Outdoor fireplaces are a backyard staple for many homeowners. Not only are they functional, providing a source of heat and light while allowing you to make the most out of your outdoor living space, but they can also increase the appeal of your home while creating an atmosphere that reflects your individuality. Plus, who doesn’t want a spot in their own backyard to make s’mores whenever you want? 

That said, installing an outdoor fireplace isn’t as straightforward as lighting a match. What type to choose, what fuel source to use, and where you place it are all questions requiring careful consideration.

Not to mention, local bylaws and codes must be strictly adhered to, which present challenges of their own. But a quick Google search of your area or even provincial regulations will let you know if there’s a burn ban in place or structural requirement you’ll need to meet before breaking out the kindling. When it comes to lighting a fire, some municipalities require a simple burn permit which can be registered with a phone call.

If everything’s a go, there’s no better time than now to ignite the outdoor space of your dreams. Read on to find which solution works best for you.

The four types of outdoor fireplaces

All fireplaces fall into three categories: wood-burning, gas-burning (natural gas, propane, or kerosene), or electric—and within those categories are four main types:

1. Fire pits (rings, bowls, and built-in patio pits);
2. fireplaces and heaters;
3. chimeneas; and
4. patio torches.

Just like selecting an indoor fireplace, it all comes down to function, features, and performance—each with its own application, advantages, and disadvantages. 

To choose the right type for your space, ask yourself what’s most important to you and the space you’re working with? Do you value fashion over function? Do you want a fireplace that will give off plenty of heat, or will serve as the multi-purpose lawn decoration?  Is finding an environmentally responsible alternative more important than the general ambiance? Maybe you want the best of both worlds! Explore the pros and cons of each type below: 

Fire pits: rings, bowls, and patio pits

If you close your eyes and picture a fire pit, what pops into your head? It’s likely a traditional fire ring of rocks circling a shallow pit. Some modern pits can be quite lavish with mortared limestone surrounds, proper drainage systems, and even include fire glass.

Fire rings and their pits are quite permanent and would require some landscaping to relocate. Bowls, on the other hand, come in different shapes, sizes, and materials and are placed on the ground or a stand for easy transportation.

Patio fire pits can be integrated into your patio, such as fire tables that give the outdoor dining experience a bit of ambiance, with the fire pit as the table’s centrepiece. 

Pros

• An easy DIY project: fire rings are inexpensive, easy to build, and are a great project to complete over the weekend with the family.
• Easy to move: depending on the model, fire bowls are an efficient and portable option.
• A premium fire pit: built-in patio fire pits are unrivalled when it comes to quality, aesthetics, and customization.

Cons

• They send a bad smoke signal: fire bowls and rings fueled by wood produce wood smoke, a known pollutant.
• There are safety concerns: fire rings have an open flame with uncontained sparks that present potential dangers.
• Costly renovations can be involved: built-in patio fire pits require pricey renovations and custom craftsmanship.

Fireplaces 

Outdoor fireplaces can include various designs and features such as cottage-style chimneys, bronze inlaying, and detailed stonework. If you want to give wood-burning a rest, gas-burning and electric-powered models are also available.

Pros

• It’s the real experience: outdoor fireplaces bring the heat with the sound and smell of burning wood.
• Provides you with an economical choice: less expensive than custom fire rings and built-in patio pits.

Cons

• Watch out for safety risks and pollutants: wood smoke from a fireplace creates pollution, while flames and sparks increase risk.
• Naturally inauthentic: outdoor fireplaces fueled by natural gas or electricity lack an authentic, wood-burning fire.
• Placement is limited to outlets: natural gas and electric fireplaces or heaters are less portable than those fueled by wood or propane.

Patio heaters

Patio heaters are traditionally fueled by gas or electricity, and their lightweight construction offers more portability than a classic outdoor fireplace. Propane standing floor lamps are common styles, and patio heaters come in a variety of sizes to suit your desired space.. 

Pros

• You’re given superior temperature control: patio heaters allow you to control the heat similar to a thermostat.
• They’re environmentally friendly: since they aren’t fueled by wood, heaters are a greener alternative and safer to operate.
• Provides you with an economical choice: less expensive than custom fire rings and built-in patio pits.

Cons

• Patio heaters have a small warmth radius and can be toppled by a gust of wind.
• You aren’t able to cook with them: cooking with a patio heater is virtually impossible and is not recommended.

Chimineas

Chimeneas are centuries old and combine function with fashion. Decorative wood-burning chimineas are shaped like a wide-bottom vase with integrated chimneys, and they’re historically made from fired clay.

