According to legend, the chiminea was invented hundreds of years ago by Mexican tribesmen. The men created a fire pit that could keep their families warm while also providing enough of a flame for their wives to cook. Most importantly, the design of the chiminea would prevent the wood from getting wet. Another benefit to the chiminea design is its rounded bottom and fluted top. This creates a flue to direct the smoke upward rather than around the fire pit. This then allowed for a quicker and safer burn.

Today, the chiminea has become a modern way to decorate any backyard garden or patio as an outdoor fireplace or fire pit alternative. Its small size makes it convenient for families with limited backyard space or for families desiring a simple element to complete their outdoor area.

Selecting the mold of a chiminea is incredibly important. The right mold can help eliminate rusting or warping of the material. In addition, the type of material used to build the chiminea can burn wood at a faster rate.

We understand choosing the perfect element to complete your outdoor living space can be stressful, so we have assembled a small list of some of our most popular items. Each of these selected chimineas are made of different materials that could help complete any backyard or garden area.

Featured Items

The Oakland Living Elite

This chiminea comes in a small 35 inch frame. Made of cast iron, this unit is also coated in a hardened powder for a unique finish to protect the design, ensuring you several years of use without a touch-up paint job.

The Blue Rooster Sun Ray Chiminea

This chiminea is made of an aluminum alloy that prevents rusting, meaning you can bring it with you anywhere. With its small frame, you can use it indoors strictly as a decorative item (No Fire) or outdoors within your backyard, garden, or patio area. In addition, it can be easily packed for a day of use at the beach or lake.

The Blue Rooster Grape Chiminea

With grape leaf detail, this chiminea is perfect for people who enjoy entertaining in style. Made of an aluminum alloy with a gray finish, one consumer noted the aluminum alloy base made for easy transport and storage.

As you can see, MantelsDirect.com offers an array of chimineas for you to choose from. And now is the perfect time to make a purchase with several on sale and all featuring free shipping.

Besides providing your kids the perfect opportunity for roasting marshmallows every evening until school resumes, a chiminea also adds an affordable, decorative accent to any outdoor garden or patio.

So why wait? Check out mantelsdirect.com for the perfect match for you.

Chimineas come in a variety of designs to complement any backyard design.

Chiminneas are perfect for any outdoor space.

Made of cast iron, Chimineas will endure most weather conditions for years of enjoyment.

It’s the time of the year when sitting outside under the stars with family and friends seems like the perfect way to wind down after a long, hot summer day. Sometimes, though, an unseasonably chilly evening or the looming threat of a brisk fall can abruptly end your stargazing adventures.

With two convenient styles (Free Standing Patio Heaters & Hanging Patio Heaters) outdoor patio heaters are the perfect solution to ensure your summer evenings can still be, well, enjoyable.

Free Standing Patio Heaters

Designed similarly to a lamp, the convenient stand allows the heater to be placed in any outdoor setting. In addition, the lightweight portability of the elements means you can move the heater in or out of the home with ease.

Most standing patio heaters operate off electric currents from within your home. As you and your guests enjoy the great outdoors in peace, these heaters will quietly and efficiently produce heat without emitting any dangerous UV rays. Several units are also available with propane tanks should you not want the restrictions of a cord.

Free-standing patio heaters are easy to move and provide the perfect amount of heat to take the chill out of a cool evening.

Freestanding heaters also come in a range of colors and types that will suit any outdoor living space. For instance, the Fire Sense Hammer Tone Patio Heater comes with all the materials you need for an easy and quick setup — all it really needs is a level surface for it to stand on. Most outdoor patio heaters will remain unaffected by wind gusts and comes equipped with various heat settings to ensure the utmost comfort.

Because of its halogen based heating source, the Fire Sense Hammer is lighter and can be stored inside and easily brought outside at your convenience. Once outside, the sleek look of this freestanding lamp makes for a stylish piece perfect for any backyard or garden area, and it’s sure to wow your guests at your next garden party.

Hanging Patio Heaters

Hanging patio heaters offer a different look than the standing patio heaters. Unlike standing heaters, hanging heaters are offered in two set styles. One can be hung similarly to a small hanging outdoor plant, while the other can be mounted to a wall.

