One remarkable way of keeping your gas-fueled outdoor fireplace or fire pit looking clean, fresh, and appealing is through the use of fireplace glasses. These glasses are cut in 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes and are designed to replace fire logs and cinders. The burner is covered with the glasses but the fire burns through them. This has the effect of minimizing soot and dirt as more heat is trapped among the glasses promoting better combustion of the fuel.

In addition to the lessening of soot, the fireplace glasses substantially add to the appeal of the fireplace. They come in a wide array of colors including champagne, copper, dark and light green, gray, red, orange, purple, and varying shades of blue such as cobalt, sky, turquoise, and azure. There are even reflective glasses that mirror the burning fire making it even more brilliant and dazzling. You can have any combination of the colors to suit your fancy or your decor.

Note, however, that fireplace glasses are not glasses broken from ordinary bottles or jars. Instead, they are especially formulated to withstand heat without popping or breaking. Neither are they supposed to melt or emit toxic fumes. Often, the glasses undergo a process whereby their edges are smoothed to avoid possible injury when handling them. Also, not all propane burners work well with fireplace glass. It is advisable to consult with your glass supplier before purchasing a burner.

Installation of fireplace glasses is quite easy. If you already have an existing fireplace, all you need to do is to install a gas-fueled burner. This should rest atop a layer of crushed lava rocks. Use finer rocks over the bigger ones to prevent the glasses from falling into the latter. After leveling the rocks, pour clear fireplace glasses up to a thickness of 1 inch. If, however, the lava rocks remain visible, you can add a few more. Your last step is to add colored glasses in any combination, design, or amount you desire. And then you can keep yourself warm and cozy with the fire and feast your eyes on its dazzling reflections on the fireplace glasses.

A prefabricated outdoor fireplace exudes warmth and contentment. Add one to your backyard now. There is no need to hire a stone mason or a construction company to make one from scratch. Browse numerous fireplace sellers online for a prefabricated outdoor fireplace and you get to save hundreds of dollars without compromising the look and quality of the fireplace itself.

Miragestone features several wonderful and elegant prefabricated outdoor fireplaces that can be installed in an hour! You can specify on what fuel to burn – wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas. You can choose to install a barbecue or a multi screen unit as well as a fireplace unit. BBQ units include the grill while the multi screen unit are available as bay, see-through, pier or screened left or right. Mirage Stones prefabricated fireplaces do not use mortar, glues or fasteners that are found to deteriorate when exposed to nature’s elements. Instead the company utilizes expanded shale and luminite that creates a durable and strong heat dissipating stone that won’t crack under extreme temperatures. What’s so great about their prefabricated fireplaces is that it can be customized to suit your taste and outdoor needs. Mirage Stone prefabricated outdoor fireplace sells for about $2,000.00.

HomeDepot sells an equally lovely prefabricated outdoor fireplace albeit more expensive. With a price of almost $4,000, the outdoor fireplace has a stainless steel face, mesh screen and log grate. It is wood burning but gas log sets are also available if it is your preference. It is finished in a light brown tile and ledger stone style.

Lennox Hearth Products has several beautiful and luxurious prefabricated outdoor fireplace styles to choose from. One of their most popular types is the Elite Series that has the contemporary look of stainless steel and ease of ventless. It burns on gas and has an enclosed pan tube and hidden burner ports that create tall dancing flames with a deep red glow. The Elite Series is weather resistant with brushed stainless steel bi-fold opening and stainless steel hinges. It is available in either 36″ or 42″ screened opening.

Designs by Garry, Inc. or DBG also offers an exciting line of prefabricated outdoor fireplace models. They have finished units that you can install immediately into your home as soon as it is delivered or you can choose to customize their contractor’s models your own way to suit your personality and taste. Most of their prefabricated units are large in size but they also have a petite on that measures 39″ by 30″ by 16 ht. Hearth dimensions only. Though small in size, it is not minute in style. This petite Chica model sells are around $2,700 and comes in different varieties of colors such as canyon, sand, parviz beige and a lot more. Visit their website, Exteriorfireplaces.com for more information.

For an outdoor fireplace, purchasing one in stainless steel is highly recommended because it can withstand Mother Nature’s different elements such as rain, sunshine and snow. Most people also prefer the look of a stainless steel outdoor fireplace because of its contemporary and minimalist design. Since steel is a good conductor of heat, most stainless steel outdoor fireplace also has grilling capabilities.