Pros

• They’re easy to ignite: a chimenea is conducive to lighting a fire as its shape funnels oxygen to feed the flames. 
• You control the smoke: the built-in chimney stack directs smoke up and away from the chimenea and out of your eyes.
• They offer you optimal heat output: like fireplaces and fire pits, chimeneas generate a lot of warmth by burning wood. 

Cons

• You must be picky about placement: chimeneas are freestanding and require a level surface to increase safety.
• They require lots of upkeep: the body of a chimenea is an enclosed bowl that fills with ash quickly, and the chimney needs routine cleaning if used often.
• There’s little drainage: water fills the belly of a chimenea if it’s left uncovered when not being used.

Patio torches

Patio torches, aka Tiki torches, are an economical way to light up your outdoor space while creating an inviting, tropical atmosphere. Originating from ancient Polynesia, torches are popular with homeowners wanting a relaxed island vibe in their own backyard.

Pros

• They’re rustic or modern: patio torches made from bamboo offer a traditional look, while copper provides a more contemporary aesthetic.
• Offers you a clean-burning alternative: being fueled by kerosene or natural gas, torches are environmentally friendly.
• You won’t be bothered by the bugs: some tiki torches include natural oils such as citronella to deter mosquitos and other unfriendly insects.

Cons

• They don’t provide much heat: patio torches don’t produce much warmth, which limits their effectiveness on cool nights.
• There’s an open flame: the single, open flame is susceptible to being blown out by the wind and proves difficult to keep lit on rainy evenings.
• They’re easy to tip: torches fall over easily in the wind and are a safety concern around children.

When to dig a pit and where to place a heater

The outdoor space you’re working with will help you decide which fireplace you can install. If you want to bring the heat to your deck or porch, a patio heater or gas-burning fireplace is a great go-to option. If it’s a semi-enclosed space, the limited heat-radius won’t be as noticeable. 

If you want to crank up the heat in wide, open spaces, look to wood-burning fireplaces, pits, and chimeneas. Give them plenty of room to breathe, however. These options should be kept 10 to 20-feet away from walls and combustibles, plants and trees. They’re not recommended for enclosed decks or gazebos.

To play up the ambiance of your space or to decorate for special occasions patio torches are a great option, weather permitting. They’re perfect for lining walkways or outlining the perimeter of your deck, but they can also be used beneath an awning or slatted patio roof. For safety, be aware of the flame and make sure there’s plenty of airflow.

How you fuel your outdoor fireplace also determines which type you choose. Those that need an electrical outlet or natural gas line are not easily moved, while propane-fueled and wood-burning options provide more flexibility.

Now that you’ve narrowed done your fireplace, why not add a little flavour to your outdoor space? Here’s what you need to know about choosing the perfect grill!

Fireplace safety, bylaws, and codes

Smokey Bear charged us with the responsibility of preventing forest fires and holds true for your outdoor fireplace, too.

Here are a few safety considerations to bear in mind:

• Don’t leave a burning fire unattended: stay within sight of your fireplace and completely extinguish it before heading inside.
• Be prepared for an emergency: it’s wise to have buckets of water, sand, a fire extinguisher, or a hose nearby in case disaster strikes.    
• Pay attention to the weather: high winds can knock over lamp-style patio heaters and tiki torches, while periods of drought will turn sparks into fires (always check with your local fire department or municipality to see if there is a burn ban in place for this reason.)
• Choose hardwoods versus softwoods: seasoned hardwood burns more consistently to limit sparks from popping unpredictably.
• Use tinder, not gasoline: lighting a fire with gas is extremely dangerous and is always to be avoided.
• Keep it ventilated: gas-burning fireplaces and heaters emit carbon monoxide, which is deadly in small, enclosed areas.
• Bigger isn’t better: the larger the fire, the less predictable it becomes making it harder to control.

Ultimately, your local bylaws and zoning codes have the final say in what type of outdoor fireplace you choose. Each province or territory has a different process, so be sure to check your local government’s website or your local fire department for regulations and recommendations.

For instance, firepits and wood-burning fireplaces are more acceptable in rural neighbourhoods, but if you live in the city, you’re likely limited to gas-burning models in covered bowls. If you live in a condo or townhouse, there’s a good chance outdoor fireplaces are prohibited altogether—check with your building management. If the warm smell of wood smoke is something you crave or an elegant patio with a built-in fireplace is what you’re looking for in a new home, make sure you talk with your REALTOR®  about the dos and don’ts in your new neighbourhood.

