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Remodeling Guide

Remodeling Home
Remodeling Intro
Kitchen Colors
Kitchen Styles
Kitchen Layouts
Designing around Limitations
Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Shopping for Accessories
A Feng Shui Kitchen
Kitchen Redo For Less
Fireplace Accessory Info
Preparing Your Fireplace
Designing a Home Bar
Increase Kitchen Storage
Organize Your Laundry Room
Creating Your Own Wine Cellar
Bathroom Storage Options
Kitchen Islands and Kitchen Carts
Accessorizing Your Bathroom
Outdoor Living
Outdoor Kitchens
Cabinet Hardware
Kitchen Sinks and Faucets
Bathroom Ventilation
Create Your Own Mudroom
Baker's Racks
Keeping Trash in Order
Bathroom Sinks and Faucets
Father's Day Gifts
Feng Shui For the Garden
A 4th of July Celebration
Choose the Right Bar Stool
Choosing a Countertop
Pot Racks
Range Hoods
Choosing a Bath Vanity
Turn Your Closet Into a Pantry
Cabinet Lighting
Installing a Bathroom Fan
Choosing a Medicine Cabinet
Outdoor Fireplaces
Built-In Ironing Boards
Lazy Susans

  
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Outdoor Fireplaces
 by Shannon McMahon Bruchal

Summer days are dwindling away and the night air is growing cool and crisp. There's still time to enjoy evenings with family and friends together in the backyard, even though the temperature might be in retrograde. An outdoor fireplace, chiminea or fire pit is a great way to extend the time you spend out of doors once the weather gets colder.

The chiminea or chimenea, is a round stove with a tall chimney, and is made out of terra cotta or cast iron. Because it is smaller in size, it works well with intimate gatherings. Chimeneas burn wood, charcoal or pressed logs and can also be used with artificial logs as well. It's generally a good idea to cure your chimenea before using it by lighting a fire and letting it burn for awhile. Let it cool down and repeat the process an additional two or three times before actually using it.

If you like a larger fire and the feeling of a campfire, then a cylindrical or pagoda outdoor fireplace is for you. It puts out more heat than a chiminea and you can roast marshmallows and hot dogs too. It's a great way to gather the family together. 

A fire pit is a smaller, more portable option made of steel, iron or copper. They generally come with a grid and a firescreen and radiate a lower amount of heat for smaller areas.

For a strong source of heat, use a patio heater. They are made of steel, cast iron or aluminum and are fueled by propane or natural gas. The heat radiates up to a 20-foot diameter, to warm a large area perfect for parties. A table top version covers up to an 8-foot radius and runs on propane.

Remember to exercise caution when you are using an outdoor fireplace, chimenea or fire pit. Make sure children know that the surface is hot so they don't get burned. Keep your outdoor fireplaces away from roof overhangs, hanging branches and anything flammable. Make sure children know not to touch. Check with your town hall for burning ordinances and if you will need a permit.