Outdoor Fireplaces

An outdoor fireplace gives folks a welcoming place to gather after chores, share a meal or settle in on a cool evening. Whether you’re planning a backyard seating area or making more room for company on the patio, the right outdoor fireplace starts with how you want to enjoy the space. Think about how many people usually pull up a chair, how much room you need to move around and whether the fire will be the main gathering spot or part of a larger outdoor living area. A patio fireplace can help anchor your seating arrangement, but its footprint is only part of the picture: you’ll also need space for required clearances and a clear path around the gathering area. As you compare outdoor fireplaces, consider the fuel type, tending involved and installation requirements rather than choosing by appearance alone. Wood-burning outdoor fireplaces call for firewood storage and ash cleanup, while gas outdoor fireplaces require a compatible fuel supply and installation that follows the manufacturer’s directions and local codes. Planning your outdoor fireplace location takes a little extra care, especially around a busy backyard or acreage. Choose a site that meets the unit’s support and surface requirements, and follow all specified setbacks from buildings, fences, overhead branches and anything that can burn. Pay attention to prevailing winds and nearby doors or windows so smoke from a wood fire is less likely to drift toward the house or your neighbors. Never assume a backyard fireplace is suitable for a deck, covered porch or enclosed space; check the manufacturer’s approved locations before making plans. Local ordinances, permits and seasonal burn restrictions may also affect where and how you can enjoy an outdoor fire. Once your outdoor seating area is ready, keep children and pets a safe distance away, have an appropriate fire-extinguishing method close by and stay with the fire until it is fully out. Regular cleaning and inspections according to the owner’s manual help keep your outdoor fireplace ready for the next evening spent together outside.