Take Off the Chill With a Custom Outdoor Fireplace

Does an outdoor fireplace add value to a home?

Outdoor fireplaces create a comforting, relaxing atmosphere, and they help to improve your home’s value. Some people simply aren’t interested in properties without a fireplace, and they’re more than willing to pay more for their dream home if it already has one in place – especially if it’s the icing on top of an already gorgeous outdoor living space.

What Types of Fuel Can Be Used in Outdoor Fireplaces?

Much like an indoor fireplace, an outdoor fireplace has flexibility when it comes to fuel sources. If you have a gas line installed already or you’re interested in running a line for other appliances, we can connect it to an outdoor fireplace. Some homeowners may prefer to stick with a more traditional, wood-burning fireplace or a pellet-burning unit. It will ultimately come down to your personal preferences and what’s best for your home.

Why choose gas?

You can run your fireplace on gas (either natural gas or propane). Natural gas burns cleaner than other fuels and it doesn’t produce smoke or ash. With propane gas, it’s easier to start fires and control the temperature. Both gases are efficient and are a good choice if you want to reduce your energy expenses. Gas fireplaces are also easier to maintain, so a gas fuel source may be the best option for you if you want a fireplace that’s more manageable.

Why choose wood?

The most classic picture of a fireplace is a wood-burning setup. Over the years, these fireplaces have become known for their charm and the ambience they create. Firewood is a renewable fuel source and a wood-burning outdoor fireplace could be a cost-efficient heating solution if you don’t want to pay for gas.

Why choose pellets?

Eco-conscious homeowners should consider a pellet-burning outdoor fireplace. Pellets are usually made from waste materials and byproducts from processing lumber and are considered an environmentally friendly fuel source. In addition, pellets are easier to store than logs of firewood, so they may be better for you if your storage space is limited.

Do Outdoor Fireplaces Need a Chimney or Vent?

Fireplaces produce harmful toxins and smoke. If you have one in your home, you must have a vent or chimney in place so that it’s safe to use.

As for outdoor units? Wood-burning fireplaces generally don’t always need a chimney or vent if they are designed to be open-air. Although they may have a chimney for decorative purposes, they’re intended to allow smoke and byproducts to dissolve naturally into the outdoor environment.

Outdoor gas fireplaces are typically ventless or have direct-vent systems, and don’t require a traditional chimney either. Gas fireplaces with direct-venting systems have a vent pipe that helps to remove combustion byproducts safely away from the immediate outdoor area.

Do I Need a Permit for an Outdoor Fireplace?

In North Carolina, stationary and portable outdoor fireplaces are not considered open burning and, therefore, do not require an open burning operational permit. That said, your town may have different local requirements. If you live in a neighborhood or community with a Homeowners Association, there may be additional rules and regulations for outdoor fireplaces.

Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with all the red tape because Mr. Smokestack will take care of any necessary permits for you.

How far should an outdoor fireplace be from the house?

It’s standard for an outdoor fireplace to be at least 10 feet from the house, property line, or any other structure. Local code requirements in your area could require more distance, though – sometimes as much as 25 feet.

What Type of Maintenance Does an Outdoor Fireplace Need?

An outdoor fireplace should be treated the same as an indoor fireplace. You should schedule at least one inspection and cleaning as recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

Here are some more tips to keep your fireplace in good condition:

• Keep all plants and foliage around the fireplace well-maintained and trimmed. Don’t plant right next to the fireplace.
• When the weather gets bad, cover your outdoor fireplace to protect it from the elements.
• Use a broom and sweep out any debris like leaves or leftover burned wood.
• You should have your gas line inspected every one to two years if you choose to go with a gas fireplace.
• Clean gas logs and burners with a soft cloth and a soft bristle brush at least once a month to remove soot and ash.
• Turn off the pilot light during months when your fireplace isn’t being used.

How Much Does an Outdoor Fireplace Cost?

It’s tough to answer this question without knowing more about your vision for your outdoor space. What type of materials do you want to use? Do you want a larger fireplace? Do you need to run a gas line? Do you have to account for a permit or inspection fee? These are all questions we’ll need you to answer before we can provide an answer.

We create custom outdoor fireplaces on-site, and we work with the space and budget you have. We’re expert masons who work with a variety of materials – including stone and brick – and we know how to build a fireplace that’s not just safe and efficient, but beautiful, as well.

Get the Backyard Getaway You’ve Always Wanted

Beautiful backyards aren’t only for HGTV shows. Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service is on hand to make your outdoor dreams a reality. Whatever your space, whatever your vision, whatever your budget – we can help you get what you need to make your outdoor living space perfect.

Reach out to us online or call us at 919-747-1859.