Each of these hanging elements differs in their weather-resistance, but both utilize the latest heating technology and can be conveniently used within your home as well.

Weighing less than 10 pounds, the Fire Sense Hanging Stainless Steel Halogen Patio Heater looks similar to the top of the Fire Sense Hammer Tone Patio Heater.  The provided chain offers a delicate look for any patio area. For best use from this heater, hang the element three feet above any patio table. With three heat settings, this element will keep your friends comfortable, cozy, and happy.

Hang this beautiful heater over a patio table to perfectly heat your family and guests.

A mounted heater like the Fire Sense Black Steel Wall Mounted Infrared Patio Heater, on the other hand, is different from the hanging heater in a couple ways. For one, it operates off infrared technology. Infrared heating, in this case, warms a 70 sq. ft. area, while the short wave technology guarantees you conserve energy.

Secondly, made of steel with a glass front, this product is virtually safe from all the elements, including rain, and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically.

Installing a patio heater for your home takes some careful consideration and planning, but with the help of our Specialists at MantelsDirect, you can find the perfect one for your home.

Wall mounted infrared heaters are perfect for warming outdoor patio and sitting areas.

Create an inviting focal point in any room by bringing out the hidden potential and true beauty of your fireplace.  A Fireplace Mantel upgrade or update isn’t hard to do and is an easy way to take advantage of the latest style trends.

The Cambridge wood fireplace mantel is a perfect example of a classic, traditional mantel.

Classic styles are almost always the most popular and are available in a wide variety of materials to suit most any home.  Wood fireplace mantels offer great looks depending on the type of wood, the grain of the wood, and can be painted or stained to your specific color needs.  These mantels are available in either mantel shelf or full mantel surround styles.

A Fireplace Mantel Shelf is a great way to instantly update a tired fireplace or add visual interest to a fireplace with no adornment.  Their unique mounting system make them incredibly easy to install, giving you a great new look with very little effort.

Mantel surrounds, on the other hand, are perfect if you are trying to completely update your room décor.  They are available in a variety of materials – wood, stone, or marble.  Wood Mantels can be custom sized to fit almost any pre-existing fireplace.  They can come either fully finished at the factory or unfinished to be painted or stained at the job site.  Mantels Direct offers custom color matching where your mantel will arrive ready to install pre stained or painted to perfectly match your exiting room color.

A fireplace mantel shelf is a perfect alternative to a full three-sided mantel.

Stone mantels are quickly becoming the strongest trend, and for good reason.  You will be amazed at the variety of styles – from clean and simple lines, to classically ornate or modern and bold.  Stone Mantels can also be customized to fit almost any fireplace size or shape. Elegant stone ages gracefully and will add beauty and value to your home for years to come.

Custom Stone Mantel and Overmantel with TV and Media

For another option, adding an overmantel for height and visual interest is a unique way to finish out a fireplace. An overmantel is basically a mantel or additional framing over the lower mantel surround.   A current trend is to incorporate a television to fit within the overmantel.  There are several overmantel styles available in matching material to stone mantels.  Almost any wood or stone mantel can have an overmantel created to match.

Make the most of your fireplace year round by adding decorative touches that draw the eye to one of the largest features in any room.

As the days get longer, we find ourselves spending more and more time outdoors and well into the evenings. This is where outdoor fire pits have become the staple for outdoor enjoyment. Not just visually appealing and relaxing but also functional, these pits create the perfect mood for an entertaining evening with family or friends.

The Nepal Fire Pit is a beautiful addition to any backyard space.

If you are looking for something that is both unique and stylish when it comes to outdoor fire pits, then Fire Pit Art is the perfect match for you. These “made in the USA” fire bowls are expertly hand crafted in Tennessee. Each fire pit is beautifully created using durable ¼” thick solid carbon steel, the heaviest gauge metal being used, making it incredibly long-lasting. These beautiful works of functional art come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes to fit any design taste. Each fire pit can be left outside year-round and require no maintenance even in cold, harsh environments. Each bowl is finished in an iron oxide patina which over time will darken and become permanent, giving a look unique to each individual piece. A dense, high temperature resistant coating is also added to the interior walls for added resilience.  Should you prefer, each fire pit can be easily adapted for propane or natural gas if you’d rather not use real wood.

