Outdoor fireplaces are found in many people’s backyard where they want to feel snug and comfy outside their house but are not allowed to enjoy and experience an open fire. Outdoor fireplaces are generally just closed containers that contain fuel like firewood, propane gas or natural and the fire. These fireplaces will then spread the heat effectively through the surrounding air.

Different people have different outdoor fireplace ideas. Thankfully, there are various outdoor fireplaces that have full potential of looking great in your own patio or backyard. When searching for the right outdoor fireplace, look into as many fireplace manufacturers as you can. Outdoor fireplaces tend to look dissimilar from others based on design and shape. Knowing everything you can about each one helps make the choosing and buying process easier.

Chimineas or the chimney type outdoor fireplace originated in Mexico and were made of clay. Chimeneas are easily identified because of its chimney. Chimineas have great air ventilation system that promotes a proper cross draft that allows the fuel to burn properly. This outdoor fireplace’s chimney helps a lot with the ventilation while it effectively carries smoke away from those near it making the chiminea more comfortable. The traditional chimineas are shaped round traditionally, but this outdoor fireplace has evolved into something modern. Some chimineas are shaped in unique pyramid and may be made out of cast aluminum, cast iron, or copper.

Bowl shaped burners are often called fire-pits or fire-bowls. Fire-pits are preferred by many not only for aesthetic reasons but because they are more inexpensive. This type of outdoor fireplace usually has an open fire design while other units have meshes covering the top to avoid sparks from escaping. Fire-pits are portable and most units come with handles and wheels. The only downside to using these type of outdoor fireplaces is that it is has poor ventilation resulting to improper burning of firewood and smokier output.

Another great fireplace idea is the flat type fireplace. This fireplace is somewhat similar to the fire-pits but unlike them, flat type outdoor fireplaces are not elevated. Flat type outdoor fireplaces sit flat on the ground and can be used for cooking. Though some may not like this kind of outdoor fireplace, it is very inexpensive and portable. The last type of outdoor fireplace is the traditional fireplace, you know, that kind of design that most people associate with when ‘fireplace’ is mentioned. Most of these traditional outdoor fireplaces are pre-fabricated and come with spark protection screens. They can be built into a wall or can be free standing.
Before purchasing any type of unit, think about the different outdoor fireplace ideas. Choose the one that’s perfect in terms of function and design. Once you have installed the outdoor fireplace, always practice responsible use of outdoor fireplace while enjoying its warmth.

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.

This piece of furniture is a table that doubles as a fireplace. These come is several designs with plenty of variations. Often, the fire pit is embedded within the surface of the table. A hole is cut in the middle of the table and the fire pit is inserted into it. The mouth of the pit can be aligned with the table’s surface, below or above it. Other designs, however, have the fire pit resting atop the table.

The fire pit can be made of aluminum, brass, cast iron, or stainless steel. It may be shaped identically with the table, that is, if it is circular, the table can also be circular. It is not necessary, however, that the two have the same outline. Indeed, there are round fire pits within square tables.

Since you are usually quite close to the fire with these types of fireplaces, wood is rarely the fuel of choice. While there is indeed some romance involved with the crackling fire and floating embers of wood fire, these are accompanied by soot, smoke, and ashes, not to mention the fact that some localities may have restrictions on the use of wood for fueling fireplaces. Instead, gel fuel, liquid propane, or natural gas are used.

The table can be made of either wood, or any cut and polished stone such as granite or marble. Those made of wood are usually sealed with preservatives to protect them from the sun and rain as well as from the heat of the fire pit. Granite or marble table tops stand on decorative steel frames and legs, with elaborate or simple designs.

With a grill placed atop the fire pit, you can even cook on these tables, so you can cook and eat your barbeque without the need of getting up from your chair. With some models, you can pull out the fire pit from the table and place in its stead an ice bucket that can easily accommodate a six pack. Or, if you just want an ordinary table, you can set neither fire pit nor cooler, and just cover the hole with a plain insert made of your table’s material. With this kind of versatility, you can spend the whole year sitting around your fireplace and/or cooler table or just plain good old ordinary table. You can warm yourself in winter, have your cold drinks in summer, and just lounge around in spring or autumn.

The Chiminea outdoor fireplace is a free standing and front loading outdoor fireplace with a unique bulbous body. It usually has a vertical chimney or smoke vent. Originating in Mexico, the original chiminea outdoor fireplace was traditionally made out of clay. Some say that chiminea outdoor fireplaces were already used by Mexican tribesmen hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago. These tribesmen developed the chimineas so they can provide heat for their families and have a vessel for their cooking and baking as well. The original chiminea was effectively designed to keep the fire continuously burning in spite of rains.

