Since an outdoor fireplace is one of the features you will probably use the most in your backyard, it makes sense to have it look exactly how you want it, with no compromise in style or finishes. If you’re not sure what style would work best for you, here are some options for an outdoor fireplace in Huntington, NY.
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Focus on Style
You could begin by choosing the style of fireplace you want. This style should complement your home, yet an outdoor fireplace can be considered a stand-alone feature in your landscape, so don’t be afraid to give it some flair.
Most modern fireplaces tend to be built as a fireproof block interior, and faced with natural stone, manufactured stone, concrete, or stucco.
Concrete blocks (not cinder blocks, but decorative manufactured stone products) are popular outdoor fireplace facades because they mimic the look of natural stone yet they are much lighter than natural stone, which simplifies installation.
For best results, the focus here does not need to be on trying to match the fireplace facade to the home. You can pick up on the home’s color or materials with accents and inlays, but use complementary materials for the main part of the facade.
Traditional
It’s hard to beat the appeal of a traditional brick or stone fireplace. Traditional fireplaces typically have an arched and fairly substantially proportioned firebox opening, and the top of the fireplace slopes inward toward the chimney. The hearth may have a stone or wood mantel. It can be a perfect fit for colonial, craftsman, or ranch style homes.
Rustic
Rustic fireplaces feature larger stones such as river rock or stacked flagstone. It can be rectangular in shape, and often slopes on one or both sides toward the chimney. You could opt for manufactured stone veneer instead of the real thing to get the look without the weight. Consider adding a rough-hewn mantel or a large hearth for comfortable sitting. A rustic fireplace could be perfect next to log or timber framed homes, or homes on waterfront settings.
Modern
A modern style is characterized by clean lines, industrial materials (such as gray concrete), a neutral color palette, and minimal embellishments. The firebox tends to be smaller and rectangular. Many modern fireplaces are cube-like, and the firebox may be double-sided or even positioned on one side of the fireplace for three-way viewing. If there is a hearth, it’s minimal, and there is typically no mantel. This style looks great next to contemporary homes, but is often too stark next to more traditional home styles. You can, however, warm up the look by adding a mantel, or by using a monochromatic stacked flagstone veneer.
Mediterranean
For a touch of the French Riviera or Tuscany, how about a Mediterranean outdoor fireplace? The structure is simple and clean, with the only real embellishment being a firebox framed with colorful ceramic tiles or decorative stone. While some Mediterranean style fireplaces are all stucco, some feature a tumbled stone (or manufactured stone made to look like tumbled stone) lower half, with stucco covering the upper half. The firebox tends to be arched, and this style usually does not have a mantel. It’s a great look for larger contemporary homes.
Any of these styles work whether you choose a wood-burning or gas-fueled fireplace. Our designers and craftsmen are ready to create a warm and welcoming fireplace area in your
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