Why on earth would anyone need a fireplace outdoors?
From the simple chimnea to the full on custom stonework piece at the end of the deck, an outdoor fireplace lends warmth to those chilly nights and instant romance and glamour to any occasion. More formal than a fire pit, they are the grown-ups’ version of the campfire. Picture the crisp early fall night outside with your friends, the lake lapping in the not-too-far-off distance, sipping coffee and hot chocolate after dinner. Imagine what an outdoor fireplace would add to the scene. The warm glow, the familiar smell, the gentle heat – how much better does life get than that? First off, you need to make sure they are not against any local bylaws. Since fireplaces are not designed for cooking, they are classed as an “open air burning appliance.” In some areas, these are just not permitted. As with an indoor fireplace, there are risks from sparks and people coming into contact with the hot surfaces. (And yes, that latter risk is there from stoves, woodstoves, and toasters, but for some rea