Numerous stainless steel outdoor fireplaces are compact and portable. But if your preference is an outdoor fireplace that stay put in one place, there are also many varieties that suit you. Make sure to check all your options before settling for a specific unit. There are myriad websites that sells stainless steel outdoor fireplaces in competitive prices. Here are a few of them just to get you started:

• Kitchen Source features a lovely stainless steel outdoor fireplace from Arctic Fireplaces. It is designed to burn charcoal, wood and pressed wood logs. The Arctic stainless steel outdoor fireplace can be easily converted into a cooking grill with its cooking grid. It is portable with its rear wheels and pull handle, it also has a shiny a chrome plated tubing design. Loading of wood or charcoal won’t be of any difficulty because of its two door design. This unit sells for almost $600 and shipping is free.
• Comfort Channel has a wonderful stainless steel outdoor fireplace that is pedestal standing and pagoda style. Constructed from a heavy 18 and 20 gauge stainless steel, this stainless steel outdoor fireplace allows a 360 degree view of the fire. Sells for $619 from $681.
• Fire Places Now features a Vanguard 42″ stainless steel outdoor fireplace. Comes with a refractory brick, it has a clean, single all stainless steel face, mesh spark screen and log grate. Though wood burning, this stainless steel outdoor fireplace is gas log ready with gas connections and controls discreetly hidden. Its contemporary look is perfect and approved for outdoor use as well as indoors. Sells for $902.

Stainless steel outdoor fireplaces are hot and not only in the literal sense. Whether its wood, gas or propane burning type, always give extra attention to the surroundings of the heating unit to avoid any accidents. Never ever leave anything flammable near it and remember to extinguish fires before retiring for the night.

One of the common kinds of outdoor fireplaces is copper. You can opt to choose a fireplace that is made from copper especially if you are looking for a theme that is both elegant and antique-looking. The luster of copper lends an air of elegance in any room; and at the same time, lends an antique effect on the fireplace while it fades over time.

There numerous designs of outdoor fireplaces made from copper that you can choose from.

There are many people who dislike copper outdoor fireplaces simply because they think that having one would be difficult to maintain and clean. Admittedly, when it comes to cleaning, fireplaces are one of the hardest furniture/equipment to clean. Aside from its bulkiness, it is also difficult to deal with ashes and smoke as you clean the fireplace. You would not want the ashes lying around your background since they are difficult to remove.

Sure, it takes a bit more effort, but the benefits of having a copper outdoor fireplace far outweigh its slight disadvantage in cleaning.

Cleaning Copper Fireplaces

The best time to clean your copper outdoor fireplaces is during the hot summer days of the year when your fireplace is not being used as much. Most people like to clean their fireplace only when there is a build up of ash, soot and smoke in the fireplace.

When cleaning your copper outdoor fireplace, you have to ensure that the ashes in your fireplace have already cooled. You can then start by sweeping the ashes using a shovel or an ash vacuum. After cleaning this, you can start cleaning the parts of your fireplace such as the firebox, damper and the lower part of the flue.

Before getting into the inside it is best to remove first the accessories of your fireplace such as the andirons and grates. You can separately clean them by using a wire brush to scrape of the soot and grime. If your accessories are also made from copper, you can preserve the original color of it by wiping it with mild dishwashing liquid or any non abrasive cleaner.

Another way to keep and maintain the luster of the copper is by making a solution of warm water with a few of lemon or lime and a teaspoon salt. You can dip the copper grates and andirons in this solution for a couple of minutes or until the tarnish wear off. You can then start using a wire brush to clean the insides of your outdoor fireplace. Again, use a shovel or vacuum for cleaning the ashes and soot.
For the firebox, there are different solutions which you can choose from such as washing soda, vinegar, water with chlorine etc. You can choose the solution which you like most. You can soak this liquid in the firebox for about 15-30 minutes then scrub it again afterwards. Rinse the inside of the firebox with warm water and let it dry.

It is very important to always clean and maintain your outdoor fireplaces since leaving all the dirt to build up inside it will have an effect on its performance.

In addition to its durability, outdoor masonry fireplaces can give a rustic, old-world charm to any backyard, garden, or patio. With a fire flickering and crackling in it, the feeling of being transported into an earlier time is complete. It is sure to enhance any gathering of your family and friends in your backyard, even during chilly autumn or even frosty winter nights.

Outdoor masonry fireplaces can be as simple as a fire pit dug into the ground, or as elaborate as one with an overmantel of finely wrought brass or iron. They can either be freestanding or integrated into a building structure. Basically, they consist of a footing, firebox, and a chimney. The footing supports the structure, the firebox is the chamber where the fire burns, and the chimney gathers the smoke and hot gases away from the firebox.

Since outdoor masonry fireplaces are permanent structures, care must be taken before you actually start building one. You have to plan where you want it installed, choose which type of bricks or stone you want, determine how big or small you want it to be, and draw up a design to suit your tastes. Depending on the design and size you want, you may need to hire a contractor to do the job. If you are confident, however, that you have enough skills to build it yourself, there are a lot of guides available on the Internet.

