| Before buying an outdoor fireplace, there are several | | | | temperature than cast iron. Cast aluminum does not |
| factors to take into account. Always remember that | | | | rust. It is also considerably lighter than cast iron |
| the safety of your family and property is the most | | | | making it easier to move around. |
| important consideration. | | | | 3. Weigh it |
| 1. Size matters | | | | When comparing fireplaces, check the weight. Most |
| When comparing fireplaces, look at the size of the | | | | fireplaces are produced by weight, so they are |
| fire area before the height. If the firebox is small, | | | | bought by weight. Be sure that you're comparing the |
| wood buying and cutting is more difficult. | | | | same material, copper to copper or cast iron to cast |
| Requesting for specially cut wood from your supplier | | | | iron. |
| increases your cost. | | | | 4. Aluminum feature |
| Try to find a large firebox, don't bother with the tall | | | | Cast aluminum is by far a better choice for a novice |
| and thin fireplace. A small firebowl will cost more | | | | outdoor enthusiast. The fireplace is easier to maintain |
| down the road. You don't need a large fire just | | | | and can be easily moved around. It may be brought |
| because you have a large fireplace, just use less | | | | to a home by the lake or stored during winter along |
| wood to have a smaller fire. | | | | Northern areas. Store it to prevent damage or |
| A good fireplace burns more cleanly and more | | | | possible theft. |
| efficiently than a firepit design having no smoke | | | | 5. Clay fireplace |
| stack. The fireplace draws air into the fire and blows | | | | The most disturbing problem with a clay fireplace is |
| out the neck for an efficient burn. Firepit designs | | | | that it can fall apart without prior warning. When the |
| tend to smoke and smolder much more than a | | | | bottom falls out, it can be quite a mess. Avoid placing |
| traditional fireplace design because of poor airflow. | | | | your clay fireplace on a wooden deck or any surface |
| 2. Proper maintenance | | | | that can easily be damaged by heat or fire. Place it |
| Fireplaces made in the more commercial copper, clay | | | | on cement or tile. |
| or sheet steel don't have the longevity or safety of | | | | If you choose to purchase a clay fireplace, take |
| aluminum or cast iron. Sheet metal fireplaces are | | | | safety precautions. Use a spark arrestor and a |
| available at a bargain cost. They're pretty much a | | | | mouthscreen for safety. The extra cost is well worth |
| disposable type of fireplace. Once metal sheet | | | | it. A clay fireplace is generally cheaper but has a |
| fireplaces start to rust, they have already outlived | | | | shorter lifespan than either aluminum or cast iron. |
| their usefulness. Check the gauge or thickness of the | | | | 6. Surround view fireplaces and raised firepits |
| metal. A metal too thin might melt. | | | | Most surround view fireplaces are built with light |
| Some cast iron fireplaces have sheet metal necks. If | | | | materials. Surround view fireplaces are easy to tip |
| that's the case, check if the manufacturer has | | | | over because of the light material used to make it. |
| replacement parts available and cost. Frequent | | | | When it is tipped over, it will send ash and embers |
| replacement for the neck is not what you want. | | | | everywhere. |
| Cast iron must be maintained to prevent rust. It is a | | | | Safety is an issue with surround view fireplaces. Slight |
| little difficult to maintain. But a well maintained cast | | | | breezes might send embers and catch fire with |
| iron fireplace will last you a long time. Also, consider | | | | flammable materials. |
| the placement of your cast iron fireplace. | | | | If you're buying a raised firepit, be sure that it comes |
| The cast iron fireplace tends to stain the surface it | | | | with a lid. Otherwise, ash will be spread all over your |
| stands on. | | | | patio when it rains. |
| An occasional paint job with a high temperature paint | | | | 7. What to burn |
| will slow down rusting. The cast iron is heavy and can | | | | Hardwood is by far the most popular fuel for |
| stand a lot of abuse. | | | | outdoor fireplaces. Pinon wood has a pleasant pine |
| Copper looks great initially but after a couple of uses | | | | scent when burning. It keeps the flame active and |
| it tends to be green and rusty. Several companies | | | | generates good heat. It also helps in keeping insects |
| put holes in the bottom of the firepits to drain ash | | | | away. Other fuel sources are propane, gel inserts, |
| and water out during rain. Firepits without holes will | | | | manufactured firelogs and natural gas. |
| be filled with water when it rains. | | | | Pine cones and applewood can be added for more |
| Cast Aluminum is one of the best buys. It is easy to | | | | aroma. |
| maintain and a long lifespan. An aluminum fireplace | | | | Several fireplaces come with inserts for natural gas |
| does not warp and only has a slightly lower melting | | | | and propane. |