Since caveman have been gathering around fires and cowboys making a “Home on the Range,” keeping warm at night under the moonlit sky has been a human tradition for socialization. Though we usually relegate fireplaces to the inside of our homes for cold winters’ nights where a little extra heat goes a long way, lately there has been a trend to take the fire back outside with outdoor fireplaces.
In choosing the material for an outdoor fireplace, make sure it is weather resistant, rated for use outside, like stainless steel, brick, stucco, tile, or stone. Most people opt for a traditional wood-burning fireplace, the smell and crackle of wood logs bringing a nostalgic feel to outdoor gatherings. For those who don’t want to deal with the soot and ash leftover from wood, natural gas and propone are options for outdoor fireplaces, operating with a simple flick of a switch.
To maximize the functionality of your outdoor living area, consider attaching a gas grill to your fireplace for an easy-to-use outdoor kitchen feature. You’ll be able to spend long hours outside, enjoying meals by the fire and having a cozy space to entertain guests while you prepare food for them nearby.
Before installing a fireplace, check with your local fire department to educate yourself about fire codes and help you determine if your outdoor fireplace is compliant or not. Your space should clear any bushes, trees, walls of your home or shed, and anything else that would be susceptible to catching on fire.
At Rhine Landscaping, we construct and incorporate custom fireplaces into your landscape to add a little bit of extra comfort and warmth to your outdoor space. Taking the appropriate safety precautions, we always make sure fireplaces are placed in a safe spot and line our products with mortar or fireproof brick. We offer a variety of different materials and functional yet aesthetic options, like mantels made of wood and stone. Call us today at 410-442-2445 or click here for more information.
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