7 Tips For Buying An Outdoor Fireplace

Before buying an outdoor fireplace, there are severaltemperature than cast iron. Cast aluminum does not
factors to take into account. Always remember thatrust. It is also considerably lighter than cast iron
the safety of your family and property is the mostmaking it easier to move around.
important consideration.3. Weigh it
1. Size mattersWhen comparing fireplaces, check the weight. Most
When comparing fireplaces, look at the size of thefireplaces 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 supplieriron.
increases your cost.4. Aluminum feature
Try to find a large firebox, don't bother with the tallCast aluminum is by far a better choice for a novice
and thin fireplace. A small firebowl will cost moreoutdoor enthusiast. The fireplace is easier to maintain
down the road. You don't need a large fire justand can be easily moved around. It may be brought
because you have a large fireplace, just use lessto 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 morepossible theft.
efficiently than a firepit design having no smoke5. Clay fireplace
stack. The fireplace draws air into the fire and blowsThe most disturbing problem with a clay fireplace is
out the neck for an efficient burn. Firepit designsthat it can fall apart without prior warning. When the
tend to smoke and smolder much more than abottom 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 maintenancethat can easily be damaged by heat or fire. Place it
Fireplaces made in the more commercial copper, clayon cement or tile.
or sheet steel don't have the longevity or safety ofIf you choose to purchase a clay fireplace, take
aluminum or cast iron. Sheet metal fireplaces aresafety precautions. Use a spark arrestor and a
available at a bargain cost. They're pretty much amouthscreen for safety. The extra cost is well worth
disposable type of fireplace. Once metal sheetit. A clay fireplace is generally cheaper but has a
fireplaces start to rust, they have already outlivedshorter lifespan than either aluminum or cast iron.
their usefulness. Check the gauge or thickness of the6. 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. Ifmaterials. Surround view fireplaces are easy to tip
that's the case, check if the manufacturer hasover because of the light material used to make it.
replacement parts available and cost. FrequentWhen 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 aSafety is an issue with surround view fireplaces. Slight
little difficult to maintain. But a well maintained castbreezes might send embers and catch fire with
iron fireplace will last you a long time. Also, considerflammable 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 itwith a lid. Otherwise, ash will be spread all over your
stands on.patio when it rains.
An occasional paint job with a high temperature paint7. What to burn
will slow down rusting. The cast iron is heavy and canHardwood 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 usesscent when burning. It keeps the flame active and
it tends to be green and rusty. Several companiesgenerates good heat. It also helps in keeping insects
put holes in the bottom of the firepits to drain ashaway. Other fuel sources are propane, gel inserts,
and water out during rain. Firepits without holes willmanufactured 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 toaroma.
maintain and a long lifespan. An aluminum fireplaceSeveral fireplaces come with inserts for natural gas
does not warp and only has a slightly lower meltingand propane.