Outdoor Fireplace Guide

What is an outdoor fireplace?

Picture a traditional fireplace in your mind's eye. You may be picturing a brick fireplace with a traditional mantle, opening and chimney stove.
Now imagine that kind of fireplace, but outside.
This is essentially an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces are constructed similarly to indoor fireplaces and are usually made of materials such as pumice, brick and mortar.
Quality outdoor fireplaces come with chimneys, fireboxes, and mantles, and are usually built on stone, brick, or concrete patios or paved surfaces.
An outdoor fireplace serves the same function as an indoor fireplace. That is, a fire is built somewhere to provide heat.

Free Standing Corten Steel Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace

What are the benefits of an outdoor fireplace?

There are several benefits to purchasing and installing an outdoor fireplace that can provide year-round warmth as well as increase the value of your home.

Year-Round Warmth
The first and most obvious benefit of an outdoor fireplace is that it allows you to enjoy your garden all year round, even on days when you wouldn't normally be outside.
As well as extending the 'season' of your garden, an outdoor fireplace also allows you to enjoy your garden for longer in the summer months - providing heat in the cooler mornings and evenings means that you really can spend the whole of the summer days and evenings in your garden.

The focal point
Adding an outdoor fireplace to your garden creates a unique and interesting focal point.
Many people also use the addition of an outdoor fireplace to their garden as an opportunity to undertake a wider landscaping project, revamping and redesigning the rest of the garden at the same time as installing the fireplace.
Outdoor fireplaces can also serve as a great focal point for outdoor entertaining, creating a gathering point where family, friends and guests can comfortably mingle and socialize.

Cooking.
If you install a grate in the firebox of your outdoor fireplace, then you will be able to enjoy outdoor cooking!
With a grate, you'll be able to choose from a variety of cooking options, including grilling, baking, and sautéing (if you use the right pan).

Added Value
While it's difficult to provide exact numbers, you can expect an outdoor fireplace to add value to your home; especially if it's paired with a wider landscaping and garden revitalization project.

 Factory Customize Modern Garden Corten Steel

Outdoor Fireplace Buying Considerations

There are many factors that you need to consider when purchasing an outdoor fireplace. Since outdoor fireplaces are permanent structures, you need to make sure that these considerations are met before committing.
Below, you will find the key factors to consider when buying an outdoor fireplace.

Corten Steel Fire Place Outdoor Garden

Size of the garden

The size of your garden will also affect the type and size of outdoor fireplace you can purchase and install.
Generally speaking, most UK gardens and patios will be able to accommodate an outdoor fireplace, but think about how you will be using the fireplace, the space you will need to socialize around it, and the proximity to any potentially combustible materials.
You should also consider how windy and gusty your garden is. If it does get windy, make sure your outdoor fireplace doesn't send smoke and embers into your neighbor's garden.