Should you opt to construct your own outdoor masonry fireplace, you will need to research local ordinances governing the building of outdoor fireplaces. The authorities sometimes require specific distances from buildings, chimney height, or even fuel type. Some localities prohibit wood-burning fireplaces because of the danger of floating embers causing accidental fires. In addition to this, they also pollute the air. When choosing the location, be sure there are no branches or wires hanging overhead. It would also help to have a ready source of water near by in case of any fire emergency.

Outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of designs, styles, and themes. They can either be portable, freestanding, or built into a building structure. Apart from cast iron they can also be made of clay, terracotta, different kinds of stones, bricks, aluminum, and brass.

Whatever design you choose for your outdoor fireplace, portable, freestanding, or built-in, cast iron can be used to fabricate it. Whether you prefer a Mexican style chimenea, a 360 degree view portable fire pit with screen casing, a Chinese-inspired Pagoda chimenea, or an open round fire bowl, you can have it in cast iron. Spherical, round, square, oblong, or any shape you can think of is possible with this material.

In terms of durability, a cast iron outdoor fireplace beats a clay model hands down. It is resistant to roaring flames and high temperatures and, if properly maintained, it can last a lifetime. One made of clay, in contrast, is rather brittle and has a tendency to crack after prolonged use. This is especially true in humid climates.

The most important concern with a cast iron outdoor fireplace is the prevention of rust. A good coat of high temperature-resistant enamel, however, goes a long way to keep it from eroding away. You will have to do this occasionally or as soon as you see any speck of rust on its surface. It also tends to stain the surface on which it stands, so you will need to put it on a surface that is easy to clean. Cast iron is heavy, and this should say something about its portability. You will need to balance your need to carry it around and its durability. It is this weight that enables it to take a lot of abuse.

With its varying designs, you can burn virtually anything in a cast iron outdoor fireplace. Wood is the most popular fuel for burning. Along with the cast iron, it gives a feeling of being in an old-world setting. Manufactured firelogs can also be used. And for those who want a quick fire without lighting up wood, you can have your fireplace heated with propane or natural gas.

Outdoor fireplaces can either be portable or fixed. Portable types can be made of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or cast-iron. Fixed fireplaces can be isolated from the rest of your building structures or attached to it. The most common materials used are bricks, clay, or stone. These may be combined with any of the materials used in the portable types for the hearth and protective screen.

Stones are the most popular choice for outdoor fireplaces because they are long-lasting and non-combustible. They do not overheat and thus prevent fire hazards. They are easy to install and clean, and they can withstand harsh weather conditions, needing only an occasional, perhaps every couple of years, coating with a stone sealant to protect them from water and other liquids.

Different types of stones can be used for your outdoors fireplace. The most common are natural stone, sandstone, slate, limestone, marble, or granite. They can also be made of cast stone or stucco. Marble and granite are rather expensive but the former offers plenty of design capabilities, while the latter virtually needs no maintenance.

You can use these stones by themselves, in combination with each, or even with other materials. There are designs that use slate in between bigger granite slabs, while others use wood or metals with any of the stones that produce unique and remarkable results.

Whichever type of stone you choose, be sure that your outdoor fireplace is in a safe area. Be especially careful if you choose to integrate it with your building. It is best to consult a professional if this is the design you want. If you want a fireplace that stands alone, be sure it is far enough from your existing buildings, and that there are no tree branches or utility lines hanging above it. You do not want accidents to ruin your nights around your fireplace.

Today, bricks are still considered prime material for outdoor fireplaces. These red or rust-colored rectangular clay mixed with water, lime, ash, or organic matter that are left to solidify in a kiln for a length of time are sturdy and strong enough to withstand heat and corrosion. They are also able to retain the high temperatures of the fireplace, keeping the heat even after the wood has burned down. Bricks can also repel grease, oil, and soot, making it easier to keep them clean and spotless.

Outdoor fireplaces made of bricks are usually of the stand-alone type, although some may be in partially covered areas, such as a veranda. They could be in the garden, backyard, pool, or patio, giving these areas an added charm and appeal. Often, brick fireplaces are intended to burn wood, charcoal, or pressed wood logs but if you have trouble firing up wood and are not very comfortable with the smoke and the morning-after cleaning, you can opt for natural gas or propane fired models.

Non-traditional bricks can also be used in place of the usual rectangular type. They can be custom-made with designs and decorations of unique patterns incorporated into them giving a distinctive look. You can search the web for manufacturers of these kinds of bricks. They will probably cost you a little extra, but when you invite your friends to your home, your fireplace will definitely make a good conversation piece.

Compared to stone, bricks are usually less expensive. Also, cutting and sawing them is far easier than doing the same thing with stone. This is a great help when dealing with tight corners in the design. Some people may find stones more appealing, but with these advantages, it is not surprising if you go for bricks.