Fireplace Lowdown

Chinineas More Efficient Than Fire Pits

So, you've always wanted an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.  Now that summer is moving into the second half, you'll start seeing a lot of great specials.  Merchants will be moving their inventory to make room for fall and winter items, so it will be a good time to pick up an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, etc.

If you haven't decided on a type yet, you may check into chimineas.  These Mexican fireplaces are more efficient than simple fire pits.  This is because they have an integrated smoke stack which creates a drafting action, drawing fresh air into the fire and out the neck.   Fire pits, on the other hand, smolder and smoke more, since the traditional design  doesn't provide efficient air flow. 

Not only are chimineas more efficient, but you're less likely to get smoke in your eyes every time the wind changes. 

Just make sure you look for a chiminea made from a low-maintenance material.  Clay was the traditional Mexican material, but in the States, you often see them in cast iron.  Not only is cast iron heavy, but it rusts and is difficult to keep looking good.   A better alternative is cast aluminum, which is relatively lightweight, low maintenance, and won't stain your patio.

Chimineas are great little outdoor fireplaces.  Prices generally start around $200.

Chimineas vs. Fire Pits

Now that spring and summer are on their way, you might be thinking about getting an outdoor fireplace.  If you have the money to spend, you can get a masonry fireplace complete with chimney, but if you're looking for cost-conscious ways to have safe fires in your backyard, a chiminea or a portable fire pit is more economical.

Both can be attractive, but there are few differences.  Let's look at how they compare.

Features of Chimineas

• built in chimneys provide natural drafting
• caps keep the rain out
• walls keep smoke from blowing into people's eyes
• less open and "campfire" style than fire pits
• fairly fuel efficient and clean-burning
• chimney and drafting makes it easier to start a fire

Features of Fire Pits

• no chimney to help with drafting and fire building
• needs to be in sheltered location or smoke will bother people around it
• often portable enough to be taken on the road
• most inexpensive "outdoor fireplace" option
• no protection from rain, so they fill with water ("ash soup")

If you are thinking of buying a chimenea or a fire pit but can't decide on which, the best thing you can do is try to find someone who owns one and spend some quality time with the unit.  Try building a fire and see if you like it. 

Also browse online and at home and garden stores to see the variety of types available in each category.

Least Maintenance Outdoor Fireplaces and Firepits?

If you're considering an outdoor fireplace or firepit, one thing to consider is how much maintenance it involves.  You don't want to spend all your summer evenings cleaning out the fireplace, right?  A nice article over at the Green Living Journal offers some tips to help you select an outdoor fireplace.  Their section on maintenance tells you which units will require the least amount of effort to keep clean and functional:

"Chain store and mass marketed fireplaces made out of copper, sheet steel, or clay, don't provide the safety or longevity of cast iron or cast aluminum. Below is a material list of currently manufactured outdoor fireplaces.

Clay chimineas can be babied, "Feed slowly, keep warm and dry.". But if you want a fireplace that is going to be safer and last longer, any other material on the market is a better investment. See Tip #6 for "Safety concerns with clay chimineas.".

Many home and garden outlets carry Sheet Metal outdoor fireplaces at a bargain cost. Cheap sheet metal fire pits are pretty much disposable items. Once they rust through their usefulness is gone. Be sure to check the gauge or thickness of the metal. Thin, mass marketed fireplaces may also melt if not thick enough. Enamel finishes disappear and exposed sheet metal will rust out quickly.

In some instances the body is cast iron but the neck or chimney is sheet steel. Eventually, you will be left with a cast iron fireplace body without a neck. Make sure the company carries replacement parts and find out the costs. If you will need to buy a new neck or other replacement parts frequently it's probably better to look elsewhere.

Cast Iron will rust if not maintained properly. The more cast iron you have to work with the longer it will last. Cast iron chimineas may also stain any surface the on which it is standing on if not maintained, so proper placement should be considered. If you decide to buy a cast iron chiminea make sure it is heavy and be prepared to maintain it.

