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[O349]Outdoor Fireplace How To

by Gen Wright, Gen

There is nothing cozier than curling up on a chilly night in front of your fireplace with the person you love. Fireplaces are one of the most romantic interior designs you could hope for, and it's hard to imagine a person that couldn't be drawn by its crackling warmth and the promise of a lover's touch.

But have you ever thought of adding a fireplace to the outside of your home? If not, you should. They can be just as romantic and effective.

If you're looking for how to plan your outdoor fireplace design, here are a few things to remember, so that, with the next change of weather, you'll be ready with a fireplace you can be proud of, just when you need it most.

First of all, there are two basic fireplaces you'll wish to consider for your backyard: the built-in fireplace and the portable fire pit. You'll have to decide which you prefer. The permanent fireplace is most preferred in larger backyards. Once you've decided how you want to proceed, research different looks. There is a lot of information available online. You may even know someone who can give you ideas. Recommended suggestions:

Outdoor Fireplace Designs Sure to Hold Up

Stone, rock, and brick, are all great choices. Whether you decide on marble, limestone, slate, granite, brick, or river rock, these solid materials will give your outdoor fireplace design a classic look that is sure to impress the neighbors.

These materials are sturdy enough to battle the weather and are not all that difficult to clean. Careful, though?some choices are more expensive than others. Rock tends to blow away stone in the cost department, so investigate prices as much as you do your potential designs.

Special Considerations

Once you've picked out your materials, decide on any special considerations:

*To mantel or not to mantel?
*Will it be a corner fireplace or no?
*What about the hearth?

Look at what others have done before you. Choose what will suit your tastes and what will not. You may even wish to draw it up on paper before breaking ground. Once the details are worked out, it's time to build. Are you paying to have it done, or do you wish to save a few dollars and try it out yourself?

Whatever your choice, keep this in mind: Location is important.

Make sure your outdoor fireplace is in a position that will not cause any fire hazards with grass or garden. A stray spark can be very destructive if given the opportunity. Plan effectively!

Secondly, make sure it is a safe distance for guests. It's a good idea to stay about three feet away for the fire, but you'll want to make sure you and your guests can enjoy its warmth and each other's company at the same time.

Last but not least, make sure the materials you purchase are rated for fire safety standards as applicable. Make safety first and enjoyment a close second!

Outdoor fireplaces are hot. A 2005 survey taken by the Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association revealed that Americans spent nearly $150 billion on home remodeling of which one-third of that amount went towards adding outdoor living areas to their landscape design. Further, 67 percent of those surveyed who intended to build outdoor living areas also planned to install outdoor fireplaces or fire pits. The American Society of Landscape Architects confirms this trend: Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces top its list of biggest trends in landscape design for 2007.

Outdoor Fireplaces: Design Considerations

If you're dreaming of what an outdoor fireplace or fire pit would look like in your back yard, consider the following design issues:

• Break up your landscape design into "rooms" or "zones." Just as in a house, the “living room” is the central gathering spot and therefore perfect for outdoor fireplaces. In fact, the outdoor fire element serves as an "anchor" for an outdoor living room.

• Consider the views from the house. Where are your focal points? Are there privacy issues?

• At the same time, consider the view from the yard—do you want to take advantage of a view to a bayou, water way or greenbelt?

• Keep in mind that large structures, like outdoor fireplaces, alter the flow of traffic, so design accordingly.

• Work within your overall landscape design. For instance, if you've chosen a Mediterranean landscape design or modern landscape design, two very distinctive residential garden styles, you will want the outdoor fire element to be of the same design and of like material.

• Determine the direction of the prevailing wind when deciding where to set this large permanent structure. If needed, you might be able to use the height of a tall fireplace to help screen the winds.

• Integrate with other hardscapes. Outdoor fireplaces play off nicely against luxury swimming pools; each increases the dramatic effect of the other. Also landscape lighting can ratchet up the “wow” factor of your outdoor fire element.

Jeff Halper, landscape design specialist at Exterior Worlds, says, “Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are all about ambiance. For example, right now we're working on a dining area that is situated in front of an outdoor fireplace. We're in the process of training a tree limb to grow over the dining table. When it gets big enough, we're going to wire a chandelier to hang from it.”

Outdoor Fireplaces: Don't Zone Out

While they vary from city to city, most zoning regulations restrict how closely you can construct an outdoor fireplace to all existing buildings. Most regulate side and rear property line setbacks as well. You will also want to check to see if there are rules regarding slope setbacks and height restrictions. A landscape architect or landscape designer will help you navigate through the zoning issues and will design an outdoor fireplace or fire pit especially fitted for your residential property.

Outdoor Fireplaces: Safety First

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces enhance any landscape design—but only if they are used properly and safely. Safety tips include:

• Always have fire extinguishers on hand.

• Keep all outdoor furniture safely away from any fire source.

• Fire screens are important accessories for outdoor fireplaces. They keep logs from rolling out of the fire and limit air-borne soot and cinders from flying about.

• If using a fire pit, follow the manufacturer's directions and obey all city regulations.

• For wood-burning fireplaces, it is a good idea to schedule regular professional chimney cleaning. One rule of thumb is to base the maintenance on the amount of wood you burn. Assuming you have no problem with birds' nest and other debris, you should get your chimney cleaned after burning two cords of wood—however long that takes.

• The #1 safety rule? Use your common sense.

Outdoor Fireplaces: A Lovely Garden Element

“Outdoor fireplaces, wherever they are—as a stand-alone, part of a outdoor kitchen or in a gazebo—are beautiful architectural elements,” says Halper. “And they quickly become the central place where everyone gathers. Everyone wants to have one, especially in winter in this part of the country. They are a luxury that is perfect for the Houston climate.”

Article Source : Www Home Improvement Com

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Both Gen Wright & Jeff Halper 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. More about - View. Gen Wright's top article generates over 1220000 views. to your Favourites.

Jeff Halper has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Swimming Pool and Gardening. Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscaping and wants to share infomation about that passion. At you can read more about. Jeff Halper's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.