Outdoor Patio Firepit

Outdoor Patio Firepit

7 Tips For Buying An Outdoor Fireplace

Before buying an outdoor fireplace, there are several factors to take into account. Always remember that the safety of your family and property is the most important consideration.

1. Size matters

When comparing fireplaces, look at the size of the fire area before the height. If the firebox is small, wood buying and cutting is more difficult.

Requesting for specially cut wood from your supplier increases your cost.

Try to find a large firebox, don't bother with the tall and thin fireplace. A small firebowl will cost more down the road. You don't need a large fire just because you have a large fireplace, just use less wood to have a smaller fire.

A good fireplace burns more cleanly and more efficiently than a firepit design having no smoke stack. The fireplace draws air into the fire and blows out the neck for an efficient burn. Firepit designs tend to smoke and smolder much more than a traditional fireplace design because of poor airflow.

2. Proper maintenance

Fireplaces made in the more commercial copper, clay or sheet steel don't have the longevity or safety of aluminum or Cast Iron. Sheet metal fireplaces are available at a bargain cost. They're pretty much a disposable type of fireplace. Once metal sheet fireplaces start to rust, they have already outlived their usefulness. Check the gauge or thickness of the metal. A metal too thin might melt.

Some cast iron fireplaces have sheet metal necks. If that's the case, check if the manufacturer has replacement parts available and cost. Frequent replacement for the neck is not what you want.

Cast iron must be maintained to prevent rust. It is a little difficult to maintain. But a well maintained cast iron fireplace will last you a long time. Also, consider the placement of your cast iron fireplace.

The cast iron fireplace tends to stain the surface it stands on.

An occasional paint job with a high temperature paint will slow down rusting. The cast iron is heavy and can stand a lot of abuse.

Copper looks great initially but after a couple of uses it tends to be green and rusty. Several companies put holes in the bottom of the firepits to drain ash and water out during rain. Firepits without holes will be filled with water when it rains.

Cast Aluminum is one of the best buys. It is easy to maintain and a long lifespan. An aluminum fireplace does not warp and only has a slightly lower melting temperature than cast iron. Cast aluminum does not rust. It is also considerably lighter than cast iron making it easier to move around.

3. Weigh it

When comparing fireplaces, check the weight. Most fireplaces are produced by weight, so they are bought by weight. Be sure that you're comparing the same material, copper to copper or cast iron to cast iron.

4. Aluminum feature

Cast aluminum is by far a better choice for a novice outdoor enthusiast. The fireplace is easier to maintain and can be easily moved around. It may be brought to a home by the lake or stored during winter along Northern areas. Store it to prevent damage or possible theft.

5. Clay fireplace

The most disturbing problem with a clay fireplace is that it can fall apart without prior warning. When the bottom falls out, it can be quite a mess. Avoid placing your clay fireplace on a wooden deck or any surface that can easily be damaged by heat or fire. Place it on cement or tile.

If you choose to purchase a clay fireplace, take safety precautions. Use a spark arrestor and a mouthscreen for safety. The extra cost is well worth it. A clay fireplace is generally cheaper but has a shorter lifespan than either aluminum or cast iron.

6. Surround view fireplaces and raised firepits

Most surround view fireplaces are built with light materials. Surround view fireplaces are easy to tip over because of the light material used to make it. When it is tipped over, it will send ash and embers everywhere.

Safety is an issue with surround view fireplaces. Slight breezes might send embers and catch fire with flammable materials.

If you're buying a raised firepit, be sure that it comes with a lid. Otherwise, ash will be spread all over your patio when it rains.

7. What to burn

Hardwood is by far the most popular fuel for outdoor fireplaces. Pinon wood has a pleasant pine scent when burning. It keeps the flame active and generates good heat. It also helps in keeping insects away. Other fuel sources are propane, gel inserts, manufactured firelogs and natural gas.

Pine cones and applewood can be added for more aroma.

Several fireplaces come with inserts for natural gas and propane.

About the Author

For more great fireplace information and resources check out:

http://www.fireplaceadvisor.info

Anybody have any good 'Fire Pit' ideas?

Looking for ideas for a formal Outdoor Fire Pit and patio.

Years ago my husband and I built a 25' x 25' stone patio with a sunken firepit in the middle (back yard). We loved that thing. We've now been in our new house for 8 years, and I want to build another one, approximately the same size - only thing different, is that we want the 'pit' to be above ground this time.

Would like ideas on types of stone, layout, seating, landscaping around the area etc. You guys are great. Thanks.
This is going to be a DIY jobbie, like our other one. Most likely looking to 'dry-set' any stones. Our previous patio was laid with fossil rock which is very indigenous to this area, and the pit was just firebrick-grade bricks bought from Lowes. We want this to be a wood-burning pit, as we live along the edge of a forrest, so wood is aplenty. We are in Southern Ohio, in the country.

