Fireplaces are a common activity to perform after the sun has dipped below the horizon in the sky. The sound of burning wood fill the quiet air during the night, and the smell of smoke complements the aroma of the food being grilled nearby on a barbecue. Placing an outdoor patio fireplace in the backyard can transform any outdoor area into an extension of the living room of the home.
Not only will an outdoor patio fireplace become the centerpiece of the yard after dinner are served, but it can extend the length of the outdoor season in which the backyard is usable for many weeks or even months depending on a persons location. Beyond providing heat to those who sit around the fireplace, the fixture can also define the mood within the yard, the location within the property that guests remember from holiday parties, and more. With so many different option available for a patio fireplace in terms of fuel source, size, material, and more, it can be difficult for a homeowner to decide on the best choice.
However, looking at some of the ideas that other homeowners have used for there outdoor fire features can help to inform the design and function of the patio fireplace that will be built.
Popular Types of Outdoor Patio Fireplaces
1. Wood-Burning Fireplaces
One of the most popular choice for fireplaces is the use of wood-burning fireplaces. These fireplaces provide the classic experience of a campfire when lit.
The sound and the smell of burning logs is unique and provides the desired ambiance in an outdoor setting. These fireplaces tend to work best in larger yards or patios so that individuals can maintain their distance from the fire. Stone or brick fireplaces tend to absorb the heat from the burning wood and radiate that heat for several hours after the wood is completely burned.
However, wood-burning fireplaces will require some regular periodic cleanup of the ashes and may not be permitted to burn in certain locations due to local regulations regarding wood fire. In locations with high standards for air quality, such cities, and for individuals who dislike the movement of ashes, this type of fire feature may be frustrating to some individuals. However, for those looking to create the ambiance of a campfire during autumn evenings, a wood-burning patio fireplace may be a good option for their backyard.
2. Propane-Fueled Fireplaces
Another alternative to wood-burning fireplaces are propane-fueled fireplaces. These fireplaces provide convenience to the individuals who use them and provide warmth during cooler evenings. Using a knob or a switch on the propane fireplace allows an individual to emit warmth into their yard in just a few seconds.
While the flames from a propane fire may be more evenly in design than those from a wood-burning fire, many propane fireplaces feature a burner design that emits flickering flames that mimic the flames from a campfire. These fireplaces are best used in smaller yards and covered areas where smoke from a wood fire isnt desired. Many manufacturers manufacture propane fireplaces in rectangular trough shape that can also be used as coffee tables during the daytime.
However, an individual must purchase a spare propane tank to ensure that they dont have to venture into the backyard to refill the flame with propane. However, because these fireplaces do not create much mess and can be lit instantly as needed, propane fireplaces are best for those who have limited time and must have a fire in there outdoor area. Natural gas fireplaces combine many of the benefits of propane and wood fires while eliminating their cons.
3. Natural Gas Fireplaces
If a homeowner establishes a natural gas fireplace in a patio area with a direct line of natural gas, there will be no need to refill the natural gas after it has been lit. These fireplaces can be burned for many hours without concern for the amount of fuel available for combustion. The natural gas fireplaces have glass panels or screens that contain the flames and allow the radiant heat from the flames to be emitted into the outdoor area for use by individuals.
The initial purchase price for a natural gas fireplace will be higher due to the cost of installation of the gas line. However, the long-term benefits of having a natural gas fireplace that can be lit without fuel restrictions will make the initial cost of purchase of the patio feature worth it for most homeowners. Furthermore, the benefits of a natural gas fireplace also include their suitability to