Cast Iron may need a bit of maintenance but will last for years if looked after. Occasional painting with high temperature stove paint will halt rusting. Also, cast iron is extremely heavy and will withstand a lot of abuse. The Blue Rooster recommends cast iron chimineas for campground owners or places that they will be used without supervision. 200 pound chimineas tend not to "walk away".

There are no advantages of cast iron over cast aluminum except for a heavy weight. For most homeowners the added weight is a disadvantage.

Copper looks great out of the box and is a very safe material used for years in cooking utensils. Watch out for cast iron supports or bases that can rust shortly and stain your patio. Also, don't expect that shiny new copper fireplace to look like that after a fire or two. Green and rusty is usually the norm after its been used. If you don't mind the look of it, make sure it has a cover or rain lid and prepare to maintain the cast iron parts.

Some companies will drill holes in the bottom of the copper fire pits to let water (and ash) out when it rains so placement is important. Fire pits without drains can fill with water andmake a mess. If you do choose a copper fire pit or any fire pit for that matter, be sure it has a cover. Water and wind can make a mess of your ashes and/or embers.

If low maintenance and lifespan are priorities, Cast Aluminum is the best investment for your money. Aluminum chimineas are cast from the same molds as cast iron and look identical to cast iron. Cast aluminum outdoor fireplaces will not warp and have a melting temp only a few hundred degrees lower then cast iron. Cast aluminum alloy will not rust and is much lighter so it can be easily moved. Like a gas grill, cast aluminum has very little maintenance."

The whole article is quite a good resource and worth reading if you're in the market to buy:

Green Living Journal

Build Your Own Firepit

Quite a few people who find this fireplace blog are looking for information on how to design and build a firepit from scratch.  I've looked for this information on the web, too, and haven't found too many sites with really good guides.  I did come across an instructional DVD on building a firepit though. 

It's not free, of course, but $25 is a fairly reasonable price, I think.  As long as the quality is good.  I probably won't pick it up myself, as I've always bought fully assembled units, but if you are a do-it-yourself type, the DVD might walk you through what you need to know.  If you do check it out, leave us a comment, so we know if it's any good!

Design & Build Your Own Fire Pit Instruction DVD

Gas Fire Pits Not Affected by Burn Bans

Outdoor fireplaces and firepits are really taking off in popularity.  Just take a look at stores like Costco, Kmart, and Target.  They're all selling portable fire pits for backyard use (the small ones can easily be taken camping or to barbecues as well).  Shoot, even our local grocery store has a model for sale in the front.

But before you buy a fire pit, you want to make sure it's legal in your county.  If pollution is an issue, there may be laws against burning wood, except for those homes who have only a wood stove for heat.  Other counties will suffer frequent burn bans that can last days or weeks at a time.  You don't want to buy a fire pit only to find out you can't use it.

A way around this is to avoid fire pits that burn wood and get one that burns gas.  Since gas fire pits don't emit smoke, they are not outlawed by burn bans. 

You can get permanent structures (i.e. outdoor gas fireplaces) that are hooked up to a gas line from your home, but you can get simple fire pits as well.  These are just as portable as wood-burning fire pits.  Usually you will hook them up to a propane tank just as you would a gas grill.

Here's an example of a model that is on sale at Amazon right now:

Rush Heritage Gas Log Fire Pit

Monessen Outdoor Fireplace

Traditionally, if you wanted an outdoor fireplace to pimp out your outdoor living area, you had to hire contractors to come in and design something and build it from scratch.  That's why a lot of folks have gone for portable fire pits, since you just set them on the ground and start a fire.  But these days you can save money by ordering many of the parts over the Internet.

This Monessen 54" fireplace comes with the stainless steel firebox.  You'll still need to lay the brickwork and build the chimney, but you can save money on the overall process by ordering the firebox online.

