When it comes to buying an outside fireplace or fire pit it can be overwhelming. The internet, hardware stores and TV are full of choices and can make the buying experience an unpleasant one. So when choosing your fire pit bowl, chiminea or outside fireplace we recommend (regardless of where you buy) you follow these guidelines:
1. Consult with you local fire department on safety guidelines and local ordinances regarding an outside fireplace, chiminea, fire pit bowl and fire pit. This is especially true if you live in a condo or apartment and you are on an upper level. Not only should you call the fire department, you should also contact your association before buying anything!
2. Pick a budget and stick to it. A custom outside fireplace and fire pit can cost upwards of $10,000! And even if you are a “do-it-yourselfer” the time it takes to plan, build and maintain a custom outside fireplace takes away from the enjoyment. There are several suppliers and manufacturers such as Asia Direct, Uniflame, Blue Rooster and California Concepts that offer an outside fireplace, chiminea or fire pit for every budget and style.
3. Decide on a style. You may be asking what’s the difference between an outside fireplace, chiminea, fire pit bowl and a fire pit. To best explain it, here are some photos:
34" Slate Marble Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl with Copper Accents
Traditional Chiminea
40" Belmont Black Outdoor Fireplace
These are just a very select few images of an outside fireplace, chiminea and fire pit bowl. Really when your shopping, the terminology and naming will all depend on where you’re shopping. These pictures hopefully give you a general idea.
4. Material. Fire pits, outside fireplaces and chimineas come in all sorts of materials such as copper, stainless steel and steel. Fire pit bowls and outside fireplaces can come trimmed with mosaic tile, granite and marble. Copper fire pit bowls and outside fireplaces can “patina” over time. This means they will look like a penny or the Statue of Liberty over time. Some examples of the items mentioned above:
40" Glass Mosaic Fire Table Fire Pit
26" Celestial Stainless Steel Dome Outdoor Fireplace
34" Marble Fire Table Fire Pit
These different materials all have their upside and downside. It comes down to what look are you trying to achieve and how long do you want you investment to last. In the future we will be posting some information regarding the ups and downs of each material mentioned above.
Hopefully this post has provided you with some valuable information to help you choose your outside fireplace, chiminea, fire pit bowl or fire pit. Remember consult with you local fire department or association before making any purchase. Next stick to your budget, pick a style and then pick the right material for you. Make it fun because the whole point in buying an outside fireplace, fire pit bowl, chiminea or fire pit is so you can entertain your friends and family.
