.
How about accessories?
Just like with an indoor fireplace, you’ll need a few accessories to manage your outdoor unit. Consider adding a weather door so that you can shut the fireplace off from the elements. You’ll also want to pick up a traditional tool rack if it’s a wood-burning pit, and a convenient remote control for switching electric and gas fireplaces on and off.