Available at HomeClick: Monessen 54'' Radiant Stainless Steel Wood Burning Fireplace

Outdoor Fireplace Season Is Here--Don't Forget Safety

Well, we're in the middle of outdoor fireplace season.  Summer is the most popular time to sit out under the stars and roast marshmallows, hot dogs, and anything else you can fit on a stick.  With more homeowners than ever purchasing fire pits and chimineas, or having all out outdoor fireplaces built on their patio, it's important to keep safety in mind.  Here are a few tips for making sure your family (and your rather flammable house) stays safe:

1. Don't leave children alone with a fire.
2. Make sure the embers have burned out before going inside for the night.
3. Don't use fire starter to rekindle a dying fire.
4. Make sure everybody knows how to put out a clothing fire (stop, drop, and roll).
5. Don't use portable fire pits underneath overhead branches.
6. Keep extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
7. Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.

Are Outdoor Fireplaces Banned in Your City?

Sitting around an outdoor fire pit or cooking a pizza in a real wood-burning outdoor oven can be a lot of fun, but before you consider buying a portable unit or installing a permanent fixture, you need to check with your town's laws on the subject.  Because of pollution, or even fire safety issues, some cities ban fires in residential backyards, on rooftop decks, etc.  Boston, for example, has a law against outdoor fireplaces, citing them as hazards (the fire department says most people place them too close to trees or structures, so burning embers could ignite a serious residential fire).  While most states don't have state-wide bans on outdoor fireplaces, many communities take matters into their own hands. 

So, to make sure you can use that fireplace once you shell out the bucks to buy it, be sure to check your local laws beforehand.

Kettles, the Simplest (and Cheapest) Outdoor Fireplace Available

We've talked about backyard fire pits but haven't mentioned kettles yet.  In the outdoor fireplace world, a kettle refers to a pit, basin, or bowl for burning wood or charcoal.  They look a bit like Weber grills with much shorter legs.  Kettles come in a range of materials such as chrome, terra-cotta, cast iron, stainless steel, and hand-hammered copper.  These off-ground fire pits are usually lightweight enough to be portable, and some are even fitted with wheels.  If you get a fancy one, it can double as a "garden sculpture." 

Pros:

• cheap fire pits ($69-$300 is about their range)
• portable
• offer campfire atmosphere in your backyard

Cons:

• poor smoke control due to lack of chimney
• not as classy as built-in fireplaces

Many kettles come with grills and spark screens/lids to protect users from the fire.  They're available at most home and garden stores, as well as the local Walmart, Target, etc. 

Wood-burning Fireplace & Grill in One

Looking for an outdoor fireplace for summer entertaining?  Need a new grill too?  Well, Fire Science offers a combination of the two (hey, saves on shipping costs, right?).  Their "Quad Que" is a wood/charcoal-burning fireplace on the bottom, and on the top, it has not one but seven grill racks (you can grill, smoke, or steam, depending on which one you use).   The price for this all-in-one unit is $579, which doesn't seem too bad since it includes shipping (the combo fireplace is over 200 pounds).

http://www.fire-science.com

Outdoor Fire Pits: Take Your Campfire with You

Heading to the beach this summer?  Or perhaps up to the mountains?  Wouldn't it be nice if you knew you'd have a nice place to set up a campfire (maybe with grill included?) without depending on the whims of RV parks or campsites?  More and more manufacturers are offering portable fire pits, so you can have a cozy fire on the back patio and have that same fire when you head off on your family camping trip.  Most of these fire pits are small enough to be thrown in the back of your truck or camper but big enough to offer a decent-sized campfire when you reach your destination.  Prices start as low as $75 and range up to $500 and more for extremely well-constructed units. 

Here are a few examples of what's out there:

• This $120 "Copper Fire Bowl" is available from Amazon.com (is there anything they don't sell?) where it has a five-star review.  At 29 pounds, it's not too heavy to take on the road, and it has a screened top to keep sparks from flying out and setting the tent on fire (an option usually not offered at your typical campground fire pit).
• Hammacher Schlemmer always has higher end luxury goods, and this Weber Portable Propane Fire Pit is no exception (as denoted by its $550 price tag).  It connects to a propane tank, in case you don't want to deal with the hassle of hunting for firewood.  Wheels and handles are included to help you move it.
• This 32" cold-rolled steel fire pit has a natural rust patina that makes it look a bit like copper, though it's made of sturdier stuff, and at $275 it's a nice middle-of-the-road fire pit.  Holes in the side are shaped like the night sky (stars and moons), for a suitable outdoorsy feel. It also comes with a BBQ grill, so you can do your hot dogs the easy way (instead of watching with chagrin as they fall off the stick).

