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. fireplace,
fireplaces, outdoor fireplace, fire pit, fire pits
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