Looking to heat up your outdoor living space? We can both agree that the best way to do this (and make some new friends) is through an outdoor fireplace.
In this article we are going to go over the options you have to choose from, fuel types and other details that will help you prepare for buying your new outdoor fireplace.
What Are Your Options?
Built-In
A built-in fireplace is a permanent addition to your backyard and is not meant to be moved or changed. Often they can be built into an outdoor living room, or a patio section. They can be surrounded with brick and masonry options to contrast nicely with the colours of the outdoors.
Built-in options are great for outdoor patios, outdoor living rooms, and backyard living. Think of permanent construction and landscaping when considering a built in option.
Fuel Types Used:
Often the built-in can be a wood burning fireplace, natural gas or propane fuel source. All of these fuel sources will require ventilation. Where as natural gas or propane is clean burning and typically more up-front cost, the wood burning options build soot, require a bit of elbow grease to prepare fires, and are expensive for fuel over long run.
Portable
The portable fire unit is the most popular and the cheapest option within most outdoor living. These options don't have the same heat output as the built-in units, but can be well placed to add a cozy feel to your outdoor area.
The portable units are easiest if you aren't looking to implement any permanent building or design on your property, and are looking for a little extra heat in a social area.
Fuel Types Used:
The portable fireplace is most often paired with propane or natural gas. These units have the ability to be moved around when paired with the propane fuel source. There is no need to have separate venting when put outdoors.
Fireplace Insert
The insert is only an option if you are looking to replace a previous outdoor fireplace to something more modern. An insert is a great option to avoid tearing down any surrounding masonry work as they are built into the existing unit. If you are looking to switch from wood, to gas or propane, these units are an excellent option. An insert also only needs minimum installation work to be up and running.
Fuel Types Used:
The insert is typically a natural gas unit that is inserted into an older wood burning or gas fireplace.
Check out our full selection of outdoor fireplaces