There are so many incredible options regarding materials these days that a blanket recommendation doesn't spring to mind. Some of the beginning questions would be:

Are you planning DIY or will you hire out?
Have you considered materials based on what else already exists in you yard and what materilas your home is made of?
Local materials, ie types of stone exist in your area?
Shape and texture - do you want all one material or are you looking for a mix?
Dry stacking and laying in sand or will you set in concrete?
What zone are you located in? Will you have to plan on dealing with the freeze/thaw cycle? Plant/landscaping options vary widely based on climate as do local codes for this sort of thing as well as guidelines based on climate. As a general thought I'm partial to stone with a copper pit that is removeable - I like the flexibility to change pit depth and size - plus I'm just partial to the look of weathered copper.

Unique Arts 24-inch Copper Firepit $121.99 Bring the blaze to your backyard with this solid copper and wrought iron fire pit by Unique ArtsOutdoor fireplace handcrafted from 100-percent recycled copper; legs made of wrought iron

HotSpot Solid Base Revolver Fire Pit with Wooden Top $136.32 Finest in British design and quality in the HotSpot solid base revolver fire pitOutdoor fireplace features a stylish wooden topGarden decor is constructed of black powder coated steel

Bond 65045 Newcastle Fire Table with Cover $734.99 Bring the warmth and comfort of your living room into your backyard with our beautiful Newcastle Fire Table. By adding a source of heat to your patio decor, you can extend your outdoor living season into the early spring and late autumn.

Bond 65055 Cliffstone Fire Table with Cover $862.26 Bond 65055 Cliffstone Fire Table with Cover

Copper Firepit $143.99 Color: Copper/Black mesh and baseMaterials: Metal-CopperStyle: Round firepit

Bond 65119 Kingston Tabletop Fire Bowl $97.04 Bring the warmth and comfort of your living room into your backyard with our beautiful Kingston Tabletop Fire Bowl. By adding a source of heat to your patio decor, you can extend your outdoor living season into the early spring and late autumn.

30-inch Copper Firepit $190.49 Bring the blaze to your backyard with this solid copper and wrought iron fire pit by Unique ArtsOutdoor fireplace handcrafted from 100-percent recycled copper; legs made of wrought iron

Antiqued Brass Firepit $140.99 Color: Anitqued brass bowl/Black mesh and base Materials: Metal-brassStyle: Round firepit

HotSpot Urban 880 Fire Pit $140 Update your deck, garden or patio with the finest in British design and qualityHotSpot Urban 880 fire pit is perfect for entertaining family and guestsGarden decor is constructed of pressed steel and stainless steel

HotSpot Urban 650 Fire Pit $89.69 Bring the finest in British design and quality to your outdoor living space with a HotSpot Urban 650 fire pitGarden decor is constructed of pressed steel and stainless steelSturdy and attractive fire pit is built to last

Copper 27-inch Firepit $138.99 Bring the blaze to your backyard with handcrafted, 100-percent recycled copper firepitPit's legs/grill made of wrought ironBackyard firepit can be used to cook food, plant flowers or burn wood or charcoal

Escada Designs Inferno Portable Outdoor Firepit $168.99 This Escada outdoor fire pit features sturdy stainless steel construction with a black finish and portable design. The curved shape adds convenient wood storage to this firepit.

Bird Brain Red/ Gold Arani Wave Firepot $37.63 This Bird Brain Firepot Gel Burner provides the stunning and captivating beauty of fire without the hassle and mess of traditional wood burning fireplaces. This firepot provides beautiful, ambient lighting and can be used indoors or outside.

Bird Brain Orange Casablanca Firepot $43.49 This Bird Brain Firepot Gel Burner provides the stunning and captivating beauty of fire without the hassle and mess of traditional wood burning fireplaces. This firepot provides beautiful, ambient lighting and can be used indoors or outside.

Bird Brain Nusku Blue Metallic Firepot $48.99 This Bird Brain Firepot Gel Burner provides the stunning and captivating beauty of fire without the hassle and mess of traditional wood burning fireplaces. This firepot burns clean and can be used indoors or outside.

Bird Brain Green/ Red Arani-wave Firepot $36.49 This Bird Brain Firepot Gel Burner provides the stunning and captivating beauty of fire without the hassle and mess of traditional wood burning fireplaces. This firepot burns clean and can be used indoors or outside.

Bird Brain Turquoise Circles and Squares Vesta Firepot $28.99 This Bird Brain Firepot Gel Burner provides the stunning and captivating beauty of fire without the hassle and mess of traditional wood burning fireplaces. This firepot burns clean and can be used indoors or outside.

Bird Brain Blue Pearl Arani Firepot $53.99 This Bird Brain Firepot Gel Burner provides the stunning and captivating beauty of fire without the hassle and mess of traditional wood burning fireplaces. This firepot provides beautiful, ambient lighting and can be used indoors or outside.

