| Can you imagine anything better than sitting under | | | | If you desire something that looks more like a |
| the stars and enjoying the beauty and warmth of | | | | fireplace stove, these are available in free standing |
| a hot roaring fire? With the effort today to spend | | | | models that are also somewhat portable. Free |
| more time outdoors, it is becoming harder to | | | | standing stoves are usually made of cast iron and |
| imagine a well designed patio or porch without an | | | | are commonly used in conjunction with a seating |
| outdoor fireplace nearby. Since there are many | | | | area where people can gather and enjoy the |
| different styles and sizes of outdoor fireplaces | | | | warmth of a more contained fire. Since these |
| available, everyone can have one in their | | | | stoves have a chimney, the smoke is directed |
| backyard regardless of whether you desire to | | | | more upwards and away from people than an |
| spend a little or spend a lot. An outdoor fireplace | | | | open fire in a fire pit thus making them more |
| can be as simple as a fire pit dug in the ground or | | | | suitable for seating areas. |
| complex as a massive stone fireplace designed | | | | Of course, if your budget is not an issue, you can |
| and constructed by the best stone mason in the | | | | construct the granddaddy of all outdoor fireplace |
| country. | | | | designs by building a massive stone fireplace. Since |
| A fire pit means different things to different | | | | outdoor fireplaces are exposed to the elements, |
| people. As I mentioned before, it can be a simple | | | | site built fireplaces are most commonly made of |
| hole dug in the ground in which you place your | | | | stone. These fireplaces are usually massive in their |
| logs to keep them where you want them to | | | | design due to the somewhat limitless amount of |
| stay. You can also purchase fire pits made of | | | | space they occupy. As you can imagine, a small |
| cast iron, copper or other materials that are | | | | outdoor stone fireplace would look out of place |
| portable and can be placed out of sight when not | | | | against a large expanse of clear blue sky. |
| in use. These manufactured fire pits usually come | | | | No matter which outdoor fireplace you choose to |
| with some type of screen that covers the top of | | | | place in your outdoor living space, one thing is |
| the pit to help keep flying embers from escaping | | | | sure. You will spend many fantastic nights sitting |
| the pit. Some fire pits also come with optional | | | | by the warm fire, sipping your favorite beverage, |
| cooking racks which makes the pit more useful | | | | and enjoying the company of family or a few |
| by allowing the cooking of items other than hot | | | | close friends. |
| dogs and marshmallows. | | | | |