Gathering your friends and family around your outdoor fireplace is one of the best ways to spend an evening.
Whether you’re cooking up a feast or relaxing over a bottle of wine, there’s no better setting. The ambiance is so sublime, you’ll find everyone’s willing to gather together without the need for TV or technology.
Since it’s such a large investment, you want to make sure you get it right the first time. Let’s consider three key factors as you begin your design process.
1. The Location
Whether you’re setting up your fireplace just outside your back door, or next to a pool or guest house, you want to make sure it’s within easy reach.
If you’re setting it up on your back porch, you might want to consider attaching the fireplace to the patio or deck, or even the back of the house. The goal is to create a cozy setting where it’s easy to carry out a tray of hors-d’oeuvres or a full-blown meal.
If you’re setting your outdoor fireplace somewhere near a pool or guest house, the same principle applies. You want to make sure it’s close enough to offer plenty of warmth and light to all your visitors.
2. The Style
After you’ve measured your space and chosen a location that’s easily accessible, you’ll want to decide on the style of your fireplace.
The first question to ask yourself is whether you want a fire pit or a fireplace. Fire pits are, of course, much smaller and can be centered within your outdoor patio furniture.
A fireplace requires more space. It’s usually a permanent feature, most often designed in a rectangular shape. The firebox located inside can feature another rectangular shape or be arched.
The exterior of the fireplace is usually covered with stone or brick. You can even decide to have some fun with a mantle, wrought iron, or decorative tiles.
3. The Materials
Fire pits and fireplaces can be constructed from an array of materials, from brick or stone to river rock or concrete, and more.
Brick will provide a timeless, traditional feel. It’s also more affordable and available in a wide variety of colors and textures. Read our three-part article on the history of this timeless material.
Stone is another beautiful material that will enhance the look of your fireplace. It can create either a modern or a traditional look with its pretty hues and varied textures.
The options for stone are endless, too, as you can choose from limestone, sandstone, fieldstone, and more.
The Perfect Outdoor Fireplace for Your Home
Browse our selection of outdoor fireplaces today. Our Belgard Bristol Fireplace features two spacious storage areas for your firewood, continuing in the same beautiful style as the fireplace. If you’re looking for a more modern look, our Techno-Bloc Raffinato Fire Pit is a popular design among those looking for clean lines and a little bit of an edge.
Visit our full-service showroom today to begin browsing the style and materials that will fulfill all your outdoor fireplace dreams.