Outdoor Fireplace Options

So, you like the idea of having family and friends hanging out around a fire in the backyard.  You may be wondering what your options are and how much installing a firepit or fireplace will cost you.  Basically, there are three ways to go: outdoor fireplaces, in-ground/above-ground firepits (permanent), and portable firepits. 

Outdoor Fireplaces

An outdoor fireplace is essentially like an indoor fireplace, in that it includes a chimney and brick/stone surround.  It's typically built into or against a wall.  This is the most expensive way to go, though the price will vary a lot depending on whether you buy a ready-built unit or have one custom-built.  Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from a couple thousand to ten thousand or more for an outdoor fireplace (though if you have DIY skills, you may be able to build one yourself for much less).

In-ground/Above-ground Fire Pits

This is sort of a fancy, permanent version of the campfire ring.  Fire pits can either be sunken into the ground or patio, or they can sit on the ground with raised walls that secure the logs.  Fire pits do not have chimneys, so they need to be installed in an area with decent ventilation.  Because they require fewer materials than an outdoor fireplace, they generally cost less to build.  Again, the price will vary depending on whether you do it yourself or have a professional come in to design and install a system.  A DIY fire pit can cost less than $500 to build.

Portable Fire Pits

Portable units are becoming increasingly popular because they don't require any installation, and there's no need to alter anything in your yard.  Also, these units can be thrown in the back of a truck or RV for use on camping trips or even for weekend tailgating parties.  Portable firepits are typically made out of metal and designed to accommodate smaller fires than built-in fireplaces and firepits.  You can find them for less than $100 (though you'll pay more for a quality unit).

It should be noted that you can choose gas or wood-burning options for all these types of outdoor fireplaces.  Generally speaking, gas will cost you more, but it offers more convenience than wood.

For more information, check out any of these books:
Backyard Blaze : The Outdoor-Fireplace Lifestyle
Backyard Idea Book : Outdoor Kitchens, Fireplaces, Sheds and Storage, Play Spaces, Pools and Spas
Outdoor Kitchens : A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Design and Construction

Firepit Tables Becoming More Popular

Fire tables (fire pits embedded in the center of an outdoor patio table) seem to have hit the mainstream.  (I judge this by the fact that I saw one on sale at Costco yesterday.)  They're a fun alternative to the outdoor fireplace or backyard fire pit, though they don't have quite that campfire feel.  But it's hard to beat for entertaining--you can sit and chat with your friends, eat your meal, and roast your hot dogs and marshmellows without getting up from the table.  Well, most of them run on propane or natural gas, so I'm not exactly sure if you can roast things on them.  (Has anybody tried?)

Here's a picture of one over at my favorite home improvement blog: fire pit table

Dangers of Portable Fire Pits

As with all types of fireplaces, portable fire pits can be a fire hazard, maybe more so because of their less permanent nature.  Rather than with a fireplace built to existing building codes, with portable pits, it's up to the homeowner to ensure their fire pit is used in such a way as to keep the house safe.  An article on in online newspaper called "House Fire Prompts Warning for Portable Pits," talks about a family who suffered $50-$60,000 in damages when "'the fire was caused by one of the portable fire pits that was being used on the deck... the homeowner had put some patio stones underneath it, but the heat apparently transferred to the deck boards and ignited the substructure."

The article finishes with this advice for those using or considering buying a portable fire pit:

"Portable fire pits should be kept away from anything combustible. 'They should be used at least 10 feet away from the house or any other combustibles... They should be extinguished completely before (the homeowners) retire. And they certainly should never be put on top of a combustible surface...Composite decks are made of hydrocarbons...they may take longer initially to ignite but they'll burn 'as well as or better than wood.'"

