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[B945]Build Outdoor Stone Fireplace

by Gen Wright, Gen

When people first think of a roaring fireplace, they often picture a cute little cabin and a burning log right in the middle of a cozy room. Often when thinking about or discussing fireplaces, people forget to consider an outdoor fireplace in the middle of a patio or in a backyard. The truth is, these can often be some of the most spectacular fireplaces you can build and can serve a number of purposes. While a fireplace in your home can offer a cozy place to cuddle and a nice source of heat, an outdoor fireplace can provide even more benefits. There is a vast array of purposes that an outdoor fireplace can be used for and there is an even greater number of styles and designs you can incorporate to give your home that special elegant feeling.

When you first begin to consider an outdoor fireplace, you should put same careful planning into your decisions. When a fireplace of this style is added to your yard, it can extend the space of your house a great deal and when positioned properly it can be used all year round. You can almost instantly turn your bland, bare backyard into a unique and comfortable setting as long as you plan and build your outdoor fireplace appropriately. So here are some important planning tips that you should consider before making a final decision on an outdoor fireplace of your very own.

First things first, you need to research and determine all the building codes that are designated and applied to your surrounding area. Some communities will have very strict rules and regulations regarding and others will be extremely relaxed and lenient. It is in your best interest to call your local municipal buildings and find out the exact regulations before you get your heart set on a certain design or placement for your outdoor fireplace. If you skip this step, you could be out a lot of money as you may be forced to remove the structure after you have just spent the money to put it all together.

In some cases you may have to apply for a permit before you can add any sort of structure to your yard. You should ensure that you have all the necessary application forms and information regarding these policies. You can never be too safe when it comes to areas of this matter, and you will be far better off in the long run if you take all the necessary precautions.

Once you have taken all the preliminary steps you need to choose which style will best suit your home and your tastes. Stone fireplaces are some of the most popular units available these days but there are a number of other options that you can consider. While stone units are usually self contained, you may want to look into a more open concept and take advantage of some of the benefits that brick fire pits can offer you in terms of a non traditional set up. While there are many choices when it comes to design, once you choose one and build it, it is very difficult to make any changes or adaptations. So it is strongly suggested that you do a lot of research and be positive you are in love with a certain unit before you come to a final decision.

Adding a stone fireplace to your backyard space provides warmth and elegance. While bonfires and chimneas are excellent starters, real stone fireplaces are more elegant, long lasting and they will likely increase the value of your home. Adding a real stone fireplace to your patio will simply make it inviting. Additionally, a real fireplace is safer and longer lasting than chimneas or fire pits.

How can you obtain the elegance and richness of a stone fireplace at a reasonable price? The answer is thin veneer. Real stone veneer can be placed as a facing on fire worthy bricks or fire stones and nobody will guess you did not build the whole fireplace with solid stones. Why? Well, simply because thin stone veneers are made with real stones. They are not cultured stones. This means they are more fire resistant, they resist chipping and fading. And even if they do get chipped, the color is solid right through the stone because they are real stones.

Why Add a Fireplace to Your Outdoors?

Fireplaces can extend the seasons. With a cozy fireplace you and your family and friends can spend cool spring evenings and late fall nights by a cozy fire outside. Just imagine drinking hot tea or cocoa, roasting marshmallows and eating smores by a real stone fireplace in your outdoor living space. You'll feel like you are indoors, all warm and toasty, yet you can enjoy the smells and sounds of the gorgeous outdoor evenings with your loved ones. Winter days can also be pleasant to spend by your outdoor stone fireplace if you live in milder climates.

Cool summer nights can make wonderful dinner parties. A stone fireplace can set the tone for the entire evening. Turn on some pleasant music and let the crackling of the fire draw your guests together. Or sit out in the quiet by yourself or with your loved ones and enjoy a quiet evening only interrupted by the gentle crackle of a real fireplace.

Unlike fire pits or chimneas, stone fireplaces can be safer for friends and family to be around. Fire pits can be hazardous to small children while chimneas can be easily knocked over. However, a well built fireplace with an iron screen can protect your family from sparks and while the stone walls can protect people from getting burned if they accidently lean against it.

How To Use Veneer

Natural thin stone veneer is used exactly like fake stones. Simply build a fireplace with cheap fire bricks or fire stones according to the manufacturer's directions. Then install the stone veneer on the outside of the structure. Nobody will be able to tell if you used 1 and ½ inch veneer or 10 inch stones. Your secret will be safe and your pocket book will be fatter.

Stone veneer comes in a wide variety of styles from square cuts, round cuts, and even natural looking stones. They cost a lot less to purchase and are easier to install than real fireplace stones. You can choose form a variety of colors and textures too. They look like real stones because they are real stones quarried from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Arizona pits.

Stone veneer is shipped in easy to handle corrugated plastic boxes. They are just as easy to install and maintain as fake veneers. Simply prepare the surface, apply the mortar, then apply the stone and mortar in between.

Adding A Stone Fireplace

If you already have a fireplace in your backyard or patio or even if you've been considering installing one, a natural thin stone veneer is the way to go. You won't have to replace an old fireplace, simply "thin stone veneer it" instead.

But above all else, one of the greatest benefits is that you will have less work and less cost when you build a new fireplace by using this stone. A natural stone fireplace will add elegance, safety and a sense of class to your patio or backyard. Minimize your costs today by using natural thin stone veneer when you build your stone fireplace.

Article Source : Insurance For The Home

About Author

Both Gen Wright & Christine Stuart are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Gen Wright has sinced written about articles on various topics from Terrier Dogs, Acne Treatment and Lose Weight. Read more about and . Gen Wright's top article generates over 1220000 views. to your Favourites.

Christine Stuart has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Home Management and Home Management. . Christine Stuart's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.