The Asia by Fire Pit Art is stunningly beautiful with its clean, simple design.

As proof to their uniqueness, each fire pit is hand crafted and individually numbered for authenticity, making them a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art. Adding a Fire Pit Art fire bowl to your backyard is a sure way to guarantee it will become the stand-out conversation piece of any outdoor space!

When you look around your home, does your fireplace look a little uninviting?  Let us help you reestablish it as the focal point of your room. An easy update to most fireplace mantels is to add new fireplace surround facing material.  “Surround facing” is the material which is between the edge of your firebox and the inside legs and bottom of your mantel surround.  Facings are typically brick, granite, marble or other natural stone material.  Many older homes may still have the unfinished brick which the chimney was made from.  If your fireplace features a hearth, this can also be updated with natural stone.  Adding a new stone facing gives an instant fresh face to your room!

This Granite surround facing brings a lot of appeal to this traditional mantel.

Natural stone facing is the obvious choice for most fireplaces since it is fireproof and easy to maintain.  Granite is a popular choice and if your fireplace is near your kitchen, you may want to select granite in a complementary color to your counter tops.  Marble is always an elegant upgrade and the cost is probably less than you think – so it’s definitely worth considering.  For a more casual feel, natural slate has become a very popular choice.

Using our online measuring guide, we can assist you with the process of selecting the correct size stone for your needs.  Once you have selected your stone, you may either order online or contact one of our helpful sales representatives to assist you.

The Emperador Marron Marble surround facing makes a bold statement against this white mantel.

Worried about installation? Don’t be, it’s easy.  Full installation instructions are online and included with your shipment.  Start by preparing your surface for mounting.  Once this is ready, you will prepare your hearth with adhesive (if installing) and align as you desire.  Once this is done, the facing legs are placed, then the header. If needed, the optional riser would be the final installation.

Consider upgrading your fireplace today with beautiful natural stone facing. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

To create a unique and inviting retreat, consider a Buschbeck Outdoor Fireplace.  These beautiful pieces have a modern appeal and can help you create the perfect spot to sit and relax after a long day.  Not only can you enjoy the soothing flames, but dinner can simmer over the fire on the grill accessory while you rest in your favorite lounge chair.

Enjoy the contemporary design of the Malibu outdoor fireplace grill.

With four designs to choose from (Aspen, Cape Cod, San Remo & Malibu) you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect outdoor fireplace grill for your back yard. These beautiful units are crafted in Germany and feature quality construction.  Steel reinforced concrete and quartz compounds make the fireplaces incredibly durable.    The outside features a smooth, pebbled exterior with some units featuring copper accents.  Each unit is completely finished at the factory so no painting is required at installation.

The special construction of Buschbeck fireplace barbecue stoves ensure a high level of safety as only those parts of the firebox made from refractory concrete come in contact with the open flame.  These units are designed so air is constantly circulating between the outer skin and the five-part-furnace area.

Installation of a Buschbeck outdoor fireplace is simple – only two people are needed and no special tools.  The unit arrives securely packaged and can be assembled quickly and easily.  Special adhesive is included with each unit to further secure the parts during assembly.  Once installed, regular maintenance is a snap – just hose the unit down on an as needed basis.

Enjoy your favorite grilled food in style with the Cape Cod Outdoor Fireplace

Double walled construction allows the option to burn wood or charcoal, depending on your personal preference.  A grilling rack slides easily in and out so you can cook with ease.  Additionally, there is a removable ember bed tray to help facilitate easy cleaning.

Built to last, these outdoor patio fireplaces will still look fresh and new after many years of use.  Create a relaxing and functional focal point in your outdoor space with a Bushbeck outdoor fireplace.