Stylish Portable Firepits

Whether you're looking to take your fire pit on the road when you go camping this summer, or you're just wanting to have a fire in the backyard, a portable fire pit can make things simple.  Sojoe Firepits offers rustic-looking fire pits in four styles: star & moon, willow crane, wildlife, and kokopelli.  My favorite is the star & moon. 

The portable firepits run $299 which includes a poker, grill, and spark screen.  Weather covers also available for an additional cost. Though I've seen cheaper firepits out there, the Sojoe ones look to be of good quality with a "Cold-rolled steel shell (three-times thicker than the imitators)" according to their site.

http://www.sojoe.com/

Outdoor Fire Pit Safety

Backyard fire pits are growing in popularity, and it's important to think safety when burning a fire outdoors, just as you would when starting a fire in the living room fireplace.  Safety: Fire pits come home is an online newspaper article that makes some recommendations.  For best results, follow the manufacturer's directions when using your fire pit and obey other common sense rules. Here is some of the other advice the article offers:

...(K)eep the fuel pile small and contained within any outdoor fire unit, and keep the device away from combustibles.

Fire authorities around the nation vary widely in their recommendations for keeping the devices a safe distance from buildings or other combustible material. In Bismarck, fire authorities recommend a minimum distance of three feet; in Omaha, one official recently told the Omaha World-Herald that 25 feet is more appropriate distance.

Fire units are unsuitable for use on decks of multi-family type residences, such as an apartment building or duplexes...

Fire experts recommend using untreated hardwood in these manufactured pits, though some units are fired with natural gas or liquid propane.

Recycled Steel Fire Pit

There are lots of fire pits available for purchase (I even saw a little chiminea for sale the other day at TOP Food Grocery), but it's harder to find something unique that your guests will oooh and ahhhh at.  This recycled steel fire pit, made by John T. Unger, may be just the ticket.  It's made from old decommissioned propane tanks--not the first medium that comes to my mind, but they look pretty cool. 

"Made from 100% recycled materials, the Great Bowl O' Fire is probably the best damn Fire Pit out there. If you're looking for a fire bowl that will last for generations, requires no maintenance, holds plenty of logs and kicks out the heat, well, this puppy is made for you. Each Great Bowl O' Fire is hand cut with a torch from scrapped propane tanks."

Great Bowl O' Fire

Outdoor Fireplace Pictures

I just stumbled onto a cool collection of outdoor fireplace pictures (navigate through the slideshow) over at Better Homes & Gardens: Outdoor Fireplaces Slideshow.  I've placed the "Ring of Fire" (the one that's both firepit and fountain) on my Christmas list... The other fireplaces featured are more mundane, though not at all boring.  If you're looking for design ideas, it's worth browsing through.

Above Ground Fit Pits Introduction

The Detroit News recently published a short article on above ground fire pits. It describes why permanent structures tend to be more desirable than portable fire pits, how to design a pit and make the area around it accessible, and how to ensure it is safe for people along with nearby furniture and foliage. 

Above-ground fire pit is the hot, friendly item for a brick patio

Portable Firepits

There are a number of companies that make portable firepits that are suitable for both backyard and on-the-road use (i.e. small enough to tuck into your RV or even the back of your truck/SUV).  After seeing a blurb about Pit-2-Go on the Home & Garden Channel's 2005 RV Show, I decided to check out their site. They sell a combination campfire/barbeque. The basic portable firepit listed in their online store is $140 (you can get the "web package deal" for $180 that comes with a couple extra accessories), so it seems pretty reasonably priced. There is a helpful FAQ that describes the fire pit.  Their sites lists tradeshows they will be appearing at if you want to check them out in person.

