Ted and Tina Fugunt stoke the fire of their custom-built outdoor fireplaceJust like any indoor room, an outdoor living space needs an anchor that gives the family a reason to gather. From the simplest fire pit to the most elaborate custom fireplace, a fire feature warms chilly trick-or-treaters and gives a relaxing glow to any party. When fall nights turn cool, a backyard fire is a must-have element. But what kind of structure will ignite your space?
With its massive height and sculpted lines, the outdoor fireplace is the hot spot of many backyards, including that of the Fugunt family. Five years ago, Ted and Tina built their home in East Brainerd’s legends development bordering one of the community’s ponds, Magnolia Lake. “We didn’t do anything in the backyard,” says Tina. That was before last October, when the family added a pergola and a stamped concrete patio with a fireplace and in-ground hot tub. At the corner of the living area, the fireplace is in view of everything.
As the centerpiece of their outdoor living area, the Fugunt’s tapered chimney is surrounded by plantation chairs, an in-ground hot tub and pergola.Using earth-toned brick left over from their home’s construction, the Fugunts contracted craftsmen to build a structure from their own design with a tapering chimney and a copper top. A border of stone accents the arched opening where wood can be quickly lit with a gas starter. Logs are hidden behind the fireplace on a palette of stone while three plantation chairs sit in front, rearranged depending on how the couple is using the space. “Our favorite day was Christmas. We started a fire and got in the hot tub,” Tina says.
While the romantic fireplace is ideal for just a few people, the more casual fire pit accommodates a larger group with seating on all sides. Its low profile keeps the conversation going, and the large opening facilitates s’mores and hot dogs. The fire pit’s Mexican cousin, the chimenea, has a useful chimney top that steers smoke up and away from seated guests. Though open on only one side, the terra cotta or metal body radiates heat to warm guests all around. Both the fire pit and chiminea can be portable, cheaper alternatives to the fireplace and are easily relocated from patio to lawn or even stored out of sight in summer.
For those who want the fast and uncomplicated setup of a fire pit with the advantages of a fireplace, General Shale Brick has recently launched a line of outdoor living kits that include a traditional looking brick fireplace and fixed fire pits. “What I am most proud of with our products is that you do not need thousands of dollars to enjoy an outdoor space,” says William Sundquist, General Shale’s sales manager. “With our round fire pit, in less than one hour you can have it assembled and be enjoying a fire on a nice fall evening.”