An outdoor fireplace significantly improves the look of the house. It also provides an excellent place to relax with friends and family.
For you to put up an excellent outdoor fireplace, you need to work with experienced outdoor fireplace builders. You also should consider plenty of other factors that include:
Purpose of the outdoor fireplace
Why are you constructing the fireplace in the first place? If you are building it to entertain, it should have comfortable seats and tables. Will you be cooking at the site? Have a space for cooking utensils and storage space.
To create a soothing environment around the fireplace, have flowers, plants, fountains, and colorful plants in place. You should note that you should choose plants that look natural in your existing landscape and complement the colors of your furniture, fireplace, and adjacent structures.
You also should have outdoor lighting styles that don’t detract from the glow of the fire. Avoid low voltage lighting fixtures.
Outdoor fireplace materials
There are plenty of materials you can use to construct your outdoor fireplace. You can use brick, slate, stucco, tile, stone, rock, and concrete. Different materials go at different prices, and it’s up to you to decide the ones that are right for you.
When constructing the outdoor fireplace, install it on a hard surface such as concrete, masonry, or stone. This is solely for outdoor fireplace safety purposes.
Work with your contractors who will recommend the best materials for your home. The best materials should be durable and also complement your home design.
Location
Where will you be placing the fireplace? For you to choose the best location, you need to think about your needs, safety issues, environment, and the overall appearance of the area. The fireplace should be close to the house without posing any hazard.
Do you have a small yard? The fireplace may be attached to the patio, house, or deck, allowing the landscape to be the focal point of your backyard.
If you have a large backyard, you should have a separate patio that is further from the house. Since you have a large yard, don’t shy away from having a large fireplace.
At this point, the fireplace should be the focal point of the outdoor setting with additional space for entertaining.
If your backyard allows it, place the fireplace near the spa, pool, or hot tub.
Size and shape of the fireplace
The size and shape of the fireplace should be proportional to the size and design of your backyard. Remember, the outdoor fireplace should enhance the landscape. Not compete with it.
If you have a large backyard and you entertain a lot, you should have a large outdoor fireplace with an extended hearth and adequate room in front for guests to quickly move around.
If you have a small backyard and you don’t like entertaining, a small fireplace providing an intimate setting is enough.
Work with your contractor and settle on the ideal size of a fireplace for your home.
Safety
Since you will be dealing with fire, safety is an essential factor to consider. While the fireplace should be close to the house for convenience, it shouldn’t present a safety hazard to your structures, house, or family.
The outdoor fireplace contractors should ensure that your fireplace has proper ventilation and should be surrounded by brick, concrete, or stone patio to prevent sparks from igniting nearby structures or brush.
You also should have a fire extinguisher in place to put out the fire in the event of an emergency.
For peace of mind, ensure that the contractors you are working with are highly experienced and certified to work in your local area. lagras