Looking to Spruce Up Your Backyard? Check Out Mr. Smokestack’s Outdoor Heating Products
It’s a summer evening. The sun is just beginning to sink below the treetops as people arrive at your home. It’s your turn to host the neighborhood barbecue, and you can’t wait to show off your latest passion project – the patio in the backyard, complete with a brand new grill and stunning outdoor fireplace.
Does this sound like your perfect night? Have you been longing to upgrade your outdoor living space, but haven’t yet found the perfect products and appliances that fit both your budget and your vibe? If you’re a homeowner in the greater Raleigh/Durham area and this sounds like you, you’ve got to check out Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service.
To learn more about us and our offerings, get in touch with someone from our team today. You can fill out an appointment request form right here on our website, or reach us via phone at 919-747-1859. We look forward to hearing from you!
What Outdoor Products Does Mr. Smokestack Sell?
Perhaps you’ve been thinking your backyard could use a makeover for some time now, but aren’t sure where to start. Or maybe you know exactly what you want, but haven’t found the right place with the right appliances.
We sell and install the following outdoor products and appliances:
Rest assured, if it’s a flame-producing outdoor product you’re after, Mr. Smokestack has got you covered. We sell a range of appliances meant to enhance your outdoor living space and take your get togethers and gatherings to the next level – all you have to do is decide which one is right for you.
What Is the Best Outdoor Grill?
Here at Mr. Smokestack, we stand behind each of the products we sell and only offer those that live up to our high standards. When it comes to grills, nothing beats Primo. In Italian, the word primo means “the best” – it’s why George Samaras, the creator of these one-of-a-kind products, chose this term as the name for his brand. Since 1996, Samaras has been tweaking and toying with his various models of grills in order to provide customers with appliances that are unlike anything else on the market – and we’re proud to promote and sell them to our wide customer base.
There’s nothing better than lighting up the grill to cook mouth-watering steaks, delicious burgers, and tender veggies. It’s the perfect way to take your backyard get-together from “just OK” to “exceptional.” And we all know nothing beats the smell of barbecue!
It all starts with the grill, so if you’re looking to step up your grilling game, you’ve got to check out our line of gas and charcoal Primo appliances. Looking for customization options like accessories, tables, or other add-ons? We sell those, too. Call or schedule online today.
How Do I Choose the Right Appliance for My Outdoor Living Space?
In many ways, the answer to this question is completely up to you. We can provide you with all of the information about individual products and show you what we have to offer when it comes to outdoor appliances, but as far as what is “right” for you? Well, that will depend on a number of factors: your vision for this revived outdoor space, property/size restrictions, budget, etc.
If you’re in the market for an outdoor living space refresh, but have yet to pull the trigger on anything, here are some questions you might want to consider:
- What am I looking to achieve with an outdoor space? What is it about my current outside area that I’m displeased with?
- How much money am I willing to spend on this project?
- How much space do I really have to work with? Are there codes or regulations I have to follow to stay in line with my HOA?
- How much time am I willing to put into this project on the front-end? What maintenance requirements will I have moving forward?
This list is certainly not exhaustive, but is a good starting point to get your thoughts organized, so that when you do start to put the plan in motion, you know where you’re headed. Regardless of your place in the process, the talented and dedicated team at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service is here for you. We’re all trained and highly knowledgeable about the products we sell and install and would be more than glad to chat with you and give you professional advice to help you make a decision.
Ready to buy your products and schedule an installation service? Just give us the word. Get in touch by filling out this appointment request form, or call 919-747-1859 to speak with someone today.
Is there a Difference Between a Fire Pit & an Outdoor Fireplace?
While similar, there actually is quite a big difference between a fire pit and an outdoor fireplace. Both are equally enjoyable in their own ways – it’s just a matter of how you wish to interact with your fireside experience and your overall goal for this upgraded outdoor space.
A fire pit most closely resembles a campfire or bonfire experience: a fire is contained in one place, with the ability to gather and walk around it in its entirety. It creates the perfect environment for roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and hosting intimate gatherings.
An outdoor fireplace, like the name suggests, is essentially the same appliance and structure as what you’d commonly find in a living room – only it’s outside. There is a firebox attached to a chimney venting system, and the upkeep and maintenance is the same as their indoor counterparts.
Different from the highly interactive fire pit, a fireplace has less seating or gathering space since everyone must be sitting all on one side (as opposed to around the whole fire). Another big difference is that outdoor fireplaces are generally housed under some kind of awning or pavilion-type structure, which means that they can be enjoyed in a variety of weather conditions.
How Do Outdoor Fireplaces Work?
We get it: one doesn’t normally hear the words “outdoor” and “fireplace” usually in such rapid succession. And though at first it might seem a bit counterintuitive, outdoor fireplaces are actually a really great addition to your outdoor gathering place. In terms of how they work… Well, just like one inside your home!
However, where indoor fireplaces have a bit more variety in terms of what specific type of system (prefabricated or masonry) and the kind of fuel used, outdoor fireplace systems really only vary in fuel type. It makes sense when you think about it: if a prefabricated chimney system is made in a factory and designed to be installed directly into a house, how would that work if there was no house? For this reason, outdoor fireplaces are generally constructed from brick or stone.
