By having a brick fireplace professionally constructed in your yard or garden, you can not only increase the overall appeal of your home, but give yourself a wonderful space for enjoying the great outdoors all year round – something that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the value of.
With the help of an experienced masonry contractor, a brick fireplace will help expand your living space and even increase the value of your home. Here are some things to consider before having your outdoor fireplace constructed:
The type of fuel you use
There are 3 main choices when it comes to fuelling your outdoor fireplace:
- Wood burning – traditional fireplaces are wood burning, freestanding structures that require a smoke chamber leading to a chimney with a spark arrester.
- Gas burning –your construction contractor will need to find a gas line you can tie to the fireplace, which will place limitations on possible locations.
- Propane burning – a propane fireplace can be located anywhere in your backyard, as long as you have a propane tank
Where you build your outdoor fireplace
There are some important considerations to make before deciding upon a final location for your outdoor fireplace:
- Safety – the area around your outdoor fireplace must be free from potential fire hazards, such as overhanging branches, dry grass, bushes, wires or nearby buildings
- Smoke –check the direction of the prevailing wind to ensure that smoke from the fireplace won’t cause an issue for neighbors when it’s in use
- Size – there should be extra room around the fireplace for seating and outdoor furniture
- Accessibility – being able to easily access the fireplace is important, especially if you plan to hold social gatherings around it
How your fireplace is constructed
There are typically three main components of an outdoor brick fireplace, and these are:
- The base – this should be a solid, reinforced concrete slab that has been constructed by a skilled masonry contractor who has taken the soil type, extreme temperature, dimensions and weight of the fireplace into account
- The firebox – whichever type of fuel you choose to burn on your outdoor fireplace, will determine the type of firebox you choose, and for safety reasons, they should always be lined with brick. If working with a skilled masonry contractor, they will make sure this is done
- The chimney or vent –as with the firebox, the type of chimney or vent you have will be dependent on the type of fuel you use; if you choose to burn wood, for example, you’ll need a chimney, whereas an exhaust vent is good enough for gas or propane
The type of bricks you use
Fire resistant bricks will be used by a masonry contractor when constructing your outdoor fireplace, and they give a unique, timeless look to any well built structure.
Whether there are any regulations
Regulations regarding the construction of outdoor fireplaces can vary from state to state, and town to town, so its best to check with your local fire department before having anything built. Alternatively, a local masonry contractor will be able to assist you with this.
Outdoor brick fireplaces are a wonderful addition to any backyard, and can become a real focal point for social events and family gatherings, just be sure to have it professionally built by a licensed masonry contractor.