Heating for Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor fireplace with cypress mantle

There are many ways to heat your outdoor space.  One way that is especially handsome is an outdoor fireplace, particularly when it either reflects or complements the architecture of the home.

Outdoor Fireplaces for Heating

The fireplace in the photograph above nicely complements the space in which it is set.  It features a large stone boulder slab for the hearth.  It is similar to a fireplace that Rick designed for the Mountaineers where he picked out a hearthstone boulder and created a fireplace around it.  One of our favorite sources of stone like this is Marenakos near Preston on I-90.

Rumford Fireplaces Efficiently Heat Outdoor Seating Areas

Rumford Outdoor Fireplace

Rumford fireplaces provide radiant heating which makes them particularly good at heating the seating area thus extending the time in the evening and season in which you can enjoy your outdoor space.  These fireplaces are particularly good at projecting heat outward rather than upwards.  They also make beautiful outdoor ovens.  The local expert on Rumford fireplaces is Jim Buckley of Port Townsend, WA.  Our brick mason friend, John Davies, swears by him.
There are many examples of outdoor Rumfords at Buckley Rumford Fireplaces.   

 Fireplaces Can Provide Nice Definition in Outdoor “Rooms”

Craftsman Outdoor Fireplace, photo by Mike Siegel/The Seattle Times

You can create an outdoor room with a roof attached to the house such as the one in this photograph.  This is an example of a craftsman fireplace that is quite dramatic and full of character.

Freestanding Fireplaces Can Provide Good Definition for Outdoor Spaces

Freestanding Fireplace

A freestanding fireplace can also help to create a definition of the space.  It creates a focal point when the gathering area is open on all sides.

Modern Freestanding Fireplace

This is a great example of a stunning contemporary freestanding fireplace.  Unlike the fireplace above, this one dominates the space and creates a strong focus.  It is very dramatic and is intended to stand out rather than blend in with the landscape around it.

Pharos Outdoor Fireplace

Metal fireplaces can also be very attractive and contemporary.  I like the contrast that the dark metal fireplace creates against the greens and blues in the garden space.

Firepits Are Another Way to Provide an Informal Focal Point to Your Outdoor Space

Stone Firepit

A fire pit is another way to heat your outdoor seating space and reflect the character of your home or garden.  The firepit in the photo above reflects the space around it and helps to define the gathering area.  This is a great example  of a firepit that is subtle and blends in with the surroundings.

Portable Firepit

Firepits can be permanent like the previous stone one or they can be portable like the one above.  For people who have a smaller space or who need to be able to shift the focal point of a gathering, these smaller portable firepits are perfect.  They come in many styles and sizes.