At Mr. Smokestack, we’ve got expert masons on our team who work hard to make your dream a reality. 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.
Want to get started? Reach out online or give us a call at 919-747-1859.
What Type of Wood Should I Burn in My Outdoor Fire Pit?
For many people, the thought of wood type might not cross their mind when looking for fuel for an outdoor fire. After all, it’s outside, right? So it shouldn’t really matter what kind of wood is used as long as it burns… right?
The truth is a bit more nuanced. Yes, there is a certain level of leeway when it comes to outdoor appliances versus those designed to be enjoyed inside your home, but there are still considerations to keep in mind.
When it comes to choosing wood to burn there are two important things to keep in mind:
- the density (whether it is considered a hard or soft wood)
- whether or not it’s been properly seasoned
For the most part, hardwood is going to give you a better burn and a much more enjoyable fireside experience. Woods like beech, ash, and even many fruit-producing trees will not only give off a higher heat output, but also tend to burn long and slow – emitting less smoke and creating a low-maintenance fire.
Softer woods like fir, pine, or balsam may be on the cheaper side, but produce a lot of smoke and other byproducts when burned and require a bit more attention to remain properly lit – not exactly the vibe you’re going for when you just want to enjoy some quality time outdoors with friends.
That’s the density piece. Now, “seasoned”? What on earth does that mean? “Seasoned firewood” refers to timber that has been adequately dried out.
Fun fact: All trees produce sap, not just maples. Allowing your wood to dry out to about 20% of its original moisture content will help keep the smoke production minimal and keep your fire pit as clean as possible.
Do I Need a Permit for an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit?
Generally speaking, no. That said, there are regulations and codes to follow should you decide to amp up your outdoor living space with a fire-producing appliance. The city of Raleigh recommends the following to ensure that fireside experiences remain fun and safe:
- Fire pit should be placed/installed/built on flat land and away from any trees and low-hanging branches.
- Make sure you have an appropriately sized screen to fit over the enclosure.
- Ensure the seating is not made of flammable materials and is at least 4 feet away from the flame.
- Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
- Never leave a fire unattended and be sure to properly extinguish all flames (including remaining embers) before packing up for the night.
What are appropriate clearances for a fire pit?
Here in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area, no outdoor fire should exceed three feet in height and two feet in diameter. But, when you work with a professional company like Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service, you don’t have to worry about clearances, codes, and regulations…at least from an installation and setup standpoint!
Our team is incredibly skilled and up-to-date with all of that stuff. All you have to do is tell us your vision and we’ll make it happen – while ensuring everything is done properly and professionally.
Have some questions you’d like answered before getting started on your outdoor living space upgrade? We’d love to answer them and learn how we can be of assistance. Get in touch through our website or by calling 919-747-1859.
Can I Install My Own Fire Pit?
Here’s the thing: just because you can, does not mean you should. And if you’re asking our opinion – as a professional chimney and fireplace maintenance company who deals with this stuff every single day for a living – we’re gonna tell you no.
The reason being, there is a lot to consider when installing an appliance meant to produce and maintain fire, even if it’s outside. Not only do you have to make sure everything is done correctly, so that you and your family stay as safe as possible while operating your fire pit, but you also have to be sure that everything is in line with city codes and requirements.
When you get the job done by a team of professionals, the only thing you have to worry about is how you want it to look and where you want it to go…we’ll take care of the rest.
Safety and regulations aside, working with professionals from the start will always be sure to save you money in the long run. Unless you’re experienced and trained in this industry, there is a lot that goes into construction that could go wrong. You could end up spending more in the repair or complete reconstruction of your attempt than if you would’ve consulted a professional in the first place.
Plus, here at Mr. Smokestack, we not only work with whatever budget you give us, we also offer financing options, so that you can spread your payments out over time (and according to a schedule that works best for you). Ask us how!
How Much Does It Cost To Have an Outdoor Fire Pit or Fireplace Installed?
Honestly, this can vary so greatly from home to home and project to project that we can’t even provide you with a range… at least not through our website. We’re firm believers in expense transparency and never wish to provide any information that could be misleading to our customers. For that reason, all pricing information can be found when you call someone from our team!
Just tell us what you want and a bit about your current setup, and we’d be happy to give you a more accurate range.
In general, the overall price will depend on the size of appliance you’re looking for, the materials, any bells and whistles you’re looking to add, where exactly you’re located, and more.
Reach Out & Learn More Today!
Is it time to take the plunge? Has a new grill been on your wishlist for years and now you’re ready to renovate your entire patio too? Are you ready to welcome in the new season with a cozy ambience brought only by a magnificent fireplace or fire pit? If you’re a homeowner in the Raleigh or Durham area, you’ve come to the right place.
Mr. Smokestack has top-of-line products and exceptional standards for good service. So, no matter what it is you’re trying to do with your outdoor living space, we’re sure to have just what you need.
Give us a call at 919-747-1859 or contact us through our website to get started. We can’t wait to work with you!
Thinking about adding a prefabricated fireplace to your living space, but wondering about proper, safe installation? No worries…just give our experienced crew a call today.