Category Archives: Fireplaces Pits & Chimineas

Outdoor Fireplaces, Chimineas, Fire Bowls, and Fire Pits

Outdoor Fire Pit

Multiple Ways to Cozy Up In the Cold

Outdoor living areas are increasingly the most occupied spaces in a home during the warmer months of the year. Whether you spend mornings alone by the pool with a good book or evenings on the patio dining with friends and family, spending as much time as possible outside in the fresh air is a priority for many home owners. When the weather turns too cool for lingering outside, though, it’s often with reluctance that home owners retreat from comfortable backyard living spaces into the home for the long winter. Luckily, the season for enjoying those exterior living areas can be extended significantly with the use of an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of types, including the traditional outdoor fireplace, chimineas, fire pits, and fire bowls. Making the best choice can sometimes feel daunting, though, but knowing more about each option can help in your decision.

For the most part, the traditional outdoor fireplace looks similar to a fireplace you might see on the inside of a home. Many traditional outdoor fireplaces are rectangular in shape and feature a mesh metal door which swings open to allow easy access, and swings closed to keep sparks from flying out of the fire. Traditional outdoor fireplaces are not boring in design, though. Whether your preferred style is one of clean lines or of romantically ornate decor, there is an outdoor fireplace to match that preference. In addition, most outdoor fireplaces provide you with 360 degree warmth, which creates an inviting space large enough to entertain multiple guests on chilly evenings.

A more utilitarian style of traditional outdoor fireplace is available, too, which suits many families’ needs while at home or while on camping or other outdoor vacations. These fireplaces boast a round body and sturdy, often tubular metal legs. Some models of this kind of outdoor fireplace have two wheels which allow the units to be moved easily to different locations. This more utilitarian of fireplaces offers the essential features without the fussiness of decorative elements.

Chimineas are a different kind of outdoor fireplace. Chimineas were originally developed in Mexico as a means for heating the home and cooking food. The design of chimineas, which is reminiscent of the pot belly stove with a round, mostly enclosed firebox and tall stack, allows fires to light quickly and burn longer than in a traditional outdoor fireplace, which has an open firebox. Additionally, the design of chimineas prevents rain from extinguishing the fire. Chimineas were traditionally constructed of clay or terra cotta and worked well in warmer, drier Mexican climates, but for superior durability and performance in colder climates, the preferred material for backyard chimineas is heavy duty metal, such as cast iron or cast aluminum. In cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions, clay or terra cotta chimineas tend to flake, crack, or crumble. Metal chimineas are beautifully designed and easily become the decorative focal point in any elegant outdoor living space. Chimineas are outdoor fireplaces with real character and style.

Fire bowls and fire pits are yet another type of outdoor fireplace available. Fire bowls and fire pits are usually smaller than traditional outdoor fireplaces, and the depth of the bowl or pit varies greatly. Larger capacity fire bowls or fire pits will hold more firewood and provide more warmth for those surrounding them. Fire bowls and fire pits can also be found in a wider variety of styles than traditional outdoor fireplaces. For example, materials used to construct fire bowls and fire pits range from sturdy and attractive metals like aged bronze, copper, or stainless steel to stone such as slate, marble, or granite. Additionally, some fire bowls and fire pits are adorned with tastefully decorative elements like ceramic tile, metal scroll work, or outdoor motifs. Fire bowls and fire pits are versatile, too. Some fire bowls and fire pits can double as a grill for cooking out, and some can be found at the center of a backyard dining table or patio table, making cozy dinners and quiet conversations all the more inviting. Many fire bowls and fire pits come with a mesh spark arrestor to help prevent embers from jumping out of the flames.

Choosing an outdoor fireplace to fit your personal style and needs may be the most challenging task, but it is important to know that outdoor fireplaces are not appropriate for every exterior living space. Before selecting from the many traditional fireplaces, chimineas, fire bowls, or fire pits, be sure that one can be used safely in your home’s exterior living area. For example, many outdoor fireplaces cannot be used on or near wood decks or other wooden structures. While some of the portable fireplaces can be taken into grassy areas and campgrounds, an ideal location for most of the outdoor fireplaces discussed in this article would be a stone, brick, dirt, or concrete surface.

Tips For Storing Firewood – Using a Firewood Rack

DIY Outdoor Firewood Storage Rack

Firewood Rack Offers One Solution

Making sure that you have enough firewood to last you through the winter means planning far in advance. Freshly cut and split logs are never recommended for burning because of their significant moisture content; only seasoned firewood, which has an ideal moisture content of 15% to 20%, will provide you with an efficient fire that produces low emissions. According to the Wood Heat Organization, properly seasoned firewood has been “cut, split, and stacked. . .in the early spring and [left to] stand in the sun and wind all summer.” Wood that is stacked in a single row, rather than stacked in back to back rows or thrown into a pile, allows for more air to circulate and more moisture to evaporate. Prepared in this way, firewood can be ready for burning in six months, but it never hurts to save the wood you cut and split this year for next year’s winter fires.