Unfortunately, owners of Chiminea outdoor fireplaces encountered frequent problems that include flaking glaze, cracking, and crumbling of the clay which prompted several fireplace manufacturers to come up with an alternative.

Nowadays, chiminea outdoor fireplaces that are made from aluminum or cast iron are available for those who don’t like the original clay version. These wonderful chiminea alternatives can also be of traditional shape or it may come in several different designs that are equally fabulous.

Most chiminea outdoor fireplaces are about five feet tall and about two feet across. Other metal chiminea models often have spark arrestor and a grated door to seal fireplace opening shut. Most chiminea outdoor fireplace owners claim that the metal chimineas, albeit a bit pricey, are more beautiful and durable that their clay counterparts.

Here are some chiminea outdoor fireplace models that you might love to see standing in your own backyards:

1. For those who love the classic clay chiminea outdoor fireplace, Garden for Less features a traditional Jumbo one that has a Mexican design of an attractive beach scene in Cancun. The design is embossed and painted on the bowl and the flue of the clay chiminea outdoor fireplace. Its bright colors and glossy finish surely makes this model a standout. This particular chiminea comes with a lid, barbeque grill, lava stones and protective dust and rain cover.

2. The Garden Style chiminea outdoor fireplace from the Blue Rooster Company is made from durable and thick cast aluminium. With a unique triangle top design, this versatile medium sized chiminea is lightweight that you can even move it around with ease or bring it with you during outdoor The Garden Style model features a beautiful hummingbird that is hovering over a rose. Designed to be used as an outdoor fireplace, this chiminea can also be used as a grill and an oven.

Special care must be taken with the chiminea outdoor fireplaces for it to last you years of service. Clay chiminea models could crack and crumble if subjected to hasty change in temperature like an unexpected downpour of rain on the unit when a fire is starting. Cast iron and other metal chimineas tend to rust quickly if not given the proper protection.

A fireplace insert is a fireplace inserted into an existing masonry or metal fireplace. It could be fueled with wood, gas, or pellets. Fireplace inserts are usually made of heavy-gauge plate steel, sometime stainless, or cast iron. A decorative faceplate is installed at the front end, often with glass doors to keep the fire visible. The glass could be plain or etched with floral or any other design. Door trim may also be included and these could be in gold or nickel plating.

Running along the length of the chimney, from the fireplace insert up to its opening at the top is a pipe called a chimney liner that provide proper air flow and serve as a smoke vent. Without this, creosote can build up in the fireplace and thus become a fire hazard.

Some inserts exude radiant heat into an area with the help of blowers which could be either manual or thermostat-regulated. These are mounted at the front, or if the insert protrudes out of the old hearth, blowers can also be mounted to exude heat from the protruding sides. This results to better heating.

There are plenty of fireplace inserts in the market you can choose from. When purchasing one, be sure it matches the old fireplace you want to put it into in terms of the type of materials used, color, size and design. With the various designs ranging from plain and simple to extremely elaborate décor there is sure to be one that perfectly blends with your old fireplace.

If you like to watch dancing flames and to listen the crackling and popping logs as they burn and opt for the wood or pellet burning type, find out first if there are restrictions on them in your area. On the other hand, if you are not the kind that likes to clean up ashes the morning after, you might want to install a gas fireplace insert instead. These usually come with log sets designed to look like the real stuff but are fueled with either propane or natural gas.

Zoning and building regulations covering outdoor fireplaces are enforced by most local authorities. You want to visit them to inquire about this even before you decide what kind of fireplace you want. Some do not allow the use of the wood-burning kind for fear of floating embers that could accidentally ignite some dried material. Others require specific dimensions and locations, as well as the installation of certain safety features.

If you are already familiar with what is and what is not allowed, you can begin looking for sample designs. There are literally hundreds of websites on the Internet featuring endless designs and styles of fireplaces, not to mention the materials with which they are made, and their position and orientation. It is easy to get confused about what you really want with so many options to choose from. In addition to online sources, there are also plenty of home-improvement magazines that feature glossy pages of fireplaces that could make you green with envy. There may also be home improvement companies and stores in your area where you can actually see samples of fireplaces.

You can draw ideas from these designs, combining the features you like best from among them. If you have an artistic bent, you can do this on your own. If you have basic DIY skills, you can even build your own fireplace. However, if you choose a huge and elaborate design, you may need the help of a professional. Be sure that the design you choose complements existing structures and that it complies with the zoning and building ordinances. Carefully consider the materials to use as they will determine the appearance and durability of the fireplace. They will also greatly affect your budget. This is especially true if your plan on constructing a big, complex, and intricately designed fireplace.

