There is nothing like having a fireplace outdoors in your backyard to enjoy all year long. When the weather cools down, or even on a cool night in the midst of the summer, it is so cozy and comforting to sit down with family and friends by a roaring fire in the midst of the fresh air and beauty that surrounds you in your own backyard. If you are looking to build a new fireplace in your backyard, then one of the most beautiful and durable options to consider is a stone fireplace. You can also consider brick or even cement or concrete blocks, but stone will provide a natural beauty and elegance that is unmatched.
One of the great things about using stone is that even though you are building the fireplace outdoors, stone is durable and can withstand the elements all year long, so it is a perfect option for outdoor use. There are many different types of stone that can be used – anything from slate and limestone to fieldstone and bluestone, among others can add to your fireplace design. Some types of stone, however, are better served for different climates. For example, if you live in an area that is prone to severe freeze and thaw cycles, you should not select a porous stone because if water gets trapped within the stone, the water can crack the stone when it freezes under extremely cold temperatures.
Depending on the style of the fireplace you choose, you can build the entire fireplace from slabs of stone, bricks or blocks or you can build a basic fireproof shell out of some basic materials, such as cement or concrete, that are not as attractive and then just cover the face of the fireplace with the more attractive stones, bricks or blocks. This is a much more cost effective way to build a fireplace outdoors.