Building an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
The backyard is considered an extension of your home. It serves as a space for entertaining family and friends. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit creates an inviting gathering location for a relaxing evening. Many outdoor fireplaces can be included as part of a covered or screened porch, while fire pits work well for patios, swimming pools, or near a lake.
When looking to design an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, consider what you will be using the area for. Will you be entertaining friends and family or seeking a more intimate seeking for you and your spouse?
You can also design your space with a multitude of single chairs allowing many to sit around, share stories, and enjoy the company of friends. Be sure to construct your fire pit in a diameter that will allow you to provide enough seating for your guests.
For a more intimate arrangement you can choose furniture such as over-sized outdoor couches and chairs that seat two people comfortably and allow you to sit back and enjoy a bottle of wine by a warm fire.
Fireplaces built outdoors are much like those built indoors. The chimney has to be tall enough to clear any roof lines by the appropriate setbacks and provide a strong draw. You should consider consulting a professional contractor before beginning construction, but there are some kits that can be purchased that can be installed by someone with minimal carpentry skills.
Fire pits can vary in size depending on your needs as stated above. Fire pits are built out of fire rated brick veneer over concrete block with a reinforced steel concrete footing. The floor of the fire pit is made out of fire rated brick with a sand base to allow easy leveling. You can add options like a gas fuel line can be added for igniting the fire and a plumbing drain line can be added for easy cleanup with a water hose.
There are also many great choices in portable fire pits which are of metal. When using these systems, be sure the fire pit is resting on a non flammable surface like a brick paver or concrete patio and not situated directly under roof overhangs.
Final Remarks
No matter what you decide to do, installing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace will be a great addition to your backyard and will provide you and your family many enjoyable evenings.
