Outdoor Patio Heating: Fireplaces
Standing fireplaces make a very attractive focus in a yard. Their elegant
appearance adds a more formal feel to a space. They tend to be larger
than other types of fireplaces, if only because they are more likely
to have a large masonry structure surrounding them. The firebox lends
itself to the potential for larger than average fires, but most are built
in a more conventional size. By outdoor fireplace, we are referring to
those fireplaces that resemble the classic indoor fireplace. If you are
interested in a fire pit, fire ring or other freestanding fire, read
about them here.
The masonry structure of the fireplace may connect to another backyard
structure such as a grill, outdoor kitchen, pool or seating area. The
structure itself can be helpful as a wind break. Outdoor fireplaces are
generally, one-sided units, although some designs may have two open sides.
The also tend to be large and set at the edge of a social area.
Fireplaces provide heat through thermal radiation, like the warmth of
the sun's rays, but some can also provide convective heat. The masonry
can absorb heat and then in turn heat the surrounding air.
One drawback to a fireplace is that seating by the fire tends to be
more limited than with a fire pit or freestanding unit. Instead of people
surrounding a fire, everyone must sit in front of the fireplace and each
person is a little farther away than the next. However, the wind break
effect of the fireplace may help to offset this.
First off, your community may have rules against the use of wood burning
fireplaces, so you'll need to get that question answered right off the
bat. Additionally, there may be building codes that dictate where a fireplace
can be built, primarily its distance from combustible material and structures.
When selecting a location, select one well away from overhanging
branches.
When designing fireplace
seating, keep in mind that people need about 24" minimum. Because
the atmosphere is casual people will tend to spread out and they
may also need space to set a cup or plate, 30 to 36" may be a better
measurement to use. Distance from the fire will depend on the the size
of the fire. A fire with a few logs or gas logs will require a minimum
distance of 2 feet and a rough maximum of 5 feet. Again the wind break
may keep the area warmer and so more distance may be acceptable. For
large, roaring fires, a minimum distance of 4-5 feet is more common and
a rough maximum of 10-12 feet. A lot of factors can influence these figures,
not the least of which includes personal preference. If this planning
is critical to your project, try to visit some other fireplace installations
to get an idea of what will work for your yard.
A fireplace can be built from masonry or a fireplace insert can be used.
Most inserts are designed to be gas fired. If an insert is used, the
surrounding structure can often be framed with wood and a masonry veneer
applied. If you plan to have a wood burning fireplace, some inserts exist
for that purpose, but more commonly the entire structure will be masonry
to accommodate the heat of the burning wood.
Fireplaces can be fueled by wood, natural gas or propane. Generally
speaking, propane (LP) is used with replaceable cylinders, although
some homes are fueled by propane. Natural gas (NG) is more common with
a dedicated connection to a household supply line. Natural gas is much
more convenient than wood or propane (unless your home runs on LP).
Determining which generates the most heat is somewhat of an open question.
Gas fireplaces are rated in BTU's so an LP or NG fireplace of the same
rating should generate the same heat. However, there is some disagreement
about whether BTU's are the only factor. Specifically, there is a school
of thought that LP provides a more yellow flame and thus more radiant
heat, while natural gas provides more convective heat. If you are an
expert on this topic, we'd love to hear from you.
Burning wood has some pluses and minuses. Burning wood does
pollute, so if that matters to you, then you should probably choose
a gas fireplace. Also, a wood burning fireplace is probably the least
convenient. It requires you to maintain a store of wood, which requires
storage space as well as lugging it around. Getting the fire started
is more of a chore and keeping the fire going requires some small amount
of attention, unlike gas. On the upside, the aroma of burning wood can
be as pleasing as the warmth you get. Also the crackle of wood is a sound
you don't get with gas.
A fireplace is likely to be the focal point of your yard. It is much
more expensive and requires more space than other options, and in some
cases may not provide as much heat. If you are going for a look, then
this is the way to go. If your want simple, practical heat, look into
a freestanding fireplace or a patio heater.
Learn more about the options
in outdoor heating in these articles listed below.
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Outdoor Fireplace
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