Many homeowners on Long Island that are revamping their backyards are considering an outdoor fireplace, because instantly create ambiance and provide warmth. Outdoor fireplaces are an excellent addition to any outdoor space.

Unfortunately, summer is ending and autumn is approaching fast. It’s time to cover up our pools and prepare our homes for cooler weather. At Flawless Masonry, outdoor fireplace construction is a frequently requested service.

 

Benefits of an Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor fireplaces are warm, inviting, and friendly. Whether you are lighting them up for the chilly Long Island fall, or using it to warm up in early summer, an outdoor fireplace is a versatile element to your poolscape and landscape.

If your backyard isn’t the retreat that you’d like it to be, Flawless Masonry can help. Starting with one element like a fire feature will transform your backyard instantly. Outdoor fireplaces are a warm and welcoming area to gather in your backyard, and not just when you’re entertaining. They’re a place for you to relax any time you want to enjoy some fresh night air and stay comfortable and cozy. Outdoor fireplaces can be visually appealing focal points and design pieces that are not only functional, but stylish.

 

Considerations for Installing an Outdoor Fireplace

Are you ready to install your outdoor fireplace in your Long Island home? Here, we have listed some things to consider before starting design and installation. While our qualified team of designers and builders will go over these with you onsite, its helpful to be prepared and put some thought into it beforehand.

 

1. Right Location for Your Fireplace

When planning the perfect spot for your outdoor fireplace, there are a few things to consider. You should consider entertainment, relaxation, safety, the environment, and overall appearance.

For larger back yards, you can have your fireplace on a separate patio that is further from the house. This can accommodate a separate seating area for guests to enjoy the warmth of the fire.

For smaller backyards, the fireplace can be attached to the existing patio or deck. Additionally, it could be attached to the house itself, which will create the illusion of more space and make the fireplace the focal point of your backyard.

 

 

2. Outdoor Fireplace Design

Before selecting the design of your fireplace, it’s important to take proportions into consideration. Take note of the size and scale of your yard and your home. Consider what will best compliment the design of your landscape and the outside of your house.

If your backyard isn’t the most expansive, selecting a moderately sized fireplace is most likely in your best interest. An enormous and imposing design would appear disproportionate and ultimately inhibit your ability to use your backyard as a functional living space.

Just as an enormous fire feature would be too large for a smaller home and yard, a smaller fireplace is not recommended for a larger yard. While a small fireplace in a large yard would most likely have no functional issues, it would become easily overwhelmed and seem out of place. You want your outdoor fireplace to be a distinct focal point for your yard. If it’s tiny and obscure, it loses much of its appeal.

It’s important to select an outdoor fireplace that is weather-resistant. Since it will be an outdoor feature, it should also be able to withstand extreme temperatures.

Many choose to build an outdoor fireplace using materials that match their homes or patios. Choosing a stone that replicates the design features of your home creates a beautiful visual symmetry in your yard.

There are several different styles of outdoor fireplace to choose from, and at Flawless Masonry we can help you figure out which is ideal for you.

 

3. Chimneys

In order to avoid smoke hazards, it’s important to make sure your fireplace is properly vented.

Wood burning outdoor fireplaces produce a considerable amount of smoke, which can be harder to control. Indoors, you can manage the airflow and direct the smoke up into the flue. Most wood-burning fireplaces feature a smoke shelf interior to keep the smoke output manageable.

Additionally, local building codes require chimney height to be tall enough to allow proper draw. These codes also stipulate that the chimney be two feet taller than any surrounding backyard structure.

Gas outdoor fireplaces feature two venting options: vent-free or direct vent. Direct vent fireplaces are sealed to ensure that any harmful vapors are processed out of the unit with a venting pipe. Vent-free fireplace use no venting pipe, which can make installation an easier process and give you more placement options.

 

4. Outdoor Fire Feature Safety

Safety should be the highest priority when it comes to the installation and use of an outdoor fireplace. While they make luxurious and inviting additions to your backyard, it’s important to ensure they’re operated safely.

Before installing an outdoor fireplace, check your local zoning ordinances to make sure you’re complying with their guidelines. Do not install or operate an outdoor fireplace near a wooden deck or any area with dry grass. And be sure to keep a fire extinguisher handy and regularly make sure it’s fully charged.

 

 

Conclusion

Outdoor fireplaces have become a beautiful landscape design trend and can make a great addition to your backyard. At Flawless Masonry, we can collaborate with you on your outdoor fireplace construction to create a structure that’s an exquisite compliment to your home.