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Are you considering adding an outdoor fireplace to elevate your outdoor entertaining skills? One survey found that 77% of buyers would pay more for a home with a fireplace, making it a wise investment regardless of the design or how often you use it.
However, there’s nothing quite like a cozy outdoor fireplace to warm your home’s atmosphere. You can sip your favorite vintage while basking in the twinkle of the firelight with friends and family. To do so efficiently, though, you’ll want to read up on the best outdoor fireplace ideas.
Below we’ll share some stylish ideas for your beautiful outdoor fireplace design — so get ready to light it up!
The Benefits of an Outdoor Fireplace
Are you not yet sold on the benefits of adding an outdoor fireplace to your entertaining outdoor space? Sure, you might be thinking that an outdoor fireplace would look nice. They also add warmth and can enhance your backyard design. However, added warmth and aesthetic vibes aren’t the only benefits.
These backyard features are great way to enjoy your patio or backyard while staying comfortable and cozy during the chilly winter. This means that if you want to enjoy every inch of your home, inside and out, adding an outdoor fireplace is a practical idea. And, as mentioned, it can pay off in added value down the road.
An outdoor fireplace also lets you entertain guests or host family gatherings. You can make outdoor evenings more enjoyable by gathering around the fireplace and cooking s’mores by the warm flames. Simply put, a beautiful outdoor fireplace is an investment you will enjoy for years and pay off in the long run.
Outdoor Fireplace Ideas
Are you sold on the idea of adding a fireplace to your outdoor space now? Great. Now, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the latest outdoor fireplace ideas. Understanding your options and current design trends can help you choose the right type, style, and design for your fireplace.
Make the Fireplace a Focal Point
When planning your outdoor fireplace, it’s important to consider its size, material, and placement within the backyard. Using brick or stone masonry will make it stand out as a permanent feature while giving it an inviting, cozy feel. To further add visual interest, you can incorporate decorative details like seats or outdoor lighting around your fireplace that draw the eye towards the fireplace.
Build a Firepit Conversation Area
Are you looking for something more dynamic and unique? If so, consider building a firepit conversation area. This will require you to find a contractor with experience in freestanding fireplaces or firepits.
Also, ensure the fire pit is not close to the house or furniture. Next, you’ll want to ensure you have plenty of seating options around the firepit. This will allow everyone to chat while they warm up next to it. Finally, accessorize your firepit area with outdoor pillows, rugs, and lanterns to give it some extra ambiance for those cozy nights by the fire.
Create a Standalone Fireplace
Beyond the elegant, luxurious look it can add to your outdoor space, standalone fireplaces offer a unique design that can make your outdoor area stand out from the rest. Furthermore, standalone fireplaces can be more energy efficient than other units and provide more even warmth throughout your outdoor area.
Use Unique Materials
When it comes to outdoor fireplaces, using unique materials can really add that special touch and create a relaxing space for you and your family to enjoy. Slate, river rock, brick, or stone are all excellent materials to make beautiful outdoor fireplaces. They’re weather-resistant and can withstand very high temperatures.
If you prefer a modern look and feel, try steel or glass for an outdoor fireplace with a chic style. Thinking outside the box? Consider materials such as copper or stainless steel for an eye-catching statement piece. Whether you want rugged or sophisticated, unique materials will make for the perfect outdoor fireplace addition.
Integrate an Outdoor Fireplace Into a Garden Makeover
Incorporating an outdoor fireplace into the project is a fantastic idea if you’re undertaking a garden makeover. However, it’s important to consider how to fully integrate your new fireplace into your garden makeover and patio design.
Depending on your budget and desired aesthetic, many options are available to seamlessly blend your outdoor fireplace with the overall look of your garden makeover. Consider exploring materials such as brick, stone, or metal. Just be sure to choose one that complements your outdoor living area’s furniture and other elements.
Additionally, installing shelving or planters around the fireplace will help tie everything together. This should help make it an integral part of your garden space. Use similar colors, materials, or elements in both spaces when in doubt. For example, incorporate a similar blue color into your fireplace area if your garden is full of blue plants.
How to Make an Outdoor Fireplace Fit Into Your Patio Design
Our biggest tip when it comes to outdoor fireplace ideas? Ensure your new fireplace meshes well with your patio design. If not, you’ll end up with two separate and confusing spaces.
When planning outdoor fireplace placement, consider how often you’ll use it. Then, consider how much space you have available. Once you’ve determined the size and type of outdoor fireplace that best suits your needs, consider the style of the outdoor fireplace and how it fits with the overall aesthetic of your patio design.
Additionally, think about any safety concerns related to spacing or possible obstructions.