Now that summer has arrived, it’s time to get serious about happy hour. Cocktails are synonymous with freedom, holidays, love and celebration (and sometimes headaches). Introduce your bubble to a few sophisticated upgrades and elevate your patio status from Jell-o shooters! It takes little investment beyond a few choice bottles, reusable straws, a shaker and blender. Premium snacks and a solid playlist help too!

There will always be cocktail classics to lean on, but why not expand your in-house drinks list? Here’s your happy hour homework assignment for the summer:

 The Basil Bee Sting

There’s a buzz around this drink for good reason! It’s like drinking a glass of air conditioning! You can also pat yourself on the back for supporting the local bee population. Casablanca basil seed drinks are a fun juice alternative and come in the following flavours: lychee, mango, pineapple, pomegranate and rose. Try them all! (*But maybe not all at once.)

• 5 oz basil seed drink
• 2 oz reposado tequila
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 oz local honey

Add basil seed drink, tequila, lemon juice and honey to a shaker. Add ice and shake for 15 seconds. Strain. 

Recline.

As we continue to navigate the different phases of the pandemic and shifting social and business restrictions, why not set up a home bar? For makeshift cocktail stations and permanent closed-concept solutions, begin your bar blueprint research here. 

Love at First Sight 

Whether you are shaken or stirred, this is one drink you won’t soon forget. Created by cookbook author and Harrowsmith food editor, Signe Langford, Love at First Sight is a sweet treat and likely, the start of a long love affair!

• 2 oz coconut rum
• 2 oz amber rum
• 2 tbsp runny honey
• 1 cup dark chocolate milk (soy, almond, or dairy)
• 4 cubes of ice
• Tiny pinch of Mediterranean sea salt to garnish (optional)
• Chocolate-covered mint candy, notched for the glass

Blend both rums, milk, ice and whiz until smooth and frothy.

Pour into two tall glasses and add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the top, if desired.

Suit & Tie

Summer does have a few rules that should be obeyed. No shirt, no shoes, no service doesn’t apply here though–a Suit & Tie is required! Spiced rum is a versatile mix often ignored until the winter season. However, it can kick up blender drinks and legends like the Dark and Stormy (spiced rum and ginger beer) and Cuba Libre (rum and cola). But, let’s dress things up a little with this riff from Corby Spirit and Wine.

• ½ oz vermouth
• 1/8 oz Italian bitter liqueur
• 1 ½ oz spiced rum
• Ice cubes

Add a few ice cubes to an old-fashioned glass. Combine spiced rum with vermouth and Italian bitter liqueur. Stir and garnish with orange zest or blood orange slice and a sour cherry.

Grapefruit Margarita

Sarah DeRuiter and Neil Haapamaki, owners and founders of The Diplomat Boutique Hotel in Mérida, Mexico, know how to blend a dose of OMG and SPF without blinking. The Toronto ex-pats are well-versed in all things tequila and have curated a slick custom cocktail list infused with local fruits, spices and herbs from their garden. Take an instant DIY vacation to Mexico and ease into the tropical chill of The Diplomat’s signature Grapefruit Margarita.

• 1 part fresh-squeezed grapefruit
• 1 part Triple Sec (not Cointreau)
• 2 parts mezcal or tequila
• Splash of simple syrup
• Ice cubes

Rim a highball glass with a blend of chili, salt, and lime (or Tajin). Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Garnish glass with a grapefruit and lime slice, add ice to the glass, pour and serve.

Salud!

Grown-up milkshake

Take to the shade with a book, bamboo straw and a frosty shake! Spike your milkshake with your favourite spirit by following this simple (but not strict) base recipe that serves two.

• 1 pint of ice cream
• 8 oz milk  (cashew, almond, coconut, soy, chocolate, dairy)
• 5 oz of booze (bourbon, vodka or dark rum–any spirit will do)

Blend ingredients on high for a couple of minutes. Add more ice cream for a thicker shake or thin with milk (or booze). 

Here are a few tried and true combinations to experiment with:

The James Joyce: Replace milk in this recipe with Guinness and blend vanilla ice cream with Baileys Salted Caramel. Any coffee-flavoured ice cream will marry well. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or garnish with crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans for a chocolate lover’s total meltdown.

Summer Crush: Replace milk with Orange Crush soda and add vodka. Try Chapman’s Orange Pineapple or Tiger Tail ice cream for an all-Canadian flavour twist.

Back to Your Roots: Replace milk with root beer and add vodka for a root beer float with personality!

