5 Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Ideas (for at home)
A dramatic focal point in your home that caters to warmth during winter is a great style to spice up your home interior. But, if you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space at your home, why not make the most of it by creating a cozy outdoor fireplace? May it be a covered patio, small porch, or a plain outdoor area, as long as wood burning is safe to occur, a fireplace can be a great home upgrade and backyard improvement! With that, in this blog, we will be talking about the best
Why should you consider having an outdoor fireplace at your home?
Outdoor fireplaces are the perfect way to enjoy your backyard. Not only do they provide a cozy and warm atmosphere, but they can also be a beautiful addition to your home improvement. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider having an outdoor fireplace at your home:
1. Perfect for gatherings
What could be better than gathering around a warm fire with your friends and family? Outdoor fireplaces are the perfect gathering spot for parties and get-togethers. Having a specific area in your home where you have an amazing seating area around a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen where you can prepare your foods to share, and a considerable space for leisure activities, what a staple for having quality time with our loved ones!
2. Perfect for chilly nights
When the weather starts to cool down, an outdoor fireplace is a perfect way to stay warm. It provides a great excuse to spend time outdoors in the chilly evenings. Even by yourself, you can definitely cherish your life beside a fireplace. Simply curl up with a blanket and a good book next to the fire, enjoy the evening air, and you are now good to go!
3. Perfect for making s’mores.
There’s nothing quite like roasting marshmallows over an open flame. An outdoor fireplace is a perfect place to make s’mores with your loved ones. Be sure to pack some chocolate and marshmallows for a tasty treat!
How to create an outdoor fireplace at home?
Once you are done settling on what your outdoor fireplace design could look like, we have curated tips on how to create your perfect outdoor fireplace at home!
1. Choose the right location in an outdoor living space
The first step is to choose the right spot for your outdoor fireplace. When choosing the right location for your outdoor fireplace, you will need to take a few things into consideration.
The climate in your area
The first is the climate in your area. If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, you will need to make sure that your firepit is located in an area that will be sheltered from the wind. It must be surrounded by good protection against strong winds that could slake the fire.
Vicinity of your yard
The second thing you will need to consider is the size of your yard. If you have a large yard, you will have more options for where to place your fireplace, additional seating, and a bigger area for your guests. But if you have a small space, you will need to be more strategic about where you place it.
The vibe you want to achieve
Finally, you will need to consider the aesthetics of your home and choose a location that will complement it. It is up to you if you would like to stick with the traditional rustic look or try a modern approach by considering sleek decors.
2. Pick the right materials.
Once you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to start gathering materials. When building an outdoor fireplace, it is important to choose the right materials that would suit your needs.
Right heat conductor
The most important factor is choosing a material that can withstand the heat of a fire. Brick, stone, and concrete are all good choices. Metal is not a good choice, as it can heat up and become too hot to touch.
The exterior of your fireplace
Once you have chosen a material, you need to decide on the shape of your fireplace. The most popular shapes are square and round. You will also need to decide on the size of your fireplace. Make sure to leave enough room for people to stand around the fire. You must also consider the flooring around your fireplace, will it be muddy if it rains or just a perfect area to sit down while cherishing the chilly nights?
Finishing touches for your firebox
Once you have decided on the shape and size of your fireplace, you need to decide on the finish. A natural finish, such as a brick or stone outdoor fireplace, will look the best as it also serves double duty but will require more maintenance than a painted finish.
Fuel Selection
Finally, you need to choose the type of fuel you will use in your outdoor fireplace. Wood is the most popular choice, but you can also use gas or propane.
3. Build it up.
Once you have your materials, it’s time to start building! There are a few things you will need to consider before building your outdoor fireplace.
Type of fireplace
The first is what type of fireplace you want to build. There are many different types available, such as masonry, metal, or stone. You will also need to decide on the size and shape of your fireplace.
Plotting the Construction
Once you have decided on the type and size of your fireplace, you can begin planning the construction and site work. The first step is to mark out the area where the fireplace will be built. Make sure to leave enough space for the chimney, most especially when you are considering a tall chimney. Next, you will need to excavate the area and level it off.
Heavy Duty Construction
Now it’s time to start building the fireplace. Depending on the style you are aspiring for, you need to strategize your construction. If you are using masonry, you will need to lay the bricks in a circular or square pattern. If you are using metal, you will need to construct a frame and then attach the panels. If you are using stone, you will need to find some large stones and assemble them into a structure.
Finishing Touches for Construction
Once the fireplace is built, it’s time to add the finishing touches. You will need to install a chimney if your fireplace doesn’t have one already. You can also add a roof, a door, and any other decorative features in your outdoor room to have an appropriate exhaust.
4. Add some flair
Now that the basic structure of your outdoor fireplace is complete, it’s time to add some beauty! You can add decorations like stone veneer or tilework to make it truly unique.
Adding decorations to your outdoor fireplace at home is easy. You can either use artificial or natural decorations.
Artificial
For artificial decorations, you can buy a fireplace decoration kit from your local store. The kit will come with all the necessary supplies, such as fake logs, metal mesh, and embers. You can also use Christmas ornaments to decorate your fireplace. Just make sure that they are made of non-flammable materials. You can also add a mantel for a much more modern look!
Natural
For natural decorations, you can use branches, pine cones, and leaves. Just make sure that the branches and leaves are not poisonous. You can also use flowers, but be careful not to put too many near the fire as they might catch on fire.
5. Get ready to cozy up in your new outdoor room!
Now that your outdoor fireplace is complete, it’s time to enjoy it! Stock up on wood or charcoal, light a fire and get ready to cozy up in front of your new outdoor focal point.
You can install a TV outdoors to keep your guests more entertained, a grill station for more food options, cozy outdoor furniture to lay down and rest, and a mini outdoor patio to cater to more lovely guests!
Some safety precautions for these outdoor fireplace ideas :
There are a few key things to keep in mind when enjoying the flames in an outdoor fireplace at home. The first is to make sure you have a safe area to use it in. Be aware of any overhead power lines and make sure there is plenty of room for the fire to burn. It’s also important to use caution when building the fire and to make sure the ashes are completely cool before disposing of them. Finally, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring a blanket to keep warm by the fire.
When using an outdoor fireplace, always take the following safety precautions:
– Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
– Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of any flammable objects.
– Do not leave the fireplace unattended.
– Keep children and pets away from the fireplace.
With all of it being said
An outdoor fireplace is a great addition to any home, but it is also important to take care of having one. Make sure that the area where the fireplace will be is cleared of any flammable material and that there is plenty of space around it for people to safely gather. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies, and never leave a fire unattended. With proper safety precautions, an outdoor fireplace can provide hours of enjoyment for you and your family.
