In North Texas, many new homes are built without a fireplace. Builders assume you won’t use it - so why bother? Actually, lots of folks in the Dallas area still enjoy a good fire even when we don’t need it for warmth. The process of getting a small conflagration started and watching the sparks grow into flames is hypnotic. Whether or not you have an indoor hearth, there’s no reason for you to miss out on this experience. Your patio may be the perfect location for a Dallas outdoor fireplace.

 

Benefits of Outdoor Fireplaces

 

Building a fireplace outside has a number of advantages. First, it brings heat where you really need it. You can stay toasty as you enjoy the outdoors on a crisp fall day or even in the middle of winter. Just toss a couple of logs on the grate and light them up.

 

This radiant heat source can also provide a pleasing glow to brighten up a summer evening. A beautifully designed fireplace provides a focal point for casual gatherings. Add a few comfortable chairs or an outdoor sofa and you can swap ghost stories with your friends well into the night.

 

Outside, you don’t have to worry as much about smoke. Even with a properly vented chimney, some smoke seeps into your breathing space when you burn wood indoors. For people with allergies, this can ruin the enjoyment of a good fire. An outdoor fireplace allows smoke to dissipate rapidly. If it has a tall chimney, the smoke will waft away well above your head.

 

Location is Important

 

The last thing you want is for your outdoor fireplace to burn your house down. This means you need to place it at some distance from your home. That’s a good reason to put it at the far edge of a small patio rather than the center. Check to make sure no trees are overhanging the chimney. All vegetation should be a good 6 feet from your fireplace. You should always build on a fire resistant surface - not a wood deck.

 

Types and Materials

 

An actual outdoor fireplace is a bit different than the free standing circular fire pit. Most designs look a lot like an indoor fireplace but with no walls surrounding the chimney. This structure can be built out of flagstone, brick, river stone, stucco, concrete, metal, tile, or a combination of these materials. Any mortar will need to be sealed to make it water resistant.

 

Some are custom built on-site. Others can be purchased in modular form and delivered ready for installation. If you are an experienced mason, you can try your hand at building one yourself. Whether you purchase or buy an outdoor fireplace, check local city ordinances to make sure there are no restrictions that would affect your project.

 

Additional Considerations

 

There are lots of possible configurations and finish details. For example, you might have multiple fireplaces per outdoor chimney complex with plenty of sitting space. The front of your fireplace may be enclosed in glass fronted doors or a metal screen similar to those used indoors.

 

Although wood is a traditional fuel option, there are other alternatives. Many people decide to use either fuel gel or natural gas. This limits the buildup of soot and dark spots or stains around the masonry.

 

Need advice on the best fireplace design and materials for your outdoor living space? Contact us for a free consultation.