Building Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor fireplaces are hot. A 2005 survey taken by the hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association found that Americans spent nearly $ 150 billion of home renovation with a third of that amount went towards outdoor living areas add to their landscaping. In addition, 67 percent of respondents who intended to build living spaces outdoors also plans to install outdoor fireplaces or fireplaces. The American Society of Landscape Architects, confirms this trend: households and outdoor fireplaces top the list of the biggest trends in landscaping in 2007.

Outdoor Fireplaces: Design Considerations

If you dream of what an outdoor fireplace or fireplace should look like in your backyard, consider the following design issues:

aec Divide your landscape into "rooms" or "zones". Like a house, the "living room" is the central gathering place and therefore perfect for homes outside. In fact, the element fire outdoors serves as an anchor for an outdoor living room.

aec Consider the views of the house. Where are your focal points? Are there privacy issues?

aec At the same time, viewed the opinion of the court "Would you enjoy a view of a bayou, a waterway or the Greenbelt?

aec Keep in mind that the large structures, such as outdoor fireplaces, change the flow of traffic, so design accordingly.

aec Work within your overall landscaping. For example, if you chose a Mediterranean landscape design or architecture of the modern landscape, two very distinctive style residential garden, you will want the outdoor fire element to be the same design and materials, such as.

aec Determine the direction of the prevailing wind when deciding where to put this large permanent structure. If necessary, you may be able to use the height of a tall chimney to help screen the wind.

aec Integration with other Hardscapes. Outdoor fireplaces play off against many luxury swimming pools, each increases the dramatic effect of the other. Landscape lighting also can inflate the "wow" factor of your outdoor fire element.

Jeff Halper, an expert in landscape design outside worlds, said: "Outdoor fireplaces and homes are all of an atmosphere. For example, right now we are working on a dining room located in front of an outdoor fireplace. We are in the process of forming a branch of a tree to grow over the dining table. When it is large enough, we're going over to hang from a chandelier. "

Outdoor Fireplaces: Do not Zone Out

Although they vary from city to most zoning regulations limit how we can build an outdoor fireplace to all existing buildings. Most of the side and rear setbacks regulate property line as well. You'll also want to check to see if there are rules for setbacks from slope and height restrictions. A landscape architect or landscape designer to help you navigate through the issues of zoning and design an outdoor fireplace or hearth specially arranged for your residential property.

Outdoor Fireplaces: Safety First

fireplaces and outdoor fireplaces enhance any landscape design, but only if used correctly and safely. Safety tips include:

aec Always have fire extinguishers handy.

aec Keep all outdoor furniture safe away from sources of fire.

aec Fire screens are important accessories for homes outside. They keep rolling logs on the fire and soot limit air and fly ash about.

aec If you use a home, follow the manufacturer's instructions and obey all laws of the city.

aec For homes with wood, it is a good idea to schedule regular professional chimney cleaning. A basic rule is the basis for maintaining the quantity of wood you burn. Assuming you are.