We recently featured the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Kit in one of our blog postings a few weeks back. However, this time I’d like to go into a little more detail about its construction by first sharing a new Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Assembly Video. This great, informative, step-by-step assembly video shows just how easy it is to construct your own outdoor fireplace with just the assistance of one other person. Additionally, I wanted to remind everyone that while these outdoor fireplaces look great on their own, they are also fully customizable. You can add stone, rock, brick, decorative cement elements etc, to make a stunning, one-of-a-kind fireplace.

Let’s take a look at these great customer submitted photos and descriptions which show a custom stone installation on the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace BBQ Edition Kit.

Step 1: Prep Your Patio or Deck.  This customer chose to extend the deck to create a wooden platform for his outdoor fireplace.

Base Construction – Perfect Outdoor Fireplace

Step 2: Assemble the Base. Four stone pieces make up the base of the fireplace.

Base & Fire Box Assembly – Perfect Outdoor Fireplace

Step 3: Build the Walls. The thick, fire resistant walls are supported by 4 stone pillars.  This customer ordered the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace BBQ Edition Kit, as can be seen by the side slots for the grill grate.

Step 4: Add the Top Vent. The hood vent easily mounts on the top of the fireplace. This piece serves to protect the inside firebox, as well as direct the smoke away from your outdoor living space.

Assembled Perfect Outdoor Fireplace w/ custom stonework installation

Step 5: Personalize with Brick or Stone. As mentioned earlier, the unit looks great as is but can also be customized with brick or stone for a truly unique look. With just a little extra work, this customer transformed his Perfect Outdoor Fireplace into a stunningly beautiful stone fireplace.

Completed Perfect Outdoor Fireplace with custom stonework

Building and customizing your Perfect Outdoor Fireplace is so easy that just about anyone can do it. With just a few easy-to-follow instructions you too can be enjoying a new, customized or not, fireplace in your own backyard.

Looking for an easy way to add warmth and value to your home?  Take a look outside your back door and imagine your own outdoor living space!

Modena Luxury Fire Pit Table with Flute Trim – WMCFPTF

Every space needs a focal point, and our exquisite collection of Classic Stone Outdoor Fire Pit Tables is a great place to start.  These fire pit tables are built by hand and made of a composite limestone.  This material is weather resistant and looks like natural stone, but at a fraction of the cost.  Each unit is offered in a variety of honed composite limestone finishes, colors and a natural texture capturing the true essence of real stone. When seeing it in person, its unique color and veins are simply breathtaking.

We offer three different styles of fire pit tables to appeal to multiple tastes.  The Catalina  features delicate scroll-work accents at the top of the unit.  Sleek and modern, the Modena will create an oasis in your outdoor space.  And finally, a beautiful Greek key motif adorns the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Luxury Fire Pit Table with Keys Trim – WMCFPTK

Each unit can be used with either propane or natural gas and come with  a stone top that allows the unit to be used as a cocktail table when not in use. This added functionality is a great feature no matter how you plan on using the table. Cover the fire pit and use the table as a buffet for food or remove it and enjoy the warm fire while relaxing with a glass of wine. These fire pits feature fire resistant material and a 24″ x 12″ rectangular Crystal Fire Burner made of high quality stainless steel. If you are looking for a little more customization, the fuel bed can be filled with tempered, high temperature glass rocks which are available in a variety of colors.

Catalina Luxury Fire Pit Table with Flower Scroll Trim – WMCFPTS

With just the push of the electric ignitor, you can be enjoying the beautiful and relaxing visuals of a dancing fire – perfect for bringing warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space. Just adjust the flame height to your desired setting and enjoy a warm fire for up to 16 full hours using a standard 20 lb LP tank, or hook it up to an LP or natural gas line.

So take a second, look out your back window, and consider the possibilities that a stone fire pit table can add to your space. You could be relaxing in no time!

Winter’s chill is finally fading and the smell of spring is in the air. It’s time to start thinking about transitioning from our indoor living spaces to their outdoor counterparts. There’s nothing like being outside to help rejuvenate and relax. But when evening comes and temperatures dip just below your comfort level, wouldn’t it be nice to have something to keep you warm and extend the amount of time you can spend outdoors? Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are the perfect way to bring heat and visual appeal to your outdoor living spaces.

