Outdoor Fireplace: Looking for the Best Material

Choosing a safe and sound fireplace with a long lifespan is very essential. The material your fireplace is made of determines the longevity and safety of it. Needless to say, that you should look for the best option available, when shopping around for an outdoor fireplace.
Read on to learn some more information about outdoor fireplaces and the materials they are made of.

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum is considered to be the best choice. It has many advantages, compared to other materials. First, it has a longer lifespan and does not rust. It doesn’t become curved because of damage by heat. What is also pleasant is that cast aluminum fireplaces are light and can be easily moved around. It’s recommended that you store your cast aluminum fireplace during winter to prevent damage.

Cast Iron

Cast iron has a slightly higher melting temperature than cast aluminum. It is also heavier than cast aluminum, which makes it quite difficult to move around. On the other hand, being heavy, a cast iron fireplace can stand a lot of abuse. Such fireplace requires effort to maintain it to prevent rust. To slow down rusting you need to paint it with a hot paint from time to time. Consider the area where you want to place your cast iron fireplace from the very beginning. You will have trouble moving it, as it is heavy and tends to stain the surface underneath it.

Some cast iron fireplaces have sheet metal necks, which are not very durable. Check if the manufacturer has free or cheap replacement parts. Cast iron fireplace is quite durable, and, provided it is maintained properly will serve you a long time.

Cast iron and cast aluminum are the most safe and durable materials outdoor fireplaces are made of. Other, more commercial and less durable, options are sheet metal, copper or clay fireplaces.

Sheet metal

Sheet metal fireplaces are sold at very cheap prices, but that should not be the main factor affecting your purchasing decision. Though, such fireplaces are available at a bargain cost, they will hardly last you a long time. Most of them start to rust very quickly and cannot be used anymore. If you do decide to purchase a sheet metal fireplace, check the gauge of metal, as too thin metal might melt.

Copper

Copper fireplaces appeal to many people because they look beautiful. However, being used several times, such fireplaces become rusty and green. If you opt for a copper fireplace, make sure it has holes in the bottom of the firepits. This is very essential, as these holes are designed to drain ash and water out during rain.

Clay

Clay fireplaces are quite cheap but have a short lifespan. The problem is that they might fall apart quite unexpectedly. Never place a clay fireplace on a wooden deck or any easily inflammable surface. The best surface to place such a fireplace is cement or baked clay. It is recommended that you use a spark arrestor and a mouthscreen to avoid accidents.

When you shop around for a fireplace, check the weight, as most fireplaces are produced by weight, so they are purchased by weight. Compare fireplaces made of the same material, cast aluminum to cast aluminum or copper to copper.