Once you have decided on the design and the materials to use, you can draft your blueprint with its exact specifications and measurements as well as its precise location. If it is a simple design, you can draft it and even build it yourself; otherwise, you may need to consult with an architect. In this case, it may be also advisable to have your outdoor fireplace construction executed by a professional.

Sadly, some homeowners cannot afford an outdoor fireplace or their home space cannot accommodate the sheer size of it. It is a great thing that some manufacturers have thought of producing portable outdoor fireplaces. Not to be outdone by its counterpart, a portable outdoor fireplace is beautifully made and adds glamour and sophistication to any patio or backyard.

A portable outdoor fireplace is so easy to move to different areas of the backyard, patio or even out in the driveway that you can invite friends or neighbours to sit with you and enjoy the fire. For those who love camping or the beach, the portable outdoor fireplace adds safe and warm fire to your campsite. Even at sporting events, people bring out their portable outdoor fireplace to keep themselves warm during tailgate parties. If you don’t want to use your portable outdoor fireplace during winter, you can simply tuck them away inside your home or garage.

Portable outdoor fireplaces are so easy to carry because they are lightweight and made of sturdy materials such as steel, copper, aluminium. They also include lids or wheels for effortless transport. Most portable outdoor fireplaces may also include wood or gas burning options, spark screens, lids, and grill attachments.

To find the appropriate portable fireplace for your home, search for suitable options in the internet. Numerous manufacturers advertise and sell their products online allowing you to choose from a wide range of designs and styles.

The Grizzly portable outdoor fireplace and grill by Masterbuilt is a “cool” way to stay warm in chilly days and nights. It is a 20” octagon shaped fireplace and grill has a foldable fire screen for easy storage. The Grizzly portable outdoor fireplace and grill also comes with a dome, removable legs, and chrome grill rack. The item sells at around $100.

The Bon Fire Outdoor fireplace is an extraordinary kind of portable outdoor fireplace. It has pull handle, rear wheels, and a durable design to last you years. Has a one door design for easy loading of pressed logs or wood, the Bon Fire outdoor fireplace comes with a porcelain enamel bowl and lid that is impervious to most elements such as rust and other weather damage. It also has nickel plated fire screens that reduce flying embers and sparks. The Bon Fire portable fireplace sells at around $150.

Patio Hearth Pro’s portable outdoor fireplace doubles as a wood or charcoal burning grill. Great for camping, backyard parties, or just simply enjoying a chilly starry night, the Patio Hearth Pro portable outdoor grill offers a 360 degree view of the fire. Committed to being portable, it has a retractable pull handle and rear wheels. This wonderful unit comes with a charcoal or log grate and cooking grid. The Patio Hearth Pro portable outdoor fireplace can be bought at around $200.

But what happens if your wood burning outdoor fireplace loses its heat? Nothing is more disappointing than an inefficient fireplace. Rather than converting your outdoor fireplace into a fireplace inserted stove, you can install some useful items that can make your fireplace emit warmth efficiently like glass doors, firebacks and grates. Essentially the outdoor fireplace grate should be the first thing to consider when your fireplace loses its sufficient heating capability.

An outdoor fireplace grate is essential to any fireplace. It is responsible for keeping all the firewood together therefore keeping the fire more efficient in warming its surroundings. Also an outdoor fireplace grate makes fire starting and tending a breeze. Looking for an outdoor fireplace grate can be a challenge but, nevertheless, fun. There are several options to choose from that will surely fit in with your existing outdoor theme.

There are two general rules for outdoor fireplace grates. The first one is frequency of usage should equal the grate quality. Therefore if you use your outdoor fireplace sparingly, a small and inexpensive low quality kind of fireplace grate is acceptable. But if you love roaring fires and use your outdoor fireplace, it is recommended that a high quality and durable outdoor fireplace grate should be purchased. The second general rule is the heavier the grate, the longer it lasts. Buying heavy grates made of solid steel and cast iron is always a good idea.
Many outdoor fireplace grates are constructed in a one piece design. This means that you won’t have to worry about losing any tiny parts. You just simply take it out of its container and place it in your fireplace.

Traditional fireplace often burn out in a couple of years because of the extreme temperature that it is exposed to. There are actually several brands of outdoor fireplace grates that are wonderfully made out of non-corrosive materials that can withstand nature’s elements. These outdoor fireplace grates are probably the last ones you would purchase.

