Your backyard serves many purposes. Using your backyard as an extension of your homes living space allows you to have a place to entertain friends and family. Building an outdoor fireplace or fire pit provides you a place where people can sit and relax after a long work day. Outdoor fireplaces work well when used in conjunction with a covered or screened porch. Fire pits make great additions to patios and around swimming pools. Fire pits also work well beside lakes, rivers, and streams in natural settings.
Design is important when planning to build an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Are you seeking a place to spend time with friends and family or a quiet place to relax with your special someone?
Be sure that when designing your fire pit that you make it large enough so that all your guests can gather around without feeling cramped. Layout the area with the chairs to verify the size before you begin digging the footers.
If you are looking for a more intimate setting, try using over-sized outdoor couches and chairs that seat two. This type of setting is more fitting for an outdoor fireplace but works well with a fire pit as well.
Outdoor fireplaces are built much the same way indoor ones are, except the chimney does not need to be as tall. The chimney needs to be tall enough to provide a strong draw. If you are thinking of constructing an outdoor fireplace, especially in a covered or screened porch, it is probably best to hire a professional. If you do have some basic carpentry skills, there are kits available that can be assembled.
Fire pits can be above or below the ground depending on your needs and location. Fire pits have a fire rated brick veneer over concrete block with a poured concrete with reinforced steel footing and a fire rated brick floor. You can install a gas fuel line for igniting a fire and a plumbing drain line for easy cleanup as options if you choose.
There are also a lot of attractive metal fire pits which can be purchased from your favorite home store. These fire pits should be placed on a brick paver or concrete patio away from flammable material like decks and not situated under any roof overhangs.
Final Remarks
Whether you choose to build an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you can be sure that it will provide you with many nights of enjoyment year round.