Firepits-2-Go

Outdoor Fireplaces/Kitchens Can Increase Home Value

Outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens are extremely popular these days.  As such, they can really entice potential buyers and increase the overall value of your home.  Detroit News article, Interior Designers Are Looking Outside for Spring, covers the gamut from outdoor furniture, to lighting, to--of course--kitchens and fireplaces, suggesting ways to furnish your outdoor living area to increase your own aesthetic pleasure and the home's value. If you're planning on sprucing up your backyard this spring, this guide can help you do it right.

Also check out Smart Improvements Can Pay Big Dividends, an article that likewise looks at how improvements to outdoor living areas can increase home value.

Fire Pits: Information

With spring and summer coming, many people are looking for information on portable or custom-built fire pits. Here are a few articles I found that may be of interest:

Fire Pits Have Many Uses

Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Outdoor Fire Pits Turn up the Heat

Outdoor Fireplaces See More Use Than Indoor Fireplaces?

In a short article called "Warming Trend" the U-Redlands Daily Facts highlights many of today's fireplace trends from direct-vent gas fireplaces to outdoor fireplaces.  One decorator says, "I always try to get my clients to put in an outdoor fireplace because I guarantee they will use it 100 times more than they'll use the indoor fireplace." Outdoor fireplaces can run the gamut from see-through gas or wood-burning units installed in the side of the house and visible from inside and out to simple fire pits to portable campfire types that you can wheel out when the occassion is right.

While installing a chimney-based outdoor fireplace can be costly, portable fireplaces such as this Teak California Campfire Outdoor Fireplace can be more economical and go with you when you move.

Cool Sculpture + Grill

If you need a new grill for the coming spring and summer, but you don't want the same blocky, black beast everyone on the block has, take a peep at the The RAIS Gizeh outdoor fireplace and grill (this link is just to a picture; for more information go to the RAIS homepage, select products, and then Outdoor Gizeh Grill). According to the site, the "RAIS Gizeh outdoor fireplace and grill from Denmark is made of Cor-Ten steel, which permanently oxidizes and lasts a lifetime outside. The Gizeh is designed to be used as a fireplace or as a grill or even as a piece of sculpture."

Fire Table?

You've heard of fire pits, you've heard of outdoor fireplaces, but have you heard of outdoor fire tables?  As you can guess from the name, it's a fire pit combined with a table that's designed to sit on your deck or patio. Most of the fire tables I found on the Internet use gas logs (which makes sense... you wouldn't want sparks and embers leaping out onto your plate if you're eating at the table), and the tables ranged from fairly simple metal patio tables to sturdy granite slabs.

The Ultimate Fire Table from the BBQGuys.com comes with table, gas logs, and chairs. They also have some fancy fire pit tables over at Yardiac.com if you browse under Patio Heaters and Fire Pits.

Build an Outdoor Fire Pit

The Do It Yourself Network has a step-by-step run through where they built an outdoor fire pit as part of a complete outdoor kitchen installation. Pictures of the steps are included. They install a gas line to power the fire pit and ensure clean cooking over it. It looks like a handsome unit. I wonder if they'd like to do my house next?

Outdoor Kitchen: Hooking up the Gas Fire Pit

If you need more information on making a fire pit or outdoor kitchen from scratch, the book Building Barbecues & Outdoor Kitchens might be of interest. You can read a short review of it here.

Outdoor Fireplace Options

So, you want to add an outdoor fireplace to your yard.  Outdoor fireplaces are growing in popularity which means more options. Both wood-burning and gas models are available. You can buy a portable unit or build one into your patio. Here are some of the more popular options out there:

Chimineas--Originally from Mexico, these pot-bellied free-standing units can be made of clay or cast iron/aluminum. They burn wood and are portable. The clay versions are cheaper but fragile; like a clay pot they can crack under duress. Either way, they are cheaper than most other outdoor fireplaces.

Fire pits--Fire pits can be built to your design or bought pre-manufactured from a store like Home Depot or Homeclick.com. They are usually square or round and can be built on or into a concrete pad.  These are the closest thing to those campfires at the beach and can be finished in concrete, brick, tile, or other types of stone.