Storing your seasoned firewood properly is an important consideration, and there are any number of options available. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding how and where to store your seasoned firewood.

Convenience and Insect Deterrence

Seasoned firewood that you plan to use for the upcoming winter should be easy to access, but storing logs against an outside wall of your home is not recommended. Firewood can attract insects, and if logs are stored next to the house, pests can enter your home or cause damage to your home’s exterior. Some of the best, most convenient places to keep seasoned firewood are next to a fence or next to the shed or other outdoor storage building. If you suspect that your firewood may be crawling with critters, do not give into the temptation to spray the firewood with pesticides because burning these logs will create harmful toxic vapors.

Protection From Moisture

So that your firewood burns efficiently, it should stay dry while outdoors. If there is enough room available inside your outdoor shed or storage building, then firewood can be stored easily there. Alternatively, a simple tarp can be used to cover your firewood to prevent it from taking in moisture from rain or snow. Tarps are inexpensive and can be tied down easily to prevent them from blowing away. If your stack of firewood is stored in a place on your property that is not visible to passersby, then choosing to cover the stack with a tarp will not negatively affect your home’s “curb appeal.”

Elevation and Air Circulation

If stored directly on the ground, firewood can soak up moisture and attract insects. Storing your firewood in a sturdy Firewood Rack will keep your logs elevated, promote air circulation, and deter pests and wood rot. A Firewood Rack can be hand made from wood, but a rugged tubular steel-framed Firewood Rack is rot-proof and rust-proof, easy to assemble, and comes in multiple sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits the space in which you plan to store your firewood.

Properly storing your seasoned firewood will ensure that you have easy access to it when it’s needed without also sending an invitation to pests to invade your home. Proper storage will also keep your firewood dry while at the same time encouraging air circulation. By following these simple tips, you will be sure to enjoy long-burning, low emission fires throughout the winter season.

Investing in a Fire Pit for Chilly Nights

Fire Pit / Bowl – Large Oil Rubbed Bronzed

Festive Fall Activities for your Fire Pit

These days, it seems like everyone has a fire pit. If you have yet to join the crowd or even if you’re just looking for a new model for this fall, you can find a lot of different styles to choose from. Thanks to the growing demand, there is a wide selection of styles and designs that you can choose from to spice up your backyard and make enjoying fall all the more fun for your family and friends. With so much to choose from, of course, it can get overwhelming at times. Make sure that you’re prepared by taking the time to explore your options and learn about buying the perfect fire pit for your home.

Considerations for Buying a Fire Pit

When you’re investing in a fire pit, you have a lot of different options to choose from. It’s going to be up to you to make sure that you think about the factors that affect your decision so that you can get everything that you deserve from your purchase. Here are some definite things to keep in mind while you’re shopping:

  • Budget.  If you are like most people, you’ll be looking for a good deal within your price range. Making sure that you stick to your budget can be hard with so many great pits to choose from, but you really have to keep things in check. Make sure that you limit your selection by price first so that you don’t accidentally wind up falling in love with something that you can’t afford. You can get great fire pits in all price ranges, so don’t worry about that.
  • Style.  Everyone has different tastes. With the wide selection of fire pits that you have to choose from, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find what you need. Think about your backyard and what you want to add to it. You can choose from rustic fire pits, contemporary styles, and more. It’s all about what you want and there’s something for almost everyone out there in today’s market.
  • Size.  If you have a big backyard and room for it, you might be shopping for a large fire pit or outdoor fireplace. If you live in the city, on the other hand, you might be in the market for a smaller model. Either way, there are plenty of different sizes to choose from and it’s going to be up to you to get what you want. Make sure that you think about all of the sizes that are available and measure them out to know what you’re getting. This is especially important when you’re shopping online and can’t see the fire pit in person before you buy.
  • Material.  Most fire pits are made of cast iron or aluminum and designed to withstand excessive heat. However, you can also find fire pits made from other materials or that are part of a table, for example. You’ll have to look at these and consider which the best investment is for your money, no matter what you have in mind.

Shopping Online for Fire Pits

Shopping online gives you a lot more options when you’re in the market for a new fire pit. You will be able to pick and choose from designs from dozens of different brands and companies, giving you a much better chance at finding what you want. Plus, you won’t be limited by things like local pricing and availability. Most home improvement stores and superstores only have a limited number of styles and sizes available, and you don’t want to put yourself in that kind of restricted place. Plus, what fun is it if you have the same fire pit as half of your neighbors? Impress everyone and get what you really want by shopping online for something completely different.

