If you spend a lot of time on your patio in the summer cooking and entertaining friends, then you should consider having a fireplace installed. A fireplace lets you enjoy outdoor entertaining into the cooler months and lets you start using your patio earlier in the spring. Here are some things to know.

The Specifications May Be Regulated By Codes

Local fire and building codes play a role in where you can build an outdoor fireplace. It has to be a certain distance from trees and structures. Codes might also dictate the height of the chimney and the building method and materials. Be sure you contact your codes office to learn about regulations that might apply to your property when you're planning to install a fireplace. A landscaping masonry service can help also by keeping your fireplace compliant with codes and by designing it from the firebox to the chimney.

You Can Choose A Variety Of Materials

The materials you choose for a fireplace have to be fire resistant, so that narrows down your choices to things like cement, brick, and stone. However, you still have several options when it comes to the shape, size, and color of the stones or brick. Consider how the brick you choose will match the architecture of your home. Also, think about other stone or brick features you might want added to your outdoor space such as benches, retaining walls, a fire pit, or walkways. You may want stones that match each other for a continuous flow. You might choose a stacked-stone fireplace with large, irregular stones or a tidy brick fireplace made of brick and mortar. A masonry service can give you the exact fireplace you want once you choose the type of bricks or stones you prefer.

A Solid Foundation Is Important

While you might be concerned mostly with the outer appearance of the fireplace, the masonry service will think about things like the foundation and firebox. These parts are put in first and are very important in stabilizing the structure and containing the fire. If you have a large fireplace made of heavy stone, your current patio might not support it. It might be necessary to excavate an area and install a new slab that's capable of holding the weight of a heavy fireplace.

Building an outdoor fireplace is a job that's best done by a professional with experience in masonry. A fireplace is a large addition to your yard that will permanently alter the appearance of your property, so you want it to be eye-catching and function properly on chilly nights. A fireplace adds a romantic or mysterious ambiance to your outdoor living area, and you won't be able to resist snuggling up to the warm glow from your new fireplace while you relax under the stars.