Having an outdoor fireplace has a charm of its own.  The aesthetic appeal and the natural warmth that an outdoor fireplace brings automatically warms even the coldest of nights.  There are a number of things that one must take into account while designing an outdoor fire place apart from the aesthetics.  We shall discuss some of the key things that you must keep in mind while buying your outdoor fireplace.

- Size & Design:  The first step is to decide on the size of the fire box.  A small firebox is more difficult to handle than a large one as the effort required in handling and cutting wood for this size is more difficult and is also a lot more expensive.  Bear in mind that having a big fire box does not mean that you have to build a large fire.  You can always use less wood and build a smaller fire.

A fireplace as opposed to a fire pit burns better and produces less smoke as the air is drawn into the fire and blown out through the fire place chimney.  If you are looking at a fire pit design make sure that it has a good smoke stack but remember a fire pit will be smokier than a traditional fireplace.

- Maintenance: Maintenance of an outdoor fireplace is a prime area of concern.  There are some ready to install fireplaces made out of clay, commercial sheet steel and copper that are easily available.  However, these materials are not long lasting and do not provide adequate safety.

Sheet steel fireplaces are prone to rust and if the metal is not thick enough it can melt.  Once it begins to rust, it can be assumed that the fireplace has outlived itself.  Cast iron fireplaces on the other hand last comparatively longer but are high on maintenance.  The placement of this fireplace needs to be carefully considered, as they are prone to staining the surface that they stand on.  Occasionally painting the cast iron fireplace with high temperature paint takes care of the rust problem.

Copper has the same problem of rust and though it looks really good when it’s new it tends to get a greenish tinge after a while.  Clay fireplaces have a tendency of falling apart without warning, leaving behind a big mess along with a fire hazard.

Aluminum fireplaces are thus the best option for outdoor fireplaces.  They do not rust like others, are lightweight and mobile and do not tend to stain the surface that they stand on.  These cast aluminum fireplaces are aesthetically similar to cast iron fireplaces minus the hassles and also radiate heat as effectively.

- What to burn: Hardwoods are best for burning in outdoor fireplaces.  Adding aromatics such as pine cones, apple wood and other such exotics make the outdoor experience even more exotic.  Fire logs that are manufactured are an easy option to start a fire but they are a little toxic in nature and should not be used for roasting marshmallows etc.

- Safety: Taking all the safety precautions such as keeping a fire extinguisher at hand, never leaving a fire unattended, having a source of water close by and investing in a good quality fireplace will certainly make sure that you enjoy your outdoor experience for a long time.