The backyard is considered an extension of your home. It serves as a space for entertaining family and friends. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit creates an inviting gathering location for a relaxing evening. Many outdoor fireplaces can be included as part of a covered or screened porch, while fire pits work well for patios, swimming pools, or near a lake.

When looking to design an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, consider what you will be using the area for. Will you be entertaining friends and family or seeking a more intimate seeking for you and your spouse?

Be sure that when designing your fire pit that you make it large enough so that all your guests can gather around without feeling cramped. Layout the area with the chairs to verify the size before you begin digging the footers.

For a more intimate arrangement you can choose furniture such as over-sized outdoor couches and chairs that seat two people comfortably and allow you to sit back and enjoy a bottle of wine by a warm fire.

Outdoor fireplaces are built much the same way indoor ones are, except the chimney does not need to be as tall. The chimney needs to be tall enough to provide a strong draw. If you are thinking of constructing an outdoor fireplace, especially in a covered or screened porch, it is probably best to hire a professional. If you do have some basic carpentry skills, there are kits available that can be assembled.

Fire pits can be above or below the ground depending on your needs and location. Fire pits have a fire rated brick veneer over concrete block with a poured concrete with reinforced steel footing and a fire rated brick floor. You can install a gas fuel line for igniting a fire and a plumbing drain line for easy cleanup as options if you choose.

There are also many great choices in portable fire pits which are of metal. When using these systems, be sure the fire pit is resting on a non flammable surface like a brick paver or concrete patio and not situated directly under roof overhangs.

Final Remarks

Whether you choose to build an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you can be sure that it will provide you with many nights of enjoyment year round.

Hubert Miles is a blogger for many websites and the webmaster of Lake Properties and Houses. Get more information on Lake Properties and Land websites.