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30-inch Copper Firepit $190.49 Bring the blaze to your backyard with this solid copper and wrought iron fire pit by Unique ArtsOutdoor fireplace handcrafted from 100-percent recycled copper; legs made of wrought ironPatio firepit can be used to burn wood or charcoal, plant flowers or even chill drinksPortable, so you can move it to wherever you want itWill develop a soothing patina coloring once weatheredFor use on non-combustible surfaces only Handmade by artisan coppersmithsMeasures 30 inches long x 30 inches wide x 12 inches high Lid and screen sold separately

Outdoor Greatroom Sierra Firepit Table w/ Crystal Fire Burner $1799 Keep your backyard patio looking beautiful and your guests entertained with the Outdoor Greatroom Sierra Firepit Table w/ Crystal Fire Burner (SIERRA-CF-M-K). This firepit table is outdoor tested and proven to be the best for outdoor use, which gives you a fantastic patio decor for any season. The durable Supercast table top prevents the surface from being easily scratched or chipped, allowing you a peace of mind when it comes to your outdoor table. A faux ledgestone side surface enables your table to blend in with the elements, giving your patio that rugged outdoor look without the high cost of using real ledgestone material. The built-in firepit is designed to fit to your preferences, allowing you to adjust the flame's height and the amount of heat being emitted. This is all done by the LP tank hidden inside the table, and all you would need to do is open up the tank storage door and adjust the amount of propane being used to start the flame. When you're done, just shut the door and the table will keep the tank storage clear from view of your guests. Providing hours of entertainment and a nice ambiance for hosting get-togethers, this firepit table will be sure to turn heads. Use in Outdoors: Outdoor rated and built for use outside, this firepit table also gives the rugged look of an outdoor unit Supercast Table Top: The table top is constructed with specialized Supercast material, designed to prevent easy chipping and cracking Adjustable: A built-in LP tank storage area allows you to give your firepit the amount of flame you want with a liquid propane tank

Unique Arts 24-inch Copper Firepit $121.99 Bring the blaze to your backyard with this solid copper and wrought iron fire pit by Unique ArtsOutdoor fireplace handcrafted from 100-percent recycled copper; legs made of wrought ironPatio firepit can be used to burn wood or charcoal, but it can also be used to plant flowers or even chill drinksPortable, so you can move it to wherever you want itWill develop a soothing patina coloring once weatheredFor use on non-combustible surfaces onlyMeasures 24 inches long x 24 inches wide x 9 inches high Click here to see matching screen!

Alfresco Home Basilica 48 Inch Beverage Cooler/Firepit Chat Table $1313 This Alfresco Home Basilica 48 Inch Beverage Cooler/Firepit Chat Table includes the Beverage and Firepit Kit. Alfresco Home offers a wide selection of patio furniture and accessories that complete the outdoor-indoor living experience. Inspired by the beautiful tones of the earth and the vibrant colors of nature, these outdoor furniture collections bring you the blend of indoors with the outdoors.

Outdoor Great Room Company 42 Inch Wood Burning Steel Firepit with Granite Top $1274.15 Fire Stone - Outdoor Fireplaces - CFP42K - Perfect for the patio, backyard, or outdoors Crystal Fire Firepit Burner Sold Separately Optional Beverage Cooler Insert Available Cast Aluminum Frame Assembly Required 1 Year Limited Warranty

Oakland Living Antique Bronze Elite Chimenea / Firepit $114.95 Oakland Living - Chimineas - 8021AB - Bring warmth and convenience to your patio with the Oakland Living Antique Bronze Elite Chimenea / Firepit. Made of cast iron, this chimenea has a stunning antique bronze finish. The Antique Bronze Elite Chimenea / Firepit will add character to your outdoor space. Chimenea has an antique bronze finish Chimenea has a cast iron construction Chimenea has a high-grade polyester powder coat finish Brass and stainless steel hardware ensures that each product will be sturdy, durable and secure for years Finish provides a long lasting, beautiful finish that will maintain it's appearance for years to come Minimal maintenance Electrostatic application of the powder coat insures a smooth, even finish Quick and easy assembly is assured with step-by-step assembly instructions included Double QC quality program in which each piece is assembled prior to being unassembled and packaged assures that all parts are present and that the product will assemble easily Specifications: Overall dimensions: 34.5 H x 15 W x 15 D Weight: 30 lb

Alfresco Home San Marco (Arezzo) Beverage Cooler/Firepit Chat Table $1182 This Alfresco Home San Marco (Arezzo) Beverage Cooler/Firepit Chat Table features top quality wrought iron with a durable powder coat finish. Alfresco Home offers a wide selection of patio furniture and accessories that complete the outdoor-indoor living experience. Inspired by the beautiful tones of the earth and the vibrant colors of nature, these outdoor furniture collections bring you the blend of indoors with the outdoors.

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