Nothing can be more relaxing or romantic than a warm roaring fire under the stars. Wouldn’t it be nice to just lie back in your own patio and enjoy the warmth of the fire and beauty of nature?

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 Usually originally made of clay, several manufacturers have introduced lovely chimeneas made of cast aluminium.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.