If you are one of the many people who hold fond and dear memories of times you sat around a fire, captivated by the dancing flames and comforted by its cozy warmth — this article is for you.

There are few improvements you can make to your outdoor living experience that will bring a family or group of friends together like an outdoor fireplace. There is something about the mesmerizing flames and the “crack” and “pop” of a real wood burning fire that fascinates people, young and old alike. There is a deep seated affinity for fire that most of us share as human beings. After all, it was the control of fire that allowed us to take our first steps toward planetary domination. A fireplace has always been associated with “community”. Fire and community has its roots in ancient times when man had to keep an eternal flame alive because he had not yet developed the technology to light a fire at whim. As far back as history can take us we find records of fires burning in the center of villages, towns and cities so all inhabitants would have free and easy access to the fire.

So it is no wonder a fire has the power to draw people together. Whether you are roasting marshmallows with your family or entertaining the Board of Directors, an outdoor fireplace will surely serve to bring you closer together.

Sadly, the days of the wood burning fireplace have come to an end. On March 7th, 2008 the South Coast Air Quality Management District adopted Rule 455 that effectively outlaws wood burning fireplaces. After September 8, 2008 it will be illegal to construct a wood burning fireplace within the South Coast Air Basin. For full details of AMQD Rule 455 visit; http://www.aqmd.gov. Search for “recently adopted Rules”.

If you have ever considered building an outdoor fireplace now would be the time. If you wait until after September this year it will be against the law. Prices range into the tens of thousands but don’t be alarmed. With several available kits on the market there is a real masonry fireplace for almost any budget. You could be one of the last legal owners of a wood burning fireplace, built with the required city permits for under $3500. Some people are having these basic units installed now and plan to add the design elements later when finances will allow. An understanding of basic economics alone has compelled many to install an outdoor fireplace on their property. Rule 455 intends to stop the supply. If a fireplace is considered to be a specialty item, (no longer available) the demand will increase. You do the math!

When considering an outdoor fireplace there are several things you should be aware of. The location is very important. Most city codes require the structure be at least 5-feet away from the property line and 15-feet away from any other structure such as the house or a garage. There are a few ways of satisfying this code requirement. One is to situate the fireplace within a patio cover or “arbor”. In addition, location plays a determining role in how well a fireplace will perform. For example, a fireplace place built under a canopy of large trees could possibly fill the yard with smoke. Therefore ventilation is a priority consideration when determining where your fireplace will be located. The most convenient location may not be the most practical.

Naturally, design will be at the top of anyone’s list of priorities. Many outdoor fireplaces incorporate the same design elements that have been used elsewhere on the property. Size and height play a role in function as well as aesthetics. For example a large fireplace with a short stout chimney stack could be problematic. There is a ratio one must follow when designing the system.

The design and construction of any fireplace is a highly specialized skill. When considering a contractor to build your fireplace make sure they are well versed with today’s codes and technology. Ask to visit some properties where they have recently constructed outdoor fireplaces. If possible talk to the owners of the fireplace to ensure there are no problems with it. And above all, enjoy the wood burning fireplace! It will not be around forever and you may very well be the last of mankind to do so.

Tags: boston brick | outdoor fireplaces

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 15th, 2009 in the Chimney Tips, News section. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.