Portable Gas Fire Pits--When we think of fire pits, we tend to think of permanent fixtures, but increasingly small, highly portable (meaning you could throw it in the back of a truck or RV) units are showing up on the market. These are often cheaper than full-fledged fireplace or fire pit installations.

Fireplaces--You can build a fireplace outdoors the same way as you do indoors. This is the most costly option as it usually involves building from scratch.  Even if you buy a pre-manufactured unit, you can expect to need a contractor to do the actual installation.

Interested in buying (or just browsing)? Check out these links:

Gas Portable Outdoor Fireplace
WeberFlame Outdoor Gas Fireplace
Cast Aluminum Outdoor Chimenea
Premanufactured Stainless Steel Wood Burning Fireplace

Sources:

Chimineas Information
Outdoor Fireplaces Bring Warmth to the Outdoors

How to Cure a Clay Chiminea

Clay chimineas are fun outdoor fireplaces, but they need a little special preparation and care so they do not crack. Before lighting a fire, always ensure the chiminea is dry; this will help prevent cracks. Likewise, ensure there is around 4 inches of sand lining the bottom of the pot. Don't use kerosene or lighter fluid to light chimineas. You need to build the fire slowly so the clay has time to adjust to the heat.

When you first get a clay chiminea, you need to cure it. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. First, build a small paper only fire in the bottom of the pot. Add small balls of paper one at a time until the sides of the chiminea get a little warm. After that, let the fire burn out and the chiminea cool completely.
2. Next, build a small fire using wood. Let the fire go out on its own and let the chiminea cool completely.
3. Repeat that--building a small wood fire--3 times total, each time building a slightly larger fire by adding more wood.  Each time, allow the chiminea to cool completely between fires.

After you've done this a total of 5 times, the chiminea should be cured. It will be ready for use whenever you want to build an outdoor fire.

Source: What's In Style: Fireplaces

Chimineas--Information

Chimineas, sometimes called patio fireplaces, originated in Mexico as clay containers reminiscent of bread ovens seen as early as the 17th century. According to What's In Style: Fireplaces they are becoming increasingly popular choices for people looking for outdoor fireplaces to give off heat and provide ambiance for backyard entertaining in the cooler months.

Chimineas have a pot-bellied base that is raised off the ground. It tapers upward to form a circular flue. (Links to pictures below.)

Both clay and cast iron or aluminum chiminea models are available. Clay models tend to be cheaper and more in tune with the originals, but they have some downsides. With clay, you have to "cure" the chiminea before getting serious about burning, otherwise it could crack during a hot fire. Also, clay isn't as practical in some damper, colder climates. They may need to be stored indoors off-season. Cast iron or aluminum chimineas are popular because they are sturdier and can withstand the elements better.

One thing to keep in mind with chimineas is safety.  Most chimineas use wood as a fuel source. If you plan to use them on a deck, you'll need to take precautions.  As with regular fireplaces, the logs will snap and crackle, emitting the occasional spark. Heat is also a concern. Look into getting a heat-proof mat to place beneath the chiminea, and keep flammable objects away from the opening.

What a chiminea looks like:
Clay Chiminea
Outdoor Cast Aluminum Chimenea

Fire Pit Information

So, you want to take that fire at the beach experience and bring it to your backyard. A fire pit is a way to do that, and it's relatively inexpensive (compared to installing a gas or electric fireplace indoors).  Fire pits are increasing in popularity as they provide both ambiance and a way to enjoy your deck once the warm months of summer have passed.

Fire Pit Costs

Portable fire pits are the cheapest option. Usually made from metal, they can be taken along for camping tips or tailgate parties. They usually cost around $150-$500 depending on material and features. Many feature grill attachments.

Getting a permanent fire pit installed is more costly, but many consider them to be more aesthetically pleasing.  These are permanent stone structures, meant to go into spaces about 15-20 ft wide. For professional installation, the price can get into the thousands. This may also include landscaping and other features, however.

Make sure to check city policy related to outdoor fireplaces before you commit to buying anything. Some cities do not allow them within city limits.

Pilgrim Napa Fire Pit

Source: Backyard campfire