If you are looking for an innovative way to transform your outdoor living space but don’t have the budget to commit to an entire outdoor kitchen, installing a simple outdoor fireplace can help you convert your outdoor space into a social hub.
Not only does an outdoor fireplace provide warmth and elevated aesthetics, it is also a great way to gather friends and family, helping you create memories that will last a lifetime. If you think your backyard patio would benefit from a fireplace, keep reading to understand the different types of fireplaces on the market and what you should be looking for when buying an outdoor fireplace.
Are outdoor fireplaces worth it?
Outdoor fireplaces are more than worth the investment. With so many different options, you will be sure to find a design that suits your own personal style. If you don’t want to commit to an entire patio space renovation, investing in an outdoor fire pit is the ultimate solution as it costs less but has the same big impact. Perfect for entertaining, or spending evenings alone huddled around the fire, an outdoor fire pit is definitely worth it.
Benefits of an outdoor fireplace
Owning an outdoor fire pit comes with a lot of benefits:
- Creates a cozy atmosphere
- Provides warmth for chilly nights
- Lights up your outdoor space
- Contributes to an al-fresco living space
- Provides a centerpiece for you to design around
- Can be used all year round
- Perfect for entertaining and hosting
- Helps you to relax
- Modern firepits come with table tops so they can be used as a table when the fireplace is not in use
As you can see, buying an outdoor fireplace is about more than just the aesthetics it provides, it is also extremely practical and can help bring people together, which is why it is such a worthwhile investment.
Find the perfect outdoor fireplace
What to consider when choosing an outdoor fireplace
With so many different styles of outdoor fireplaces, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one. To help ensure you make the right decision, we have created a list of things that you should look for in a new fireplace.
Your space
One of the key elements that you need to consider when buying an outdoor fireplace is the space you have to work with. By simply assessing your outdoor environment, you will be able to immediately eliminate some of the outdoor fireplaces on the market. Since fire pits come in such a wide variety of sizes, your options are endless.
For example, if you have a small covered patio, you will need a smaller fireplace. Alternatively, if you have a huge patio space, you don’t want to buy a tiny fireplace as it will look out of place. The aim is to find the right size fire pit to fill your space without overwhelming it. You will also need to consider whether your garden is better suited to a round or square outdoor fireplace.
Type of fireplace
There are three main types of outdoor fireplaces, wood-burning fireplaces, outdoor gas fireplaces, and electric fireplaces. The type you choose will depend on a variety of different factors such as the effect you want to create and how easily it can be installed in your outdoor living space. If you are seeking a traditional look for your fireplace, a wood-burning fireplace is a good option. Wood-burning fireplaces offer great warmth with the addition of that nostalgic wood-burning smell.
Gas-burning fireplaces are just as popular as wood-burning fireplaces. They are great if you don’t like the mess that comes with maintaining a wood fireplace. Plus, you can even control the flames to achieve the effect you want. Electric fireplaces are also growing in popularity due to their environmental benefits!
The material
The final element that you need to consider when choosing an outdoor fire pit is the material it is made out of. There are different materials that can be used for your fire pit such as light concrete, steel or stone/brick. Stainless steel is a popular option thanks to how easy it is to maintain, but if you are seeking a modern fireplace aesthetic, concrete is the way to go. The material you choose for your fireplace will largely dictate the final aesthetic, so think about your style and the space you are working with.
Wood-burning versus gas fireplaces, which is best?
Overall, gas fireplaces are much more convenient than wood-burning fireplaces. While gas and wood fireplaces are equally as warm and inviting, the former is simpler to use, easier to maintain, and offers a wide range of personalization options.
The main difference between gas and wood fireplaces is the ease of use. When working with a wood-burning fireplace, one must put more effort into the preparation, including getting and storing the wood. Working with gas is much simpler, as the fireplace only needs to be turned on to start a fire. Certain gas fireplaces even have remote control options for extra comfort.
Another perk that gas fireplaces offer is that maintenance doesn’t require as much effort. For instance, there is no need to remove ash. In contrast, wood fireplaces must be cleaned after each use, as the fine ash produced can be swept by the wind and end up on furniture, clothes, or accidentally ingested. Moreover, wood burning releases higher amounts of CO2, so opting for a gas fireplace is beneficial to both your health and the environment.
What are the benefits of an outdoor gas fireplace?
While wood has been used in fireplaces for thousands of years, gas fireplaces are designed using the latest heat-efficient technology. This translates into considerable installation and maintenance advantages, as well as a much more appealing user experience.
The benefits of outdoor gas fireplaces include:
- Convenience: Rather than gathering, chopping, and storing wood, a gas fireplace can be started just as an oven. By using a gas fireplace, you can create a cozy atmosphere right when the situation demands it.
- User experience: Not only is a gas fireplace easier to start, but it also offers a cleaner experience. A wood fireplace requires manual labor to start a fire, keep it going, and deal with cleanup afterward.
- Customization: While both gas and wood fireplaces offer customization options, the range of personalization options is much higher with a gas fireplace.
- Maintenance: A gas fireplace is easier to maintain. Most of the time, only some glass cleaning and calibration will be needed to keep it in optimal condition.
- Safety: While a gas fireplace does require periodic maintenance, it is safe to run with less supervision than a wood-burning fireplace.
Why choose a propane or gas outdoor fire pit?
What type of outdoor fireplace is best?
There is no such thing as the best fireplace as everyone is looking for something different. However, there are specific types of fireplaces that are suited for certain individuals based on their needs. Below, we break down the best type of fireplace for some of the most common requirements and preferences customers have.
1. For the traditional look
The single best option for the traditional look is a wood-burning stone fireplace. This is the perfect choice if you want to create a completely natural environment that takes you back to the campfires of your youth. A wood-burning fireplace is a great way to bring people together as everyone chips in to keep the fire alive, and the kids roast their marshmallows on it at the end of the night. Moreover, encasing it in stone or brick ensures it is safe to use but maintains a rustic look.
2. For full control
The best option for people who want to be able to control their fires is a gas fireplace or propane fire pit. Unlike wood, the propane tank used in gas fireplaces allows you to have full control over the flames created, thanks to adjustable flame control. Many people are wary of installing wood-burning fire pits due to their unpredictability so if you are one of those people, a gas fireplace is a great alternative.
Shop for an outdoor fireplace
There is no debating the benefits that an outdoor fireplace can bring to your home and garden. In addition to elevating your space visually, it is also practical and a great way to bring people together, which is why it is worth the investment. If you are ready to delve into the world of outdoor fire pits, Noblio is here to help.
With years of experience, we are dedicated to bringing you only the highest-quality outdoor living space products. Our aim is to ensure our customers are always up to date with the current trends, which is why we are committed to tracking the North American and European markets to bring you the newest, most exciting products on the market.
Our range of products includes: