Outdoor fireplaces are so closely linked with positive qualities such as beauty, warmth, and coziness that it’s easy to forget they also pose serious safety hazards if not used properly. Not only can burning embers and flying sparks escape from the firebox and threaten your deck, house, or yard, but the unit itself might tip over due to careless installation practices.

The potential dangers of home hearth products are essentially the same whether you’re talking about a full-sized fireplace or a small fire pit. To ensure the well-being of your family, guests, and property while enjoying your heating or cooking product, please observe the following safety tips.

• Do not leave a burning fire unattended. While some gas outdoor fireplaces have automatic shutoff systems, you won’t find this feature in a wood-burning unit or a fire pit. If you intend to leave the area for more than a few minutes, put the fire out.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, working hose, sand, or full buckets of water near the unit so that you can quickly douse any burning embers or sparks discharged from the firebox.
• Use a spark screen or other type of spark arrestor to contain burning embers.
• Properly maintain your fireplace or fire pit by cleaning it regularly. Poor maintenance habits can lead to clogged fuel lines or vents, which will in turn hinder safe operation.
• Make sure your hearth product is installed on a level, stable surface to prevent tipping. Some outdoor fireplaces weigh over 1,000 pounds, which presents a serious crushing hazard for furniture, pets, and people.
• Do not set up your unit near wooden structures, dry brush and leaves, electrical wires, or low overhanging branches.
• Store extra fuel, such as wood logs, charcoal, or propane tanks, in a clean, dry area well away from your hearth product.
• If you see signs of rust or other material degradation, it is time to replace the damaged part or the entire unit. Rusted fireboxes can easily collapse, leaving you with a burning heap of wood and ashes on your patio.
• Keep people and pets several feet away from the fireplace or fire pit to avoid being burned by sparks, embers, or leaping flames.

When proper precautions are taken, outdoor fireplaces are a wonderful means of enhancing your backyard. Please adhere to the above safety guidelines and read the operating manual provided by the manufacturer so you can enjoy your product without worry.

Summer is just about ready to give way to fall, which means this is a terrific time to start looking at hearth products for your patio or yard. Full-sized outdoor fireplaces, or even a smaller fire pit, can provide heating and cooking functions while also adding aesthetic appeal and increasing the value of your home.

Of the many different brands of outdoor fireplaces we sell here at MantelsDirect.com, the ones from Patina Products are among the most distinctive. This company makes attractive fire pit units that are durable and easy to care for. Each one comes with a natural rust patina finish that will continue to age over time to create a truly unique look.

These fire pits are available in a number of different designs as well. For example, the Atlantic Coast model has shapes of starfish, crabs, lighthouses, seahorses, and more cut right into the side of the bowl, while the Mardi Gras unit showcases such shapes as fleur-de-lis symbols, saxophones, and the outline of the state of Louisiana. Other available models include Chinese Characters, Pacific Coast, Safari, Mosaic Santa Fe, Flower & Garden, and Wild Duck.

In addition, each wood-burning fire pit from Patina Products boasts the following features and benefits:

• Fully assembled for immediate use right out of the box.
• Weather-resistant solid steel construction.
• 30-inch safety ring around the top rim of the bowl that doubles as a convenient handle or footrest.
• Welded steel legs to prevent tipping and wobbling.
• Portability.
• Wire mesh spark guard to prevent sparks and burning embers from escaping through the design cutouts.
• BBQ grill, wood poker, and weather cover included in the box.

You’ve heard your friends raving about how outdoor fireplaces allow them to spend time on the deck all year round; now it’s your turn to get in on the action. Whether you end up choosing a large fireplace or a portable fire pit from Patina Products, we know you’ll enjoy the result!

Simply the Sweet Life is a home & garden lifestyle magazine with features on great food & recipes, fresh creative ideas, stylish entertaining & lifestyle tips, and family travels to create lasting memories. It is the place to find Simple little things to make Life Sweet! MantelsDirect was featured in their No. 3 Summer Issue. Our team shares tips on building an outdoor fire pit and gives step by step directions to creating the perfect outdoor fire! Gather around your family and friends there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy the outdoors!  Click below to read the full article, we’re featured on pages 42-43.

Its back-to-school time but they are still plenty of outdoor evenings to enjoy! MantelsDirect.com now offers the Napoleon Linear Patioflame outdoor fire pit. This fire pit features a slim, sleek, modern design, which adds style to any outdoor décor. There’s nothing more enjoyable than spending time outdoors with family and friends, outdoor fire pits allow you to keep you loved ones comfortable even as the seasons start to turn. This Linear Fire Pit features 60,000 BTUs of powerful heat output and is designed to run on liquid propane however we include a natural gas conversion kit for those who prefer gas. Installation and set up is a breeze, start your fire pit with the equipped electronic ignition. This fire pit is safe to use on wooden decks, stone, or brick patios. Keep warm this fall with this stylish outdoor fire pit focal point!

