There’s no need to retreat indoors every winter. With an outdoor fireplace or fire pit installed in your outdoor area, you can enjoy your garden all year round. In fact, there are few things more enticing than a real fire in winter. With the lovely glow and warmth from a well-designed outdoor fireplace or fire pit, there really is no good reason to neglect the barbie until spring either. So, lets have a look at everything you need to know about outdoor fireplaces and fire pits in Coffs Harbour.
Make a Plan Before it’s Cold
Make sure you’re ready for a cosy outdoor winter and start making plans early. It’s also worth checking your local council for building regulations. Your council will have a list of regs you need to be aware of but, basically, they’ll include obvious stuff like:
- Will smoke disturb your neighbours?
- Is it located safely away from other houses, trees and other structures?
- What kind of fuel will you be burning?
If you’re planning a permanent outdoor fireplace, make sure your landscape contractor is aware of local regs.
Outdoor Fireplace or a Fire Pit?
Fireplaces are generally the more permanent, fixed solution. Usually constructed of stone and complete with a chimney, they can be a lovely feature in any outdoor space. Also, the chimney enables the smoke to be drawn upwards and away from your property and the neighbours.
A fire pit usually consists of a large bowl shape that the fuel is burned in. They are flexible and moveable. Alternatively, some are a more solid stone construction and are a permanent feature. In addition, because of the shape of most fire pits, seating can be arranged all around them.
Fuel for your Fun
Wood is the obvious choice. It’s cheap, renewable, and beautiful to watch. Think about ordering your wood supply early and store it in a dry spot for a few months. This will leave it fully seasoned and ready to burn.
Gas is a convenient instant heat source. With the turn of a dial, you’re ready to go. However, this can be an expensive installation and will require meeting some serious council building regs.