Another perk of shopping online is that you can usually get better prices in addition to giving you more options to choose from within your budget range. If you take just a few minutes to see what’s out there, you might be impressed at all the selection that you can find. Even if you can’t spend a fortune on a fire pit, you can still get some great styles and designs when you expand your options by shopping online.

Plus, shopping online is easy and you can do it whenever the mood strikes. You’ll never have to worry about getting to the store before closing or trying to find time to go out and choose the right fire pit. You can shop from the comfort of home and look at dozens of different styles and designs on the spot, no matter what you have in mind. There are so many perks to shopping online for a fire pit that you really should give it a try before you even think about heading out to your local store to see what they have. Chances are that you can even find their selection online to compare what you can get in the store to the options that you have when you shop online.

How to Make the Final Decision

Ultimately, the final decision about which fire pit to buy is entirely up to you. You have to consider all of the factors listed above and make sure that you’re investing in something that you want. This is an investment that you’ll probably have for a long time, provided that you buy a quality fire pit, so you’ll definitely want to make sure that you’re spending your money accordingly. Think about the quality and reputability of the company that you’re buying from, as well as the fire pit itself. Make sure that you like the style and that it fits your outdoor space. In the end, as long as you like what you’re getting, that’s all that matters. Just remember to shop around and explore all of your options so that you can enjoy the fall nights with family and friends with the perfect fire pit for your backyard.

 

Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace

Decorative Outdoor Fireplace

When you are in the market for an outdoor fireplace, you have a lot of different options.  People often use the terms fireplace, fire pit, and fire ring interchangeably, but these actually all refer to different types of products that you can buy to have fires in for your home.  There are so many different styles and types of fire products that you can buy for your backyard this fall and it’s going to be up to you to see what’s out there before you buy anything.  Taking a little time to explore your options will help you get a much better idea of what you can buy and which options are going to give you the backyard that you’ve been waiting for.

An outdoor fireplace is only as good as you make it.  That being said, you should take the time to set up a unique space where you will put your fire pit, ring, or fireplace when you buy it.  If you want something small on the patio, for example, set it up and leave room for your fire pit and see how it works.  If you feel like that’s too close to your house for comfort, try something out in the yard or further out on the patio or deck away from your home.

Think About Spaces

When you’re investing in a fire pit, fireplace, or other outdoor producer of fire, you have to know how much space you have.  You’re obviously not going to buy the biggest model that you can find if you’re living in the city where you can only have small, contained fires in your small backyard.  Also, if you want a more intimate setting, you’ll want to choose a smaller fire product so that you have room for all of your family and friends without having to be far away from each other.

Space is everything when you’re choosing a fire pit.  You can usually find recommendations on product descriptions that include size, how far away you should be sitting, what recommended fire size is for the product, and more.  All that will help you make a much better decision about what you can buy to spruce up your outdoor living space.

What Can You Afford?

No one likes to talk about it, but budget is pretty much everything.  When you’re shopping for fire pits, take the time to look at all of the different types that are out there and what is within your price range.  If you can only afford to spend $100, for example, you shouldn’t even bother looking at that great $2,500 model because it will just cause you to fall in love with something that you can’t afford.

There are great fire pits and fireplaces in every price range.  Thanks to the internet, you have even more selection than ever.  Take the time to browse through chimineas, fire pits and bowls, fireplaces, and other outdoor fire accessories to give your backyard the warm ambiance that you are craving this fall for a price that you can afford.  Make sure that you check out discounts and specials that might be going on and work with reputable sellers when it comes to backyard supplies like fireplaces and pits.

Think Location

Know where your fire pit is going in your backyard.  Draw out your backyard if you can and imagine where you want your fire pit to go.  That way, you can choose the perfect size and style of fire pit that fits your space, no matter what you are working with.  You should always try to get the biggest fire pit that you can to have a better fire, but that depends entirely on where you are placing it.  Having a huge fire place right next to your house, for example, might not be a good plan.

Also, when it comes to location, make sure that you know local fire codes and other regulations about burning.  The last thing that you want to do is spend a lot of money on a great fire pit only to be told that you can’t have it because it’s too close to your house or too big or doesn’t meet some other location-based regulation that is one the books.  Rules and safety are everything.

Style for Miles

Choosing a fireplace all boils down to one thing: style.  You can choose from different colors and brands, as well as many different designs that will outfit your home with a great looking fire pit, no matter what you have in mind.  Make sure that you look at contemporary designs, traditional looks, and other styles that might fit your needs.  That way, you can know that you’re not only buying a fire pit that works, but you’re buying one that you like.

The good news is that now that you can shop online, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect outdoor fireplace for your home this fall.  There is so much selection and you can create some really cool spaces if you take the time to see what’s out there.  With so much to choose from, it will be easy for you to get a stylish, affordable, fitting fireplace or pit for your backyard, no matter what kind of entertaining you plan to do.  Always shop around and look at the different styles before you make a choice so that you know you’re making the right one.