With the temperatures cooling down, MantelsDirect.com shows you how to extend the outdoor season with our kick-off to fall entertaining guide. By creating a beautiful focal point to your outdoor room you’ll add seasons to your outdoor living. Fire pits have been on the rise that last few years with people spending more time outdoors entertaining and relaxing. MantelsDirect has highlighted a few of our favorite outdoor firepit designs giving you the inspiration to create your own oasis!

Create a Outdoor Room:

This outdoor gas fireplace serves as the centerpiece of the patio. Picture late evenings or crisp fall nights outside with your friends and family relaxing by this elegant outdoor fireplace.

Customizable Fireplaces:

Transform your backyard into a warm, inviting outdoor living area with one of our Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Kits. Add value to your home and create a place to share warm memories with friends and family for a lifetime! Each outdoor fireplace has interlocking pieces that can be assembled in an hour or less without glue or mortar. They are simple, safe and designed for a custom built look.

Classic Fun Style:

These hand-made, artisan fire pits are crafted by a skilled metal artist and built to last from solid carbon steel. Add a stunning outdoor fire pit sculpture to any space to transform it to an outdoor oasis.

Elegance & Functionality:

Our exquisite collection of stone outdoor firepit tables is offered in a variety of honed composite limestone finishes and colors. These are of the highest quality and style. Each fire pit table has variations in color and texture that captures the true essence of natural stone. Its unique color and natural veins are simply breathtaking.

Combining Warmth & Cooking:

Buschbeck outdoor fireplaces are the perfect solution for staying warm while meeting all of your grilling and cooking needs. Cook with wood or charcoal or simply enjoy a warm fire with our Buschbeck outdoor stone fireplaces. Built to last, these German made outdoor patio fireplaces will retain their good looks after many years of intensive use.

Outdoor entertaining is about creating a distinctive ambience. You want your guests to have all the comforts of the indoors, while at the same time providing a few unique touches that make the al fresco experience memorable. That’s one of the reasons why many hosts and hostesses choose to use a tabletop fire pit as a centerpiece instead of more traditional flowers or candles.

A tabletop fire pit is a compact unit that is as functional as it is beautiful. Not only does this product instantly add a touch of elegance to your outdoor dinner party, but it is also capable of keeping the immediate area warm thanks to its 9,000 to 12,000 BTU output—approximately the same amount as a small space heater. Plus, each piece is designed to occupy a prominent spot on the table without obstructing your guests’ views, thereby facilitating conversation and conviviality throughout the evening.

Here is a brief look at some of our most popular tabletop options.

Adding a heating product to your outdoor living space is the easiest way to extend the usefulness of the area beyond the spring and summer months. Those lucky enough to have big backyards often choose to install a fireplace or fire pit for precisely this purpose, and are subsequently able to enjoy their patio or deck all year round. But what can you do if you have a smaller yard or simply aren’t willing to sacrifice the amount of real estate required for a full-sized outdoor fireplace? We recommend adding a ‘campfire’ pit instead. These products, also known as fire pit rings, are very compact, which means you can install them almost anywhere. Plus, with an output of 60,000 BTUs, there’s no question about how effectively a campfire pit can generate warmth. Here’s how to add one to your outdoor living space.

1. Choose a location. Fire pit rings must sit on a level or secure surface, which is why most people elect to install them on decks or patios made of wood, brick, stone, or concrete. They must also be located near a gas line or propane cylinder, and for safety reasons, you should make sure you can still reach the on/off valve after the product is installed.
2. Assemble the product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling the product. In most cases, the process is very straightforward and requires no tools or special DIY knowhow to complete.
3. Connect the gas hose or propane tank. If you’re using a natural gas supply to fuel the unit, then simply connect the gas hose to the proper valve. If you prefer LP gas (propane), then you just hook up the tank.
4. Test the unit. Turn the gas valve on and make sure the unit works correctly. The flames should burn in a steady fashion, and should not exhibit lifting or floating characteristics.
5. Customize, if desired. You can beautify your campfire pit by adding a decorative surround to match the rest of your outdoor space, or you can enjoy it as is.
6. Perform periodic maintenance. To keep your hearth product in great condition, be sure to disassemble the unit from time to time to inspect the burner and clean it if necessary.

