Our Company Blog

Thinking of a Garden Fireplace

If you dream of having an outdoor fireplace but don’t have enough space, opt for a garden fireplace instead.

Outdoor fireplaces can be grand, elaborate focal points of patios, decks, and outdoor rooms; however, if you do not have the space for a large fireplace in your backyard, you may want to consider a garden fireplace. Smaller designs to fit in small spaces, garden fireplaces can still provide a relaxing entertainment and meditation area for your family and friends without taking up a lot of room. At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we carry gas, biofuel, and gel fuel units in a variety of shapes and sizes. Our garden fireplace kits come in unfinished and finished, including a granitech finish. As with all outdoor fireplaces and landscaping projects, several things must be considered in the design process according to the Landscaping Network website, and we would like to share what you need to think about when planning for a garden fireplace.

● local codes

For safety reasons, you must contact your city planning office to find out the zoning regulations for an outdoor fireplace. These regulations include how far away your garden fireplace must be from any existing structures and how tall the chimney should be in relation to those structures. Building permits, fire codes, and residential ordinances may also apply. You do not want to face any expensive fines, so it is essential to know the laws concerning outdoor fireplaces in your community.

● privacy

As your garden fireplace is meant to be a personal retreat for you, your family, and your friends, privacy should be considered when you are deciding where to build your garden fireplace. One idea is to place your fireplace with its back facing your neighbor’s yard to act as a privacy screen if you do not have a privacy fence. You may want to think about even building a stone wall or enclosure to ensure a secluded area for your garden fireplace.

● wind direction

Another thing to consider when planning where to build your garden fireplace, the wind direction can have a huge effect on how well your fireplace will work. Placing your garden fireplace where it will act as a wind break creates a calm and comfortable space to relax and fully enjoy your outdoor flame.

● fuel type

IBD Outdoor Rooms offers three different fuel options for a garden fireplace: gas, biofuel (ethanol), and gel fuel. Familiarize yourself with the benefits and disadvantages of each kind of fuel to select which type is the best for your garden fireplace.

● seating

Patio furniture can be a great choice for seating around your garden fireplace because it can be moved around so people can sit as close or as far away from the flame as they want. When selecting patio seating, consider comfort and safety. A conversation set with deep-seated chairs and a love seat or small sofa is a popular choice; just be sure the seating is comfortable and not made of metal. Metal patio furniture can be very dangerous as it conducts heat and may burn you, your family, or your guests. Another seating option is to build in seating or seat walls. Made from concrete, stone, or brick, these seats can be either bench style or have backs. You may want to add pillows or custom cushioning to make your built-in seating more comfortable.

If you are considering a garden fireplace, contact IBD Outdoor Rooms today to talk with our experienced staff about planning your new backyard oasis.

You Need Your Chase

All About Chases

Whether we’re talking about an indoor or outdoor fireplace, certain components are built into the design that are specifically there to help protect that beautiful fireplace from the damaging effects of rain, snow, sleet and any other forms of moisture that come its way.

Unsure what your chase cover does? Interested to know more about decorative options? Contact us today.

One component that sits at the top of your chimney — the chase — ends up being more or less the first line of defense against that damage. It forms a barrier that diverts water away and protects the stone, brick or other masonry materials in the process. Chases — particularly the ones we carry at IBD Outdoor Rooms — aren’t simply utilitarian though. They can add a lot of visual interest, either bringing in a pop of color with copper or bringing in a dynamic shape that complements or enhances the design of your home.

Different Materials, Different Benefits

If you had a fireplace installed with a chase that’s begun to fail, with rust streaking down its sides and pits and corrosion holes peeking through, odds are that was a galvanized chase. Galvanized metal is a really cost-conscious choice, and that’s why galvanized chase covers and chimney caps are often chosen and installed by builders. But depending on factors like weather and location, galvanized metal can wear down sometimes in just a handful of years.

At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we can show you a variety of chases in copper or stainless steel, which we find to be the most aesthetically pleasing and functionally dependable materials you’ll find.

Stainless steel is also a good value and has a beautiful clean look. As an outdoor material, it’s also highly durable, so you can expect a much longer, much less trouble-marked service life than you would with galvanized metal. We also offer powder-coated stainless steel chases for clients who want a different look — maybe a bold color, or dynamic black — with the durability of stainless steel.

Copper chases bring remarkable beauty to a home or outdoor space. And through the years, while remaining strong and durable, copper develops that gorgeous telltale colorful patina — it truly only gets better with time.

Simple Or More Dynamic Shapes

IBD Outdoor Rooms can help guide you toward the perfect chase, whether you’re looking for something visually simple or something that really draws the eye. We carry classic chase covers with and without a hole (the latter would be for vent-free units), but we also offer chases with shroud extensions that bring a bold design pop, from a Gothic look to Roman and Grecian designs. Talk to us about the design you’re envisioning, and we’ll help you find the perfect new chase!

If you’re looking to have a chase replaced or installed — or just have some questions about their function or possibilities when it comes to aesthetics — we’re always glad to help. Just give IBD Outdoor Rooms a call!