Before buying an outdoor fireplace, there are several factors to consider. Always remember that the safety of your family and property is the most important factor.

1. Size matters

When comparing homes, look at the size of the fire area before the height. If the outbreak is small, buy wood and cut harder.

Asking specifically for the timber cut from your suppliers increase costs.

Try to find a large home, do not bother with the fireplace, tall and thin. A small fire bowl cost more down the road. You do not need a big fire because you have a large fireplace, just use less wood for a fire small.

A good chimney burns more cleanly and efficiently design a fire pit with no chimney. The chimney draws air into the fire and extinguished the neck for an efficient burn. Fire pit Designs tend to smoke and burn much more than a conventional fireplace design because of poor airflow.

2. Proper maintenance

Fireplaces made in the copper trade, clay or steel do not have the longevity or the safety of aluminum or cast iron. Fireplaces are available in sheet at cost to negotiate. They are almost a type of home available. Once metal chimneys start to rust, they have already lost their usefulness. Check the gauge or thickness of the metal. A metal may melt too thin.

Some hearths have necks of the sheet. If so, check whether the manufacturer has available spare parts and costs. Frequent replacement for the neck is not what you want.

The cast must be maintained to prevent rust. It is somewhat difficult to maintain. But a properly maintained fireplace cast iron will last longer. Also, consider placing your cast iron fireplace.

The cast iron fireplace tends to stain the surface it is.

An occasional paint job with a high temperature paint will slow corrosion. Cast iron is heavy and can withstand much abuse .

Copper is beautiful at first but after a few uses it tends to be green and rust. Several companies have put holes in the bottom of the fire pits to drain water out of the ashes and during rain. Homes without a hole is filled with water when it rains.

Cast aluminum is one of the best buys. It is easy to maintain and a long lifetime. An outbreak of aluminum does not warp and has only a slightly lower temperature melting of cast iron. Cast aluminum will not rust. It is also much lighter than cast iron making it easier to move.

3. Tare

When comparing home, checking the weight. Most outbreaks have occurred in weight, so they are purchased by weight. Make sure you compare the same material, copper to copper or iron to melt.

4. Aluminum functionality

Cast aluminum is by far a better choice for a novice outdoor enthusiast. The chimney is easier to maintain and can be easily moved. It may be brought to a house on the lake or stored over the winter along the northern regions. Keep it to prevent damage or theft possible.

5. Clay fireplace

The greater concern with fire clay is that it may collapse without warning. When the bottom falls, it can be quite a mess. Avoid placing your home on clay in a wooden deck or any surface that can be easily damaged by heat or fire. Put it on cement or tile.

If you choose to purchase a fire clay, take safety precautions. Use a spark arrester and a mouth screen for security. The extra cost is well worth while. A fire clay is generally less expensive but has a life span shorter than either aluminum or cast iron.

6. Surround view fireplaces and fire pits raised

Most homes are built to surround with lightweight materials. Surround view fireplaces are difficult to reverse because of minor equipment used to manufacture it. When he was overthrown, it will send embers and ash everywhere.

Security is a problem with surround view fireplaces. Light winds could send embers and ignited with flammable materials.

If you buy a raised outdoor fireplace, make sure it comes with a lid. Otherwise, the ashes will be scattered throughout the patio when it rains.

7. What to burn

The hardwood is by far the most popular fuel for outdoor fireplaces. Pinon wood has a pleasant smell of burning pine. He keeps the flame active and generates heat well. It also helps to keep insects at bay. Other fuel sources are propane, gel inserts, made of logs and natural gas.

Pine cones and Apple wood can be added for more flavor.

Many chimneys are fitted with inserts for natural gas and propane.

Author's Bio: 

Alexa M. Brinks is owner outdoor fireplaces and present outdoor fireplace tips .