Fire Features Extend the Enjoyment of Your Garden

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It’s always a bit sad when cooler weather arrives and it’s time to say goodbye to relaxing outdoors and enjoying your yard. Why not extend that time by adding a fireplace to your garden? You can be comfortable outside sooner in the spring and it lets you enjoy it longer in the fall. Plus it adds a special ambiance anytime of the year, like adding an airy room to your house.

There are many options and styles to fit your situation and needs. Where you live and how you plan to use the fireplace are a couple of considerations that will dictate the best solution. Be sure to choose materials that will withstand the year-round weather in your area. Also, you may want it only for its warmth and visual appeal or maybe you would also like to cook on it. Do you expect to spend cozy nights with a couple friends huddled around enjoying each other’s company or are larger parties more the norm for your crowd? The more people that will take pleasure in it, the larger you will want it to be. Whatever the size you choose, pick a safe location where the rising smoke won’t be an issue and it can flow clear of branches or any obstructions above it. Fire features are wonderful additions to any garden, but it’s important that they are designed well and draw smoke away safely. The fireplace and fire pit contractors at EnhanceScape can help you with any questions you have.
 
One fire feature option is creating a permanent fireplace that is a part of your patio design. These structures can not be moved once installed so it’s important to pick their proper location in your yard. Outdoor fireplaces are very similar to their indoor cousins, using a tall chimney to draw smoke away from the fire and your guests. They can be made from a variety of materials but many people choose stone or brick for their pleasant appearance. These fireplaces can also incorporate grills or other features that complement them, creating a center piece for your outdoor living area.

Fire pits are also an attractive and useful option. They provide a lot of warmth and can be used to cook with. They are not as big as most outdoor fireplaces but provide a 360 degree view of the fire. Fire pits also can be incorporated into your patio design so picking a location is important. Unfortunately they have no chimney to draw smoke away so you are at the mercy of the wind blowing the smoke in different directions, and if the wind is large enough, it may also blow ashes and embers from the pit.

If you’re looking for a smaller or more portable option, chimineas may be they way to go. Originally used in Mexico for hundreds of years, they are a small fireplace with a chimney that are usual four to five feet tall. They can be perfect for small patios or if you expect the location of your fire feature to change. They are made from various materials including clay, cast iron, copper, and cast aluminum, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Once you decide on a fire feature, it’s time to decide which fuel you’ll use. Wood provides a wonderful ambience, with warm flames and, when using certain woods such as pinion pine, red cedar, or juniper, a fragrant aroma. Also, if you are going to be cooking with your fire feature, woods such as mesquite and hickory can add unique flavors to your food. If air quality is a concern in your area or you prefer a low maintenance fire, natural gas may be a better option. Talk to a outdoor fireplace and fire pit contracor for ideas and help in deciding which fire feature option is best for you.