Key Lime Pie in a Glass: Add lime vodka and rim glass with crushed graham crackers. What’s better than a pie that you can drink?

For an online cocktail “class” that you won’t want to skip,  check out the pandemic-inspired series Amy Schumer Learns to Cook on the Food Network. Summer school has never been so fun! Best of luck to all of you on your bar exam! 

Chickens are playful, pretty and if properly cared for, could be the perfect pet that supplies fresh eggs for you and your family. You might be surprised to learn you don’t need to live on a farm to raise chickens—some municipalities allow residents to raise chickens right in their own backyard. But while the prospect of fresh eggs is exciting, there’s a lot to consider before hosting a hen party in your backyard. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started with help from Toronto-based urban farmer Sandra Grilo. 

Check your chicken bylaws 

Raising chickens can be a fun and fulfilling experience for you and your family, but it’s important to research the local rules and learn about how to keep hens happy and healthy before jumping into urban farming.  

“The first thing you’ll want to do is check with your municipal bylaw office to be sure you can legally have hens in your backyard,” says Grilo. Where chickens are allowed, you’ll need to follow the regulations which could include applying for a permit and passing an inspection by a bylaw officer. 

Grilo also recommends checking in with your neighbours before building a coop (the promise of a few fresh eggs doesn’t hurt). 

“Letting neighbours know of your plans is a nice thing to do and could avoid issues later on,” says Grilo. 

Chicken care 101 

Like any pet, chickens need to be fed, cleaned up after (“Chickens made a lot of poop!” says Grilo) and cared for if they get sick. Daily must-dos include providing food and clean water, tidying the coop, collecting eggs, letting your hens out in the morning and locking up the coop at night. 

“Creating a system and routine that works for you will be key. It takes me 10 minutes in the morning and evening to take care of my hens,” says Grilo who also does a more thorough cleaning of the coop (about an hour’s work) on the weekend, replaces the bedding once a month and does a full cleanout and scrub down of the coop once per season. 

In addition to cleaning, ensuring hens have enough food and water is another daily chore. 

“People are always shocked to find out that chickens eat everything! Food will be the largest expense, but a manageable one thanks to the fact that chickens are happy to eat every fresh scrap from your kitchen,” explains Grilo. In addition to scraps, Grilo says a 25 kg bag of feed (costs range between $20 to $35 per bag) will feed four or five chickens for about a month. 

It’s also a good idea to research what to do if a chicken dies (areas that allow urban chickens will provide information) and to find a local vet who offers poultry care so you’re ready in case of illness.

Setting up the coop

Once you’ve confirmed chickens are welcome in your ‘hood and learned about daily care requirements, the next thing you’ll need to do is build a coop. The coop keeps your hens safe from weather, predators and pests. Cost for a coop ranges from about $200 for a DIY coop to up to $1,000 or more for a store-bought or custom coop with landscaping.

“A typical chicken coop can be made with basic materials like wood, metal mesh, and hardware like hinges and latches. The approximate cost to build a coop yourself would be around $200,” says Grilo. For a pre-built coop, Grilo says there are plenty of options available for purchase online from Canadian retailers or hardware stores like Home Hardware or Home Depot. 

To ensure your chickens are safe from predators like hawks, raccoons, rats and dogs, you might need to add safety measures like door locks (Grilo says racoons can open latches) and buried mesh or chicken wire to stop predators from digging their way into the coop.

You’ll also need to get bedding, a water dispenser and a water heater to prevent freezing in the winter (depending where you live). Grilo uses flax straw bedding, which she says is inexpensive and helps control smells. Other options include straw, sand, pinewood and peat moss. Bedding, feed and other accessories can be found at hardware stores  or your local farm supply store. 

Where to buy chickens

Your coop is ready to go and you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies. Next, it’s time to buy some chickens. 

“The best place to source chickens is directly from other farmers. Join Facebook groups for your area specifically for chickens or poultry,” says Grilo. Another option is to search on Kijiji or contact a nearby chicken farm or hatchery and ask for advice. 

Grilo recommends starting out with pullets (teenage hens) or hens. Chicks require extra care and you might not be able to tell if the chick is a rooster or a hen right away, which could be a problem in areas that only allow hens. 

While raising chickens comes with a few more challenges than a typical pet, Grilo says chickens are smart, social and remarkable animals that make it all worth it. 

“What I’ve come to realize is that despite the challenges, having backyard chickens is still one of the most rewarding adventures my family and I have taken on. The past 15 years have taught us so much about these amazing little friends, and I hope more people get to experience the joys of backyard chickens,” says Grilo