There’s nothing more wonderful than being able to enjoy a warm spring or summer afternoon outside on your patio, but what happens when the sun goes down and the temperatures cool off? Instead of being forced to go back indoors, many NJ homeowners make the decision to install a beautiful and functional outdoor fireplace, right in their own backyards.
Patio fireplaces make a dramatic statement that increases property value while also enabling you to spend even more time outside – even when the weather gets a little bit chilly.
If you’ve given any thought to introducing a fireplace to your hardscape, we’re here to help. There are multiple options to choose from so that you can customize the perfect fireplace for your property.
Natural Stone Fireplaces
Natural stone is the hallmark of sophistication and elegance within the hardscape. Many homeowners throughout NJ and the northeast work with natural stone in order to construct a number of landscaping and hardscaping features, ranging from patio floors to dry river beds and waterfalls to everything in-between.
Those who have worked with natural stone in the past should seriously consider adding onto their outdoor living spaces with a natural stone fireplace. Patio fireplaces can be constructed from a variety of different types of stone, all of which are extraordinarily beautiful.
Flagstone is a popular choice for fireplace units as it offers an upscale yet traditionally rugged appearance that will give a feeling of true authenticity to your space. Others enjoy a softer and more refined approach, turning their sights to a pillow face granite. For a truly unique looking fireplace, we recommend taking a closer look at bluestone.
The blues, grays, browns and even purples that are associated with bluestone will make your fireplace stand out from others. Bluestone is available in modular cuts as well as irregular cuts, depending on your preference.
Concrete “Stone” Fireplaces
For some homeowners, the look and feel of natural stone are desirable, but working with these materials just isn’t practical. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that the type of stone that the homeowner wants isn’t available in their region, or it could be that the stone is simply too expensive for the user’s budget.
Whatever the case may be, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t have to sacrifice your dream of a stunning stone fireplace because of any of your hangups. Numerous manufacturers offer high-quality concrete fireplace kits that look exactly like the real thing.
These companies make it their mission to offer exciting patio fireplaces that can be assembled from simple kits and that are built to last. You’ll enjoy choosing from a range of “stone” styles and colors, depending on your personal preferences.
Everything from the color of the “stone” to the rich texturing will trick your eyes into believing that your fireplace has been built with real stone. Some of the most trusted names in the manufacture of concrete patio fireplaces are Belgard, Cambridge, Techo-Bloc and Stone Age. These brands are all known for high-quality products that are built to last in the many years ahead.
Brick Fireplaces
Brick is another classic material in the manufacture of attractive and functional patio fireplaces. Bricks have traditionally been used throughout the centuries because they are a low-cost yet elegant and attractive masonry material that are extremely easy to work with.
The deep reds and browns colors associated with brick are aesthetically pleasing and go well with a number of other landscaping, hardscaping and architectural features that may be used throughout the property. Larger bricks with rougher surfaces are often selected for projects where the homeowner desires a traditional or rugged looking fireplace for their outdoor living space.
Conversely, a sleek brick with a glazed finish is an excellent way to add a modern touch to the patio area. Brick fireplaces can be assembled very quickly and are able to set and cure in record time so that users can start enjoying their new patio fireplaces as soon as possible. Bricks also offer a great deal of design flexibility, giving users a lot of freedom as they create the fireplaces of their dreams.
Cultured Stone (Veneer) Fireplaces
Cultured stone is another great option for homeowners who like the look and feel of natural stone but aren’t able to afford the real thing, or feel like natural stone is too heavy and bulky for the type of project they’re hoping to pull off.
Cultured stone is designed to look like a number of different types of natural stone including fieldstone (which is great for that classic and traditional look) or river rock (a perfect fit for anyone who loves a romantic storybook theme). In addition to providing homeowners with a lot of style and design options, cultured stone veneers are extremely lightweight and easy to work with.
You’ll be able to construct a beautiful patio fireplace with speed, ease and confidence and gather around a crackling fire with your loved ones in no time at all.
Making a Decision
Now that you’re aware of your many options, it’s time to give some serious thought to the type of patio fireplace that’s right for your specific needs.
Each type of outdoor fireplace has its own unique set of merits and benefits and all are excellent choices, but one could be best for your style and personality. When making a decision, consider:
- Budget – How much can you afford or are you willing to spend on patio fireplaces? Setting a budget will help you to narrow down your options and settle on the right materials.
- Style – Are you trying to achieve a specific look or style with your hardscaping features, including your new patio fireplace? Make sure that you select a material that will make it easy for you to incorporate the fireplace into the theme that you desire.
- Other Features – How will your new outdoor fireplace look within the scope of your other landscaping and hardscaping features? It’s important to choose materials that will complement the existing features throughout your property so that you get a sense of cohesive beauty and uniformity that will be visually pleasing.
Building Patio Fireplaces in NJ
Braen Supply is the leading supplier of materials for building patio fireplaces in NJ and its surrounding areas. Whether you plan to construct a natural stone or brick fireplace with design plans of your own, or you like the idea of purchasing a manufactured “stone” fireplace kit, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in our local showroom.
Feel free to talk to one of our experts about which fireplace option is the best fit for your hardscape. We’re happy to offer up practical advice and unique insider perspectives.
Once you’ve settled on the perfect fireplace, we’ll give you the fairest deal on the market. Our fireplace materials and kits can be picked up or bulk delivered to your home located throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC, or PA.
