The winters are officially upon us in Calgary, with snow covering up the sidewalks, gardens, shrubs, and bushes, and the temperatures plummeting even further. But that shouldn’t keep you from having fun and socializing in your backyard. You can still keep warm with the addition of a fireplace.
Benefits of having an outdoor fireplace
An outdoor fireplace is a practical way to prolong the livability of your outdoor space into the chilling Calgary nights. It is a design anchor that provides a beautiful, warm space for your family and friends to come together and create beautiful memories.
Even if it is not in use, the outdoor fire feature can be a gorgeous addition to your landscape. It will be the difference between your property and a nice one down the street in case you want to sell your house. When you have an elegant outdoor fire feature, chances are you can sell your home above the asking price.
The onset of winter doesn’t mean you should stop having friends over and hosting parties. An outdoor fireplace lets you host parties even during the chilliest of winters. The warmth of the fire will make the party more fun and entertaining.
The fireplace makes staying out longer because the atmosphere becomes cozy, warm, comfortable, and intimate. The romantic ambiance offered by a fire feature is second to none. It is so alluring your friends may end up asking you to host more parties.
Fireplace or Firepit?
Generally, there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing between an outdoor firepit and fireplace. Both of these options offer a central visual point to enhance your landscape with warmth and lighting. Both structures let you enjoy your outdoor space throughout the year. You can use a fireplace or firepit to anchor spaces like the outdoor dining and living areas.
While both of these structures can be a perfect addition to your home, a fireplace is generally more limited when it comes to seating capacity. And it takes up more space than a firepit. It is a perfect solution if you enjoy having smaller, exclusive, and intimate gatherings. If your backyard is smaller, you should consider having an outdoor firepit instead of a fireplace.
Moreover, a fireplace made of stones or bricks will cost higher. The cost of a masonry fireplace can range from $4,000-$20,000, depending on your landscape supplies contractor, the size of the unit, and the features and material used. In some places, it is mandatory to get permission from the area’s building inspection authority before constructing a fireplace. In Calgary, the Community Standards Bylaw regulates backyard fireplaces, and violations can come with fines as much as $5,000.
An outdoor firepit in the winter is just as pleasant as a fireplace for those cold winter nights. It offers more generous seating capacity and is smaller in size. The cost of a firepit is way lower than that of an outdoor fireplace. No matter if you want to spend some intimate moments with your better half, have friends over for a party, or just spend some peaceful moments alone, a high-quality firepit in your yard will always enhance your experience.
Whether you opt for an outdoor fireplace or a firepit, you can use them for grilling as well. And cooking on an outdoor fire feature comes with many benefits. Think about the incomparable flavor and the aroma of your favorite food spreading through the crisp air, creating unforgettable memories.
Fireplace Safety Tips
Snow, ice, and water can cause your garden’s sidewalks, paths, and ground to become slippery in winter. That means getting around your garden or yard can be riskier in winters. To keep everyone safe and enjoy your outdoor space, consider adding landscape lightings to your yard.
For improved safety, it is a good idea to add lights along the hardscapes like the walkways and paths, in addition to the sides of the fireplace. This will make the fire feature and your landscape more inviting with an extraordinary vibe. Make sure to install the lights in such a fashion that your family and guests find it safe and easy to get around. Head over to your nearest landscape products store to explore your outdoor lighting options.
Also, keep handy at least two buckets of water and a hose to extinguish the fire in case of any unforeseen event. Do not throw plastic, trash, or treated wood in the fireplace, as they release dangerous gases. The fire units require regular maintenance. Be sure to clean the structures now and then to avoid rusting and other problems. When not in use in the winter months, always cover the unit to prevent possible weather-induced damage.
The fire feature should be at least 70-100 feet away from the home and other buildings. Also, make sure there are no tree branches or bushes near the unit. Do not store the extra firewood near the unit. You can always seek professional help from a reputed company that deals in landscape supplies in Calgary for building a good quality fireplace.
Drainage and Landscaping for Outdoor Firepits
The outdoor fire unit should be built in a dry place. The fire feature will need proper drainage if it is not covered. This is important for preventing the buildup of standing water that may weaken the unit’s base, leading to cracking, breakdown, and physical damage. Using a drain will help protect the fireplace from rain, snow, and ice that can otherwise damage the unit.
Before you start constructing your fire feature, be sure to discuss your plan with a landscape contractor. This will help prevent unforeseen costs associated with leveling, slopes, overgrown trees and shrubs, landscape lights, and utility lines. For unleveled land, the landscape would need grading and re-sloping to prepare it for construction of a fireplace.
Reliable DIY Outdoor Firepit Kits
There are dozens of landscape supply companies in Calgary that offer DIY outdoor fire features. However, not all fire units are made equal. You should carefully explore all your options and do your research before choosing a landscape supplier.
If you are thinking about adding an outdoor fire unit to your yard, check out our online store for durable and beautiful DIY fireplace kits. We guarantee that our outdoor firepit kits will deliver impressive results and enhance your landscape’s overall aesthetic appeal.