Adding an outdoor fireplace to your property is a great way to boost your home’s value as well as your quality of life. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a crackling fire, feeling the warmth on your face, and enjoying the golden glow and conversation with friends and family. An outdoor fireplace allows you to enjoy being outside for much longer because you’ll be warm and cozy in early spring and well into the autumn. That makes a fireplace a great investment if you’re already considering adding an outdoor “room” with a full patio, grilling station and seating area. Consider the fireplace the final piece of the puzzle that allows you to enjoy your landscaping for longer and get up to 50 percent more use out of your space.
Outdoor Fireplace Design in NJ
When you decide exactly what your outdoor fireplace should look like, it’s important to remember your location. Many inspirational photos on the internet are going to feature outdoor room designs from the Southwest, where outdoor fireplaces have been popular for longer than they have here in New Jersey. That’s not surprising. In a place with no rain or snow, it’s easy to imagine eating dinner outdoors 300 nights a year.
However, if you’re looking for photos of outdoor fireplaces built in a desert climate, you may not be able to use the exact materials and design. Your project needs to hold up to East Coast weather conditions — which you already know can be wet, windy and wild!
Pro Tip: If you see a palm tree in any of your inspirational photos, don’t get your heart set on an exact replica at your Central New Jersey house. You’ll need to speak with a professional to make sure the shape, size and materials of that fireplace will hold up over the winter.
The Best Materials for Outdoor Fireplaces in NJ
When it comes to building a fireplace that lasts, selecting the right materials is everything. Here are some critical do’s and don’ts to make sure you get an outdoor fireplace that lives up to your expectations.
Do:
- Use Natural Stone Veneer: Natural stone quarried from the earth is beautiful and long-lasting. It can handle freeze and thaw cycles over the winter, and it’s not likely to be bothered by a little rain. Natural stone comes in many textures, colors and veining patterns, so you can choose a style that looks like it was quarried nearby for a perfectly local look.
- Consider Cultured Stone Veneer: Cultured stone is a manufactured product that is designed to look like real stone. It’s generally more lightweight and easier to work with than natural stone, which can speed up your installation. You may also have more options available for color and style.
- Opt for Veneer Instead of Full Fieldstone: Building codes require a completely safe fireplace with proper venting for the chimney and firebox. It’s no longer realistic to build a full stone fireplace with structural rocks — and it’s not necessary. Stone veneer over a structurally sound base is the best way to get the look you want while keeping safety first.
Don’t:
- Ask for Stucco: Stucco can provide a smooth or textured finish in lots of colors, but it’s a terrible choice for wet environments. It’s a porous material that will absorb water, which will cause cracks and eventually crumble. Applying stucco in New Jersey is asking for a lifetime of repairs, so avoid this finish.
Maybe:
- Choose Brick Veneer: Brick is an old-fashioned choice, and most people find all the mortar lines to look a little too busy. Still, in some situations, it can make sense, particularly if you’re trying to match a historic house foundation. As with stone, brick veneer is more appropriate than trying to build your fireplace structure from brick.
Other Considerations
When it comes to outdoor fireplace design in NJ, choosing the right materials is the most important thing. Beyond that, here are some other considerations that a qualified landscape designer will be able to talk you through:
- Wind Direction: Even when it’s nice outside, a light breeze will blow smoke from your chimney. You want that smoke to head away from your house for both fire safety and cleanliness — it’s no fun to scrub dark soot from your siding twice a year.
- Fuel Type: If your neighborhood has gas lines — or if you already have easy access to propane — fueling your outdoor fireplace with gas will take all the work out of enjoying the flame. Gas fireplaces are also a safe choice since you can turn them off instantly when it’s time for bed.
- Wood Storage: If you prefer a wood-burning fireplace, think about where you’ll keep your firewood. Adding some built-in niches for wood storage is the height of convenience, and you’ll love the way it looks, too.
In the end, the best design for a New Jersey fireplace uses natural or cultured stone veneer to get a wonderful look. It will also incorporate smart design in terms of its location and the way it functions in your space.
Not sure where to start? Talk to a professional landscape designer in your area to get the most out of your investment.