Get a Free Fireplace Estimate
With over a century of experience, we are proud to provide our customers with quality service and reliable results when it comes to installing fireplaces. Our specialists are certified by the National Fireplace Institute and backed by insurance, ensuring that you can trust us as experts in our craft.
Furthermore, our team of specialists can provide expert advice to help you find the perfect outdoor fireplace ideas to enhance your outdoor space. We offer free estimates, so get in touch today if you want to discuss quotes or ideas!
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What Trees Make The Best Firewood?
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On the other hand, dense firewood types like oak and hickory have higher heat output due to their tightly packed fibers. Availability and cost are crucial factors in choosing the right firewood. Accessibility and pricing can vary based on region and demand. Moisture Content Moisture content is a critical aspect of firewood quality. Seasoned wood is preferable over wet or green wood due to its higher burning efficiency and reduced smoke. When firewood contains high moisture levels, it requires more energy to burn off the excess water before producing heat. This leads to a smoky and inefficient fire. In contrast, properly seasoned wood has been allowed to dry out, typically reaching a moisture content of around 20%. This lower moisture content allows the wood to ignite more quickly, burn cleaner, and generate greater heat output. This makes it ideal for use in fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating devices. Density and Weight The density and weight of firewood, whether from hardwoods or softwoods, directly impact its burning efficiency, heat output, and overall quality when used for heating. Hardwoods, such as oak or maple, are known for their high density. This makes them excellent choices for generating long-lasting heat during colder months. Due to their denser nature, hardwoods tend to burn more efficiently and produce a higher heat output compared to softwoods like pine or spruce. On the other hand, softwoods, although lighter, may burn faster and provide less consistent heat. Understanding the differences in density between hardwoods and softwoods can help individuals select the most suitable firewood for their heating needs. BTU Rating The BTU rating of firewood measures its heat output potential. Higher BTU values indicate greater efficiency in heating when burned in stoves or fireplaces. Understanding the BTU rating of firewood is crucial for anyone relying on wood as a primary source of heat during colder months. Firewood with higher BTU values produces more heat when burned. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking warmth and energy efficiency. Different types of wood have varying BTU ratings, with hardwoods generally having higher values than softwoods. This distinction is important to consider when selecting firewood for heating different spaces. The choice of wood can directly impact the amount of heat generated. Resin Content The resin content of firewood contributes to its aroma when burning and can affect the amount of smoke produced. This impacts the overall experience of using specific wood types for heating. Wood with high resin content, like pine and fir, tends to release a stronger, more fragrant aroma when burned. This creates a cozy environment. This high resin content also results in increased smoke emissions, which can be undesirable for indoor heating applications. On the other hand, hardwoods with lower resin content, such as oak and maple, produce less smoke. They are more suitable for indoor fireplaces or wood stoves. Understanding the resin content of different wood types is crucial in selecting the right firewood for your heating needs. Availability and Cost The availability and cost of firewood vary based on location, season, and local climate conditions. This affects the practicality and sustainability of using certain wood types for heating. For example, in regions with abundant forests, firewood may be readily accessible and relatively affordable. This makes it a popular choice for heating homes. During peak winter months, demand for firewood increases. This can lead to potential shortages and price hikes. The type of wood available can also impact pricing. Hardwoods typically cost more than softwoods due to their higher density and longer burn times. Considering these factors, consumers often weigh the balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability when selecting firewood for their heating needs. What Trees Make the Best Firewood? When it comes to selecting the best firewood, certain tree species like oak, hickory, ash, maple, birch, cherry, apple, pecan, mesquite, pine, and fruit trees stand out for their quality characteristics and efficient burning properties. Hardwoods like oak and maple are known for their dense composition. This results in longer burning times and higher heat output compared to softwoods like pine and cedar. Oak, with its slow-burning qualities, is excellent for long-lasting fires. It is ideal for heating larger spaces. On the other hand, pine ignites quickly and produces a pleasant aroma. This makes it suitable for quick, cozy fires. Softwoods generally have higher moisture content than hardwoods. This can lead to more creosote buildup in chimneys. While hardwoods are slower to ignite, they burn more efficiently and produce less smoke. This makes them a cleaner option for both indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits. Oak Oak is renowned for its excellent quality as firewood. It is known for its high heat output, dense composition, and distinctive aroma when burning. This makes it a popular choice for efficient and long-lasting fires. Oak bark plays a crucial role in the overall burning experience. The bark of oak is tough and durable, making it easier to split compared to other types of wood. This characteristic allows for better control over the size of the firewood, contributing to more efficient burning.
