Outdoor Wood-Burning or Outdoor Gas Fireplace
When building an outdoor fireplace, the very first thing to consider is whether you want a log burning or gas fuelled kind. You or your contractor cannot even begin to construct your fireplace without first deciding on this. As with everything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
A fireplace that burns logs is romantic. It re-lives olden times and makes you wax nostalgic. The dancing flames and the crackling sounds from the logs are often attractive. The downside is that with the embers floating into the air you can end up burning not just the logs but the whole house. You may also have storage issues with the logs. And then there are the ashes that have to be cleaned out.
An outdoor gas fireplace does away with the embers, storage problems, and the ashes. It is easier to light up and burns more efficiently than the logs. Gas, however, is more expensive than logs. And it eliminates the romance and nostalgia as well as the dancing flames and crackling sounds.
Both types of outdoor fireplaces will provide you with enough warmth so you and your family and friends can continue spending your nights outside even during the cold months. Whichever type you choose be sure to observe all safety precautions and local ordinances regulating outdoor fireplaces.