With friends or family, enjoying the evening by an outdoor fire is always nice. Whether it is for burning marshmallows, warming up on cooler evenings or creating a cozy atmosphere, outdoor fireplaces are as decorative as they are practical.
Interested in adding this feature to your landscape design? Regulations and location are the first thing to consider. You wouldn’t want to burn trees or your home because you haven’t positioned the fire pit in a safe location! You also need to consider the fuel for your outdoor fireplace (propane, wood or ethanol). The desired effects and the maintenance expected are all different from one fuel to another.
If you wish to discover all the aspects to consider when building an outdoor fireplace, you are reading the right blog post!
Check the Regulations for Outdoor Fireplaces
The regulations for outdoor fires vary from one municipality to another. Therefore, it is important to be informed on the regulations of your municipality before starting any outdoor fireplace installation. In Sherbrooke, for example, the outdoor fireplace must be at least 6 meters away from any building, 3 meters away from any combustible material such as trees or shrubs, and 6 meters away from any flammable liquid. In addition, the structure of the fireplace must be made of stone, brick or metal, and equipped with a spark arrestor.
Depending on the time of year, other restrictions may be issued to reduce the risk of fire, especially during dry periods.
The Ideal Location for Your Fire Pit
To properly design your fire pit while harmonizing with your deck, the location of the outdoor fireplace is one of the first things to look at. Do you want a fire pit on the deck close to the house to easily continue the evening outside? Do you prefer a fire pit that is further back from the house for a more intimate atmosphere? Depending on the ambience you want to create, the location and the size of the fireplace will make all the difference.
The Size of Your Patio Fireplace
If you want to host parties with all your friends and family, you will want a larger fire pit. Its location will also depend on its size. A small fireplace will be more easily placed on your property: balcony, poolside, patio, etc. However, the layout of a larger fireplace should be thought out in advance.
The Shape of the Fireplace According to the Material: Stone, Concrete, Cast Iron
You also need to consider the shape of your outdoor fireplace. There are many shapes, not only square or round ones! The shape is usually determined by the materials you will use. Many people choose stone or brick to build a traditional fire ring or a complete fireplace. Others opt for concrete to mold half-spheres. Also, steel fireplace designs can be purchased at most hardware stores. However, this material tends to rust over the years if it is not made of stainless steel.
Fireplace Fuel: Propane, Wood or Ethanol
Several types of fuel are available for your outdoor fireplace depending on your budget, your needs and your expectations regarding its installation and maintenance.
Propane Outdoor Fireplace
A propane fireplace offers a very trendy and modern look; gems and glass crystals can be placed on top of the fireplace. Gas fireplaces, often being outdoor tabletop fireplaces, have a less imposing and more discreet look than wood fireplaces. Be aware, however, that a trench must be dug on your property to install the gas line. Because of this professional installation, the cost is higher than the wood option. Alternatively, you can hide a small gas tank in a compartment of the propane fireplace.
Outdoor Wood-Burning Fireplace
The wood-burning fireplace is reminiscent of camping evenings. The smell of smoke and the intense heat offer a very natural and comforting aspect. Moreover, you can easily use it all year-round, both in summer to scare away the mosquitoes and in winter to keep warm. This fireplace is easier to install than an outdoor propane fireplace because there is no gas line to connect. However, the wood-burning fireplace requires more maintenance: you will need to cut or buy logs and empty the ashes regularly.
Outdoor Ethanol Fireplace
The ethanol fireplace resembles the propane fireplace in style and installation. The only difference is that it is more ecological and therefore less polluting! As the propane fireplace, it is smokeless, which can be an important advantage for those who cannot tolerate the smoke created by wood fireplaces. However, it gives off less heat and light than the other two types of fireplaces. You will therefore use it more during the summer.
Functions of an Outdoor Fireplace
As mentioned earlier, how you plan to use your fireplace will influence your decision. If you want to use your outdoor fireplace as a barbecue, choose a wood-burning one. This will allow you to grill and even smoke your food. A wood-burning fireplace also gives off more heat than other types, so it can be used during winter.
If you’re looking for a more modern look, a gas fireplace is the perfect addition to your deck. It’s even the perfect fire pit to burn your marshmallows!
There you go! Now that we’ve said it all, you can make the right decision. Remember that it is important to check with your municipality to find out what the rules are for outdoor fireplaces. With this information, you will be able to choose the most appropriate location for your fireplace, the fuel and the style of your fire pit.
Adding a fire pit brings character to your property! If you’re looking for more elements to incorporate into your landscape, check out our other blog posts!
