re: Screened In Patio/BBQ Area Fireplace Question

I don't know the layout of your house, but what about putting in a double sided fireplace that opens up into your house as well? There may be structure issues but is that possible? You could close off the outside portion when not in use and just have it open on the inside.

Thanks, Mama.

Jeep, the other wall goes to a large laundry room with a big walk-in closet, another hall of cabinets and a full but small bath. I'd love a 2 sided and if I had a den on the other side of the North wall, I would have done just that. I almost added a small den and cut the patio down to a smaller size, but I've got a lot of living area type space elsewhere. It would have cost more for something I don't really need and I really liked the idea of a large patio with pits, smokers at one end and fireplace furniture at the other. Sort of got stuck in my head.

Well, I'm trying to decide between gas or wood burning if I can figure out where to keep a bunch of wood up near the patio or in it without taking up a lot of space. Anyone worry about going to bed with a wood burning fire still going in a fireplace on the patio? Shouldn't be a problem, I don't guess unless I did it during hurricane season or a tornado came my way, right?

Thanks, Martini. That's what I thought I was doing in the first place until the contractor told me I wasn't going to get much heat. I already have all the bricks. My patio was made of bricks that are somewhat collectible in these parts and the fireplace will be made from those. I'd planned on building a wood burning with an insert in case I changed my mind. Gas is already in place to run to it. Have that at both ends of the patio.

So, your friend's gas log fireplace produced a fair amount of heat outside?

True. I'm very hot natured, so I can be out in the cold a good bit. Not windy cold, but cold. Hell, I've barely used my heater this winter and only when my housekeeper is here and complains because its 58 degrees in my house. I'm perfectly comfy. She's not. My cold natured friends know to dress warmly.

I don't figure it's going to be too windy out there, but "wet cold" can be pretty cold outside compared to inside. I've thought about putting some blinds or something similar in all or part of the screened area. That's a song for another day, though.

There will be a ton of outlets out there, as well, for my decorating and whatever else purposes that I come up with. I can put a few heaters out there for the wimpy folk.

Going with the 42 inch gas with raised hearth. I can add heaters if I want. I plan to use it in all seasons except if it gets too darn hot to be out there. Should be okay with a lot of fans and such, which I will have in the ceiling and wherever else I think I need moving air.

It's a wood burning fireplace so I can revert to that if I change my mind. I think you can get those gas things with sound, smell and glowing embers.

Thanks to everyone for the help!!!