How To Choose The Best Outdoor Fireplace

Having an indoor fireplace is amazing. But, if you’re looking for a way to transform your backyard into a luxurious oasis, then you may want to consider adding an outdoor fireplace to your setup. These provide multiple benefits, though you may be wondering how to choose the best outdoor fireplace for your Patio. These are the five questions you should ask yourself before making a purchase.

The benefits of an outdoor fireplace

The seasonal nature of our region means that there is a period of four to six months when your backyard patio is unusable. However, with an outdoor fireplace, you can use your patio all year long. That’s the first and most obvious benefit.

The second is that an outdoor fireplace can raise the value of your home. Finally, an outdoor fireplace serves as a focal point for your family gatherings, encouraging quality time together in the great outdoors.

What is your budget?

However, while those benefits are important, the first question to ask yourself is “What is my budget?” This can help steer you toward the different types of outdoor fireplaces, including:

• Fire pits;
• Built-in units;
• Portable wood-burning stoves;
• Chiminea-style fireplaces;
• And many more options!

What type of material is best?

This question isn’t a Dwight Schrute rhetorical “which bear is best” type of question. Rather, by best material, we mean for your specific situation.

If you have a small patio, taking up a lot of room with a built-in, brick-and-mortar fireplace system can take away precious space. Instead, a cast iron chiminea may be closer to what you’re looking for.

Then again, if you have a fully-covered patio, adding a wood-burning fireplace complete with a chimney can add a special sense of aesthetic and functionality to your patio.

What is the function or purpose of your outdoor fireplace?

Speaking of functionality, that’s the second question to ask yourself. Will your fireplace act as a method of heating your patio during cold Iowa winters? Will it be used in the summer for campfire s’mores? Do you want to have the freedom to move it around, depending on the size of your party?

Understanding the fireplace’s function can also help you decide what type of fuel source you’ll be utilizing.

What fuel source is best for you?

This may be the top question to ask yourself. When a Dubuque Fireplace & Patio technician works with a homeowner for an indoor fireplace, often we’ll look at the two main types of fireplace systems: gas-powered or wood-burning.

You have both of these options for outdoor fireplaces as well as a third option: electric. As with materials, you want to choose a fuel source that works for you. If chopping wood or purchasing pre-seasoned wood isn’t ideal, gas or electricity may be a better option.

Will your fireplace be portable?

We’ve already alluded to this in our section on functionality, but it bears repeating here too. A portable fireplace offers several benefits, including flexibility and space savings. However, there is something to be said about a beautiful built-in fireplace that acts as a central focal point for your patio.

Deciding which way to go often is helpful with an expert on your side.

How to choose the best outdoor fireplace? That’s easy: let us help!

That’s why we’re here to consult with you on your backyard fireplace needs and decision. Our team will gladly answer any questions you have so that you can design the backyard oasis of your dreams.

Would you like to get in touch to learn more? Then contact the Dubuque Fireplace & Patio team at 563-582-5156 or send us a quick message requesting more info.