Landscapers Magazine Articles
POOLS, SPAS & PATIOS ARTICLE: GOOD FOOD AND WARM FIRE PART #3
Good food and a warm fire: Grill/Fire Considerations
Things to consider when designing a fireplace/grill station combination
- If you have a rotisserie, electrical requirements may need to be in a specific place; therefore, double check the manual to make sure the cord will reach the outlet without interfering with anything. If your grill station does not have a raised backsplash area, the plug will have to be located in the lower counter area.
- It is relatively easy and economical to add an extra electrical outlet or two during construction, but virtually impossible afterwards. Therefore, you should consider future development such as lighting and other accessories that may require power. Even something as simple as an extra conduit through a unit could save a lot of hassle later on.
- Gas lines must be sized appropriately. Some homeowners think the 228-mm (0.75 in.) gas line that serves their current grill will be enough, but it is not. In fact, they are sized to take into account all of the gas requirements in your backyard as though you were operating everything at maximum output at the same time. This often means gas must be piped from a utility room or tapped in at the meter and trenched to the fireplace/grill. It is not a glamorous way to spend your budget, but you should make sure it is accounted for in the planning stages.
- One design consideration you may want to incorporate is adding some ancillary gas couplers somewhere along the edge of the patio area. This will give you the option of adding patio heaters to warm the outer parts of the seating area. On cooler nights, where the fireplace will warm the guests closest to the fireplace, this is a welcome option. It can also improve the function of the dining area by providing additional warmth. As a result, it can extend the time you can spend outdoors after the sunsets.
- You should consider storage options close to the patio area for things like furniture cushions. Deck boxes work well, but it is ideal for them to be positioned somewhere out of the main sightlines.
- Backyard landscaping ideas such as a kitchen and fireplace will encourage you to stay outdoors after dark; therefore, do not forget to include adequate illumination for the space. Accent lighting also enhances structures such as outdoor fireplaces when viewed from inside your home.
- If you decide to go with a wood-burning fireplace, consider adding a gas log lighter. You have likely already had a gas line installed for your grill, so why not include this convenient feature. Getting a good draw, as soon as possible, reduces the amount of smoke and gets your fire established quicker.
Originally published in Pools, Spas & Patios - 2018 Annual Issue.
Download the entire original article. Pool and Spas 2018 fire.pdf1.37 MB
