Outdoor fireplaces can supply enough warmth to make a deck or patio comfortable on chilly days and nights. They’re focal points that make outdoor areas feel more inviting, especially with the shorter days of autumn. Besides, what sounds more enticing than spending an evening snuggled up with tea by the fire?
If you have enough space and a good spot for it, a built-in fireplace can pay off in longer use of your outdoor area and in added value.
Don’t over-invest in it — remember that even a basic but attractive fireplace can do the job. If you’re not sure about committing to a built-in, start with a portable firepit. They come in a variety of designs and materials, from metal to fired clay.
Placement is important — this is a pretty massive addition and you want to make sure before it’s built that it won’t violate required setbacks or obstruct pathways. Also be sure the fireplace design will safely enclose flames and insulate the surroundings from heat. It should be designed to keep kids and pets out of harm’s way. A generous hearth or wide rim (for a firepit) acts as a protective buffer. Any gas plumbing or wiring should be done by professionals and conform to code.
Wood-burning fireplaces are less trouble outdoors than in, but they’re still messy and time-consuming and could even increase your insurance premium (and some cities actually restrict them because of pollution concerns).
Gas is cleaner and more consistent. If you can, connect the outdoor fireplace to your home’s natural gas line. Otherwise, propane can provide the same effect. Fake-log inserts are made to look very realistic now — use one and you can have the traditional look of a wood-burning fireplace without the smoke and ashes! We’ve installed a lot of these, and guests can barely tell the difference!
If you’re wary of installing a fireplace, there are alternatives to keep warm outdoors. Anything you can do to enclose your deck or patio — for example, adding an awning or windbreak — will boost comfort levels. Propane or electric heat lamps are very effective and can look good, too. And those nice throws that mostly stay neatly folded on your sofa? Use them to add cosiness to your outdoor soirees.
If you’d rather focus on your indoor fireplace, first establish your budget. If it’s too costly to run gas lines and update venting, there are attractive electric alternatives, many of which look identical to gas units. In either case, start with an energy-efficient insert that will radiate more heat into the room. The heat you keep from going up the chimney can cut your energy bill and help pay for your fireplace upgrade.
One of the most inexpensive ways to makeover your indoor fireplace is to paint an old brick surround white or a soft gray. Add a thick wood mantel for a fresh, rustic look. For a more contemporary style, consider covering the brick with crisp stone, tile or even a steel-plate surround.
Fireplaces have an undeniable, primal appeal. Most buyers want one or more. They rightly see them as a welcoming feature, a gathering place for family and friends.
It’s almost always worth updating the look and effectiveness of existing indoor fireplaces and adding a fireplace that extends your outdoor living season.
Catch Drew and Jonathan Scott in new episodes of Property Brothers on W Network, Monday nights at 9 p.m., and download the Property Brothers Handbook iPad app.
