AS COOL BREEZES begin to blow, many homeowners are turning to the latest trend in backyard luxury to take a bite out of the October chill and extend patio season as long as possible.
Outdoor fireplaces, whether you opt for sleek brushed steel or classic stone, are becoming more and more common among buyers looking to add some heat and flair to their backyard, turning it into a popular late-night hot spot for guests and family gatherings well into the fall.
Though many areas have bylaws in place to prevent outdoor wood burning, there are a wide variety of gas-fuelled gems that make the grade, guaranteed to please even the pickiest purchaser.
Gas also has marked advantages over its smoky counterpart, with no need to buy or store wood, instant flames once they are turned on and sophisticated controls allowing users to regulate the amount of heat being emitted.
In the current housing market, gas fireplaces are seen as a great addition to outdoor kitchens and a prominent selling feature for new buyers.
As an added bonus, building an outdoor fireplace can clock in at a fraction of their indoor counterpart’s price point, making them an affordable way to enjoy the luxury of a night in front of the fire, while adding to the resale value of a homeowner’s property.
Toronto’s Kastle Fireplace carries the ever-popular Montigo line, which promises superior heat distribution; realistic-looking, adjustable flames; and contemporary designs as well as the stunning stonework and crafting of the Regency models.
“Outdoor fireplaces have definitely become more popular in recent years, and the Montigos are a great fit because they can be contemporary or traditional,” says store manager Toni Davie.
“They are the only company I know of in Canada that will custom make anything a customer could ask for. They have all different sizes and designs, so something for everybody.”
Alternately, companies like EcoSmart Fire have striking designer outdoor fireplaces available that are run on denatured ethanol, an environmentally friendly, renewable fuel.
From portable units to traditional models, EcoSmart’s products are available across Canada, and they also carry firebox inserts to convert traditional outdoor fireplaces into clean burning, easy-to-maintain green units.
“Our two most popular outdoor models are the Cyl and the Tower,” says Enzo Giambattista, president of Toronto-based Company B Inc., which distributes EcoSmart products.
“The Cyl is a compact unit that can go anywhere, and the Tower is more dramatic, so people use it around pools and areas where there is a large expanse of space.”
Since starting distribution of these outdoor fireplaces earlier this year, Giambattista says customer response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“What people really like about them is that they are easy to use, clean looking and clean burning, so they don’t produce that black soot that you can get with other models.”