That’s really all there is to it. Fire pit rings are 100% weatherproof and made of highly durable stainless steel, so they will help you enjoy your outdoor living space for many years to come. Order or install yours today!

There’s something about fire that draws people in; adding a fire pit focal point to your outdoor room is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your patio or deck area. Your friends and family will enjoy roasting marshmallows on cool summer nights! MantelsDirect.com offers fire pits and fire bowls for every style, décor, and budget. Take a look at a few of our favorites.

Our new Colonial Fire Pit Table is classically designed and versatile. When not enjoying the fire you can use this fire pit as a freestanding table for outdoor entertaining. The Colonial Firepit features a durable fiberglass base with a large 48” super cast top.

Built to last, the Third Rock Firepit from Fire Pit Art is handcrafted from solid carbon steel and requires no maintenance even in cold, harsh environments. The Third Rock fire pit design is beautiful when fired up at night and is a sophisticated piece of art during the day.

If you headed to the beach this summer, don’t forget to take along our Pacific Coast Outdoor Fire Pit. This fun, stylish fire pit is lightweight and portable. The palm trees and sun design is sure to bring an extra spark of fun to any beach outing.

Whether your looking to add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor room or simply extend your outdoor living season, MantelsDirect.com offers fire pits and fire bowls for your specific needs.

If you’re only using your deck or patio as an entertainment area in the summer, then you are shortchanging yourself and your guests. With the addition of an outdoor fireplace or fire pit and a few small tweaks to the landscaping, you can convert your backyard into a cozy retreat that can be enjoyed in any season. Here’s how you can extend the utility of your outdoor living space throughout the fall, winter, and spring months, too.

Add an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
Cold weather is typically the biggest enemy of outdoor entertaining. After all, nobody wants to have to bundle up in multiple layers of clothing as well as a heavy jacket in order to sit outside for a couple hours. Fortunately, this problem can be solved by adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to your patio or deck.

Fireplaces and fire pits come in many sizes and styles, so you can easily find one that fits your available space and existing décor. A beautiful outdoor fireplace not only adds charm to your backyard, but also provides essential heating and cooking functions. Choose a wood-burning unit for authenticity, or go with natural gas if you value convenience over all else. You might even find that electric models are more suited to your tastes, so be sure to give those some consideration as well.

You can take advantage of the versatility of your outdoor fireplace by using it for cookouts in warm weather, and then relying on its heating properties when temperatures cool. For larger outdoor spaces, look for a model that is big enough to produce sufficient heat throughout the area so you don’t end up with cold pockets. In smaller spaces, a fire pit usually generates enough warmth to make everyone comfortable.

Enhance the Ambience with Plants and Trees
To create a truly inviting outdoor space, you should pay attention to the plants, trees, and general state of the landscaping in your yard. If the immediate area is filled with seasonal blooms that die off with the autumn chill, then the ambience will remain dull and drab no matter what kind of outdoor fireplace you buy. But if you add some hardy shrubs, perennials, and trees near your patio, you can instantly change the atmosphere to one full of life and vitality. Spruces, birches, holly bushes, and camellias are all very popular year-round choices.

In addition, a well-groomed yard contributes to the overall atmosphere, so be sure to mow the lawn, rake leaves, and shovel snow when required.

These days, you no longer have to place limits on the time spent in your outdoor living space. By taking the relatively simple steps of purchasing an outdoor fireplace or fire pit and adding some greenery to your landscaping, you will be in a great position to entertain all year long.

No backyard is complete without a heating and cooking apparatus that helps you enjoy the great outdoors all year round. Of course, people have been preparing food on barbecue grills for decades already; but standard grills lack the heating aspect that allows you to utilize your outdoor space when the weather gets a little cooler. That’s why appliances that can pull double duty, such as Oakland Living Fireplaces & Chimineas, are more highly valued by today’s consumers.

Oakland Living Fireplaces & Chimineas are the perfect outdoor hearth products for customers seeking high quality in an affordable package. Every fireplace, fire pit, and chiminea from this manufacturer is constructed of cast iron to ensure maximum durability even when exposed to extreme temperatures, and they all feature a powder coat finish that resists cracking, chipping, and fading. This means your outdoor heating and cooking product will last for years with little to no maintenance, which is good news for your wallet.

If you’re interested in Oakland Living Fireplaces & Chimineas, don’t miss the following models:

In order to get the most out of your patio, deck, or backyard, you need to be able to use it for a variety of purposes in a variety of weather conditions. Oakland Living Fireplaces & Chimineas help you achieve this goal by providing you with a product that can serve as a heating or cooking appliance throughout all four seasons. Order yours from Mantels Direct today!