The Perfect Outdoor Fireplace is easy to assemble and creates a stunning visual impact to your outdoor living space.

An outdoor fire place is a great way to update your outdoors, no matter what size area you have to work with. You can easily transform your patio’s look and functionality while maximizing your ability to entertain family and friends both day and night. Just imagine an outdoor barbeque that turns into a relaxing evening under the stars with the warm ambient glow of a crackling fire.  With a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect option for your needs and taste.

Our most popular outdoor fireplace, and most appropriately named, is the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace. This unit offers three styles to choose from: 3 Sided Screened, See Thru Screened, and BBQ Edition and is available in Pewter, Sandstone, Tan, and Taupe finishes. Crafted of heat dissipating stone, the fireplace will never crack, no matter what the temperature outside – making it ideal for year-round enjoyment. Its modular design makes assembly a breeze with easy to follow instructions and no mortar required.

If you are looking for something that doesn’t have such a large footprint, perhaps an outdoor fire pit is a better fit. They are one of the fastest growing trends in outdoor design, mainly for their versatility and portability. Fire pits come in a variety of sizes, shapes, styles and price ranges, appealing to most any design taste. Typically constructed of cast iron, copper, stainless steel, aluminum and ceramic, these products are designed to withstand the elements, giving you years of all-season enjoyment. Most fire pits are fueled one of two ways, either wood burning or gas/propane. The gas/propane units either have ceramic logs, lava rock or colored glass for a more contemporary look.

Some of our favorite designs come from the manufacturer Fire Pit Art. These beautifully crafted fire pits are constructed of high quality materials making them incredibly durable. What we really like about these units are their unique artistic designs which set them off from most other fire pits currently out there. The Asia, is one of our most popular items and was recently featured in the TODL design newsletter. It features clean lines and a minimalism design. The Asia is available in several sizes and is hand-crafted from solid carbon steel.

The Asia Artisan Steel Fire Pit’s dramatic design will bring elegance and interest to your back yard.

No matter what look you are going for, you won’t be disappointed. With an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, your back yard entertaining will be taken to an entirely new level. Enjoy great company well into the evening hours while basking in the warm glow of a peacefully, relaxing fire. 

A home’s fireplace is often described by designers as the “central focal-point of any room.” It can command attention simply by its sheer size, but also by the simplicity or ornateness of the fireplace mantel. But what is your fireplace mantel saying right now? Is it slightly dated looking or dirty and stained from years of use, or has your current style changed and you are just looking for something new?

Seville Legs with Parisian Shelf Stone Mantel
Shown in Smooth White Stone Finish, raised extra thick hearth with bottom trim and custom chase/overmantel design.

Cast stone mantels are a perfect solution for any fireplace rehabilitation project. Molds come in a variety of styles, from plain and simple to elaborate and eye-catching. No matter the aesthetics of your room, there is a design out there to fit your taste. Cast stone is a durable molding material which is often used in creating both fireplace mantels and overmantels. It is significantly lighter than natural cut stone, making it easier to work with as well as to install – and not to mention much more cost effective! Cast stone is also fire resistant meaning no extra space is needed between the fireplace and mantel. If you are concerned about the look, not to worry, cast stone is incredibly accurate at replicating the appearance of cut stone, with its natural forming pores and coloring. Most people can’t tell the difference and even prefer it. These mantels can also be completed in natural, honed or polished finishes which rage across several different color schemes.  So it’s easy to match your room’s décor.

Now earlier I mentioned over mantels. Many times people don’t know what this or don’t even think about these wonderful additions to traditional fireplace mantels. An over mantel is a decorative structure or ornamental panel which sits above a fireplace mantel. They often times are complimented by centrally featuring either a mirror, artwork or, with today’s advances in electronics, a flat panel television. Also available in cast stone, these architectural design elements are a great way to complete the look of your fireplace.

‘Extended’ Venetian Stone Fireplace Mantel – Majestic Series
Shown in Sahara Veined Polished Stone Finish, flat square hearth, extended mantel breast and custom Regal Overmantel.

Now, it’s time to get some inspiration and take a moment to look at these beautiful  mantel projects which truly create one serious “Wow” factor!