An outdoor fireplace is similar to an indoor one, except for the fact that it is added to a stone, concrete, or a brick patio. There are several attachments and accessories that are available for an outdoor fireplace. Take a look.
Most fireplaces are placed indoors, but an outdoor fireplace has a different charm all together--it allows one to enjoy the outdoors without the biting cold. A fireplace of this kind resembles an indoor fireplace in many ways, the only difference being that an indoor fireplace is not placed or added to a stone, brick or a cement patio.
There are different types of fireplaces - classy wooden, iron or any other metal, ventless, contemporary, and the reinforced, and each of these fireplaces require different accessories.
Contemporary Accessories
Contemporary fireplaces are very often made of wood accent, and at most times, metal is used as well. They are more compact and sleek when compared to traditional fireplaces. The accessories used in these are usually wall-mounted or suspended, and hence do not take up any ground space--this gives them an edge over traditional fireplaces.
Grates
Grates are frames made of iron bars to carry and hold the fuel for fire.
Andirons
An andiron, also referred to as dog-iron, is a horizontal iron bar on which the logs are laid for burning in an open fireplace. It serves an important function of holding up the firewood for air circulation and proper burning.
It has an upright guard connecting the two short legs which holds the logs while they burn and settle. In most cases, these andirons are ornamental.
Fire Dogs
A fire dog is a metal or ceramic device which is used to hold the logs above the hearth. The purpose is to allow better circulation of air, resulting in faster and proper burning. This is also used to hold skewers over the fire for cooking. This accessory is important from the perspective of fire safety as well.
Wood Burning Accessories
Bellows
Bellows is a tool used to deliver pressurized air in regulated amount to a regulated or controlled location. This deformable container has an outlet nozzle. When the volume of the bellows reduces, the air escapes through the outlet.
Hearth Rugs
Hearth rugs are specialized rugs which are put in front of the fireplace.
Fireplace Poker
Fireplace pokers are rigid rods used to adjust the fuel (coal or wood) which is burnt in the fireplace. It is made of metal, and has a point at one end to push the burning material.
Fenders
Fenders are a kind of a screen or metal frame placed in front of the fireplace to prevent the hot coals or wood pieces from falling out. Fenders are an important element of metal, iron as well as copper fireplace accessories.
Other Fireplace Accessories
Heavy Metal Firebacks
These are accessories which are used to capture and re-radiate heat for the protection of the area behind the fireplace. It could also serve ornamental purposes in a relatively plain fireplace.
Log Racks and Log Holders
These are used to store the logs in a systematic manner.
Chimney Dampeners
These provide an instant solution to the ever-so-common chimney backdraft, with their lever for accurate draft control.
Fireplace Candelabra
It is a candle holder that is intricate and ornamental and fits into the fireplace.
There is basically an array of outdoor fireplace accessories to choose from. You just have to pick which one suits and which one is the most required one for your fireplace.