The Lifetime outdoor fireplace grate is one of the high quality outdoor fireplace grates out there. It is extremely heavy duty and made of one inch wide steel bars. Heavier and thicker than other grates, it can be a bit expensive. But with a lifetime warranty, it surely a great buy.

The Cast Iron Self Feeding outdoor fireplace grate is an exceptional one. It has a deep contoured design that lowers burning logs to the ember bed. This design prevents any logs from rolling out onto the hearth, eliminating fire hazards. The Self Feeding outdoor fireplace grate can also be “cradled” so that the back is higher than the front and forces heat into the room. Want to create a much larger fire for your spacious outdoor fireplace? Turn the self feeding grate so that the front is higher than the back. This grate position will allow you full control of the flames while securing your safety.

Being able to spend time and relax in an outdoor environment is the primary reason why the outdoor patio fireplace is fast becoming popular for hundreds of homeowners. An outdoor patio fireplace comes in a beautiful variety of themes, designs and styles. Portable or built in, an outdoor patio fireplace is a thing of beauty to add to any home.

Because of the numerous design and style possibilities of an outdoor patio fireplace, it can be quite confusing to sift through and choose from the countless options. But first and foremost, know all the local codes in your area about outdoor fireplaces.

When constructing a fireplace, the most important thing to consider is the design. The outdoor patio fireplace should blend in with the whole outside environment look of the patio or it will stick out like a sore thumb. The outdoor patio fireplaces are designed similarly to standard fireplaces found indoors but the difference is that the former doesn’t use dampers but have tall chimneys. These tall chimneys prevent smoke from being inhaled by the patio’s occupants. On the whole, they are designed to provide a comfy and relaxing outdoor stays during summer nights and cool evenings.

Begin looking for the perfect outdoor patio design for your home through the internet. Most patio fireplace manufactures post high quality pictures of their products in their website. Do take note that the appearance, color or overall look of the product in the picture may vary when you view the product personally.
Some outdoor fireplaces are more elaborate and high maintenance than others. For homeowners who would want to have a hassle-free yet charming outdoor patio fireplace, opt for a low maintenance type of fireplace. Chimeneas, Zero clearance, freestanding (metal), and modular units are examples of these low maintenance types of outdoor patio fireplace.

Chimeneas are freestanding units that are portable and pretty. Usually originally made of clay, several manufacturers have introduced lovely chimeneas made of cast aluminium. Most chimenea units come with its own mesh screen, spark arrester and leg levellers. Zero clearance outdoor patio fireplace units are designed to be installed in contact with a framing material, usually combustible. Builders start assembling this type of unit with a prefabricated metal shell, add a chimney, and frame the unit with wood or metal studs. After, they will then encase it in backer-board or plywood and then finish with stone, tile or stucco. Freestanding metal units are a cross between firepits and chimeneas. These freestanding metal units are also portable and may be used for grilling as well. Modular types of outdoor patio fireplaces are made with precast modules of pumice stone and then stacked together to create the firebox, fireplace and chimney.

Indoor fireplaces, apart from keeping you warm and comfortable, are elegant additions to your living rooms. Outdoor fireplaces are great centerpieces for any patio or backyard which allow you to enjoy the night sky even during the cold season. Those who wish to enjoy the benefits of both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, however, need to install two separate units. At least until now.

A recent innovation in fireplaces is the indoor outdoor fireplace. This is a single unit that can be used to simultaneously provide warmth, comfort, and a dreamy ambiance to the inside and outside of your house. Basically, the indoor outdoor fireplace consists of a casing that has an opening on both ends. One end opens inside the house, while the other opens outside. Contained within this casing is a combustion chamber enclosure that is made of see-through material. An air plenum system supplies air into the combustion chamber and an opening leading to the outside of the building clears exhaust fumes.

Heat from this chamber warms both indoors and outdoors through the two openings in the casing. Often these types of fireplaces are heated with natural gas thus eliminating floating embers, smoke, and the need to clean out ashes. For additional decor, fire screens can be installed on both inside and outside openings. Most models available in the market come with different fire screen designs to choose from. They are also available in several finishes such as black, brushed, bronze, pewter, nickel, or polished brass.

Indoor outdoor fireplaces are mounted on walls. With the see-through combustion chamber you can see the inside of your house if you are outside, or outside of it if you are inside. The walls on which fireplaces are mounted should not be made of combustible material. Wood and wallpapers should be nowhere near the place. Instead, stones, bricks, or concrete should surround the casing. Some designs include ceramic tiles with the concrete to add color or patterns to the wall.

To protect the outer face of the fireplace you can purchase a fireplace cover. This is usually made of quality durable black vinyl that can shield your fireplace from the harshest weather and thus keep it looking brand new.