Enjoy the fall this year with a new fire pit or fireplace in your backyard.  Whether you’re a first time buyer or just looking to replace what you already have, it should be easy for you to get everything that you need.  Give yourself the chance to explore all of the options and learn about fire pits so that you can make a good choice for your yard.  In no time at all, you’ll be entertaining your family and friends and having a great time in the great outdoors without even having to leave your home.  Fireplaces and fire pits are a great investment in your outdoor living space, so find yours today.

 

 

The Charm of the Chiminea – Stylish Outdoor Accessories

Sun Ray Chiminea

The chiminea originates from Mexico, where it was originally created as an oven and outdoor fireplace designed to keep families warm, even while it was raining.  The design allows these fire places to be used at any time and avoid the rain, which is why they have the shape that they do.  Today, of course, chimineas have become popular as backyard accessories for many people in the U.S.  and UK.  Because these were not designed for those climates, finding sturdy, reputable products can be difficult at times.  However, you can find a great selection in our Chiminea department that will provide stylish options for every climate.

The Original Design

The original design of the chiminea was rooted in necessity.  Mexican tribesmen had a need to create a tool that could help keep their families warm and provide a cooking source that was protected from the weather.  The goal was also to create something that could house fire that was created with just a few sticks, which is exactly how the design came about.  The result was the round belly with a sturdy base and a slender stack, or chimney, to expel the smoke.  This design has held true to the original plan for hundreds of years.

Although the use of these is quite different for most people today, the design and shape of them is often what makes them so appealing to people.  They are made in many different finishes and the clay models that are available are all handcrafted, giving people a unique backyard accessory that they can use for keeping warm and entertaining on those breezy fall nights.  Of course, things have changed a lot since the past and while many people in less civilized countries still use them for function, chimineas in countries like the U.S.  are all about style and accessorizing in the backyard.

Today’s Modern Styles

Chimineas were originally made inMexico, which is why clay was an effective medium.  There isn’t a lot of rainfall in the country, which allowed the clay to withstand the weather for many years without damage.  As more people in the U.S.  and other countries started importing these unique fireplaces for use in their own backyards, it was noticed that they couldn’t withstand the climate change.  In colder weather, areas where it snows, and in regions where excessive rainfall is common, the clay is known to crack, break, flake, and otherwise become damaged quite easily because it was not made for these types of elements.

The solution, for many, was a better material.  This led to the creation of cast-iron and aluminum chimineas, which are popular today among people who want something sturdier and a little more durable.  Of course, there is still something to be said for having an authentic chiminea that is made of clay because it is unique and offers people the traditional style and design that these fireplaces are known for.  There is an ongoing debate as to which is the best option, but it ultimately boils down to personal opinion when people are shopping for their own chiminea.

Today, there are so many styles, designs, and materials to choose from that people have to weigh the pros and cons and shop around for the things that they like.  They can also pick and choose from a variety of sizes and price points, giving them a chance to spruce up their backyard, no matter what they have in mind.  With so many options, it is easy for people to put these charming fireplaces to good use in their own backyards, no matter what they have in mind.

Choosing Your Chiminea

When you are shopping for a chiminea, it’s going to be up to you to pick the one that you like best.  There are so many styles and designs to choose from that it should be easy for you to find something that you love.  Take the time to shop around and see what you can find, because the selection today is better than ever.  You can choose from traditional styles that are made of clay and offer a unique design or more contemporary models that are cast in metal, but they each have their own pros and cons to consider before you buy anything.

For example, while clay models might not be able to withstand the elements like metal styles, the metal is known to rust and corrode over time with exposure, so you will have to think about this.  Additionally, there is usually assembly required on the metal or cast-iron models, while the clay ones are delivered all set up and ready to go.  You get a more decorative, authentic looking chiminea if you choose a clay model, but you might also have to deal with more maintenance or finding a way to protect it from the elements.  There are a lot of things to think about in choosing the right chiminea for your home.

Other considerations include the size and style of the chiminea that you buy.  There are large and small models available, as well as many sizes in between.  You can find contemporary styles that look less like the traditional chiminea that history knows, as well as authentic models that give your home that unique feeling because of their authenticity.  It’s going to be up to you to explore what’s out there to choose from and find what you like.

Cost is another factor in choosing your chiminea, but that’s all about your budget.  You can find great models like our Sun Ray Style Chiminea for as little as $190 or something like our Gatsby Style Chiminea for $350.  You can even find models that are high-end and super stylish, that cost as much as $1000 or more, if you want the best of the best when it comes to buying your chiminea.  These charming outdoor fireplaces make a great addition to any backyard and as long as you take the time to find a model that you like in your price range, you can improve your outdoor living space for fall in no time at all.