Patio Fireplaces

Patio fireplaces are free standing enclosed units that have chimneys to let the smoke vent from the fireplace just as the fireplace indoors has to have a chimney. Usually they burn wood or briquettes, but you can also get gas and propane fireplaces that provide the same heat but without the smoke and the trouble of trying to light the wood.

Using a fireplace on the patio is not a new idea. It lets you use the patio for longer periods of time in the spring and fall when the weather may be sunny, but the air is still cold. Some of the different types of outdoor fireplaces you can use for your patio include

The Chimenea fireplace. This is a Mexican outdoor fireplace with a chubby base where the fire burns and a tall narrow chimney through which the smoke vents. Usually these fireplaces are made from clay, but you can purchase cast iron models. If you have a clay chimenea, you want to make sure that you have it in the proper place. Moving it often can cause the clay to crack.

Fire rings. These are the cheapest type of fireplaces for patios. It consists of a cast iron ring without a bottom and the fire burns inside the ring. This would not be suitable to have directly on the patio and is best used off the patio.

Having a fireplace on the patio adds an ambiance to the patio in addition to providing warmth on a chilly evening. They usually have a hinged door in the front that gives you easy access for lighting a fire and adding wood or briquettes to keep it going. The screen assembly is easy to remove and you can also use them to cook food when you have a gathering of people on the patio. The fireplace you choose should be placed on concrete or brick. If you have a wooden floor on the patio, you should have anon-combustible pad under it to avoid catching the patio on fire.

For more information on decks and patios and related topics visit The DIY Home Guide at http://www.thediyhomeguide.com

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