Outdoor Fireplace Basics

Too often people are confined to the indoors on summer and autumn evenings, not having a reason to go outside. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit is the perfect means to escape the house and relax outside. The ambiance and appearance of a house is a reflection of the owner; this stays true for the patio area and backyard. American Deck and Sunroom knows the importance of having an outdoor fireplace that works well while seamlessly blending and adding to the beauty of your house. Outdoor fireplaces add practicality and beauty to your home that extends beyond the living room.

An outdoor fireplace is more private than a fire pit, and can burn wood, propane, or gas. They also block the wind, which could cause embers to scatter about in a fire pit. They do, however, require code regulations and permits because they have a chimney. Gas fireplaces don’t require a chimney, but do require a gas line. Fireplaces are typically more expensive, because they require more materials and labor. Built-in fireplaces definitely offer an extra boost of aesthetic appeal that a free-standing fire pit won’t.

Always remember: Practice fire safety!

A fire of any kind demands serious attention. In addition to knowing how to properly care for your custom fire pit and fireplace, keep these tips in mind:

• Check wind direction before you light a fire.
• Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc) to light or relight fires.
• Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fit clothing.
• Avoid using soft woods like pine or cedar, because they can “pop” and throw sparks.

A Fireplace or a Fire Pit?

Both the outdoor fireplace and fire pit will draw your friends close as everyone enjoys each other’s company in the presence of a warm, comforting fire. Be the friend who has everyone rave about their décor and practicality of their beautiful outdoor fireplace. It’s easy to get lost in conversation all night with friends and family while relaxing around the glowing flames. Whether you get an outdoor fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll enjoy them.

Your patio was built to extend your living area out beyond the walls of your home… you put your heart into choosing the perfect outdoor furniture, fixtures, and lighting. Now, you’re looking for the pièce de résistance to put the cherry on the top, as it were. It’s a question that most home owners may have found themselves facing: should they get a fire pit, or an outdoor fireplace? Luckily for you, American Deck & Sunroom can take care of both of these outdoor fixtures! Enjoy the warmth on a cool summer evening, entertain friends or make s’mores with the kids with a outdoor fire place or fire pit. The possibilities are endless… just add fire!

Keep the Fire in the Fireplace

This precaution should not be taken lightly and is worth mentioning. In an attempt to stop house fires before they start, all flammable objects should be moved away from the fireplace. This includes rugs, drapes, and furniture, but spare firewood and tables are commonly neglected and should also be moved to a safe distance. Placing a guard in front of the fireplace should also stop any stray sparks that happen to shoot towards your living room.

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs or whether you choose a fire pit or outdoor fireplace (or both!), American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t just build a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces…extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.