When it comes to adding comfort, visual appeal, and resale value to your house, building an outdoor fireplace is one of the best options. As interesting as it may seem, things can go wrong if you do not do it the right way and this is why masonry contractors are best for this job. Therefore, if you are planning to build an outdoor fireplace for yourself, you need to consider some factors that will help make your money worth it. Let’s discuss!

Find The Perfect Spot

Finding the right spot or area for the outdoor fireplace is the first thing you should consider. Not every spot or area is going to be perfect for the fireplace. Plus, it also depends on the spot and the dimensions of the space available. As a general rule of thumb, the outdoor fireplace should be kept at a sufficient distance from the house so that it does not harm the house if it catches fire.

If you have enough space available, you wouldn’t have much problem deciding the perfect spot. However, if you are limited in space and are struggling to dedicate an area, you can create a custom fireplace. Make sure that you consult an expert on this matter so that you get the basics right.

Block The Wind

Another important factor is the wind. Since the fireplace is outdoor, chances are that the wind will most likely put out the fire. This is why you will need to find a way to prevent the wind from affecting the fireplace. For example, if you are considering building a custom fireplace, you can consider planting tall hedges.

In addition to that, opting for a custom-built fence can also be a good option, adding to the visual appeal as well.

Choose Fireplace Design

As opposed to what many people think, outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of designs. Back in the day, you had relatively fewer options than indoor fireplaces but that has changed today. You can opt for a fireplace design that matches your house and backyard.

You can choose an open fire pit or fire bowl. Although there is a huge list of outdoor fireplace designs out there, that will depend on the available space and your budget.

Define Your Budget And Focus On Practicality

Defining your budget and focusing on practicality go hand in hand. Outdoor fireplaces are not cheap, especially if you are building a custom item for yourself. This is why you need to set a budget that will help you narrow down your options. Otherwise, you will simply be opting for materials and features that will be a waste of your money.

Similarly, when building an outdoor fireplace, the practicality should be your utmost priority. If your fireplace is all about design and visual appeal and does not provide sufficient heat or keep the guests or your friends and family members properly warmed up, it is not going to be of any issue.

Therefore, focus on practicality and ensure that the fireplace follows a perfect balance of visual appeal and effectiveness.

Choose A Wood Burning Fireplace Or Gas

You have two main options when it comes to opting for an outdoor fireplace: a wood-burning or a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces are comparatively more popular than wood-burning fireplaces as they are more environmentally friendly. However, wood-burning fireplaces offer better warmth. Both share several pros and cons but it comes down to your personal preference at the end of the day.

However, if you choose to go with a wood-burning outdoor fireplace, make sure that you only use seasoned wood. Wet wood will only create an irritating smoke instead of providing warmth. That said, seasoned wood will not only burn better but also produce less smoke as a byproduct.

And above all, keep it simple. Building an outdoor fireplace should not always be extravagant. Make sure that it is something that you can afford and maintain easily and gives you a good return should you plan to sell the house in the future.

Final Word

Concluding, building an outdoor fireplace is surely exciting but you have to be smart. Follow the tips mentioned above to come up with something that you can enjoy and admire for years to come. And hire outdoor fireplace contractors who can build a long-lasting fireplace. lagrass