During the Fall season and the cooler months of the year, people start to look for ways to extend the use of there outdoor living area. In the Spring they want to get out and use it sooner. If you live in the warmer parts of the country there is no reason why you can't use your outdoor area year round. An outdoor fireplace is an essential ingredient for getting longer use out of a patio or outdoor entertainment area.

The question is not should you add an outdoor fireplace, but rather what kind should you consider. Today the options are numerous - from the elaborate to the simple. There is a perfect solution no mater how much space you have or how large or small your budget.

Let's take a look at the various options available. The easiest way to start is with a simple patio heater. Not the most elegant, but certainly very functional for cool evenings. They are available in a variety of styles and models. The most popular are either the free standing models that you see at sidewalk cafes or the smaller tabletop version. There are some decorative models that add a flickering light and look like a fine piece of furniture. Most use propane fuel and are very easy to operate.

Another very popular option is the chiminea. Again these can be had in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can get them made of clay, cast iron, stainless steel or copper.

They usually burn wood. This is one of the simplest ways to add charm and warmth to your patio or deck. If you are going to use one on a wood deck be very careful. There is special deck matting available that must be use for safety.

An option that many people don't know about or don't think of is the fire pit or fire table. The fire table is just that - a small table with a fire bowl in the center. These can be place in the center of a sitting area to serve as a beautiful gathering place for friends or family. On warm days the fire bowl can be cleaned and filled with ice to cool your favorite drinks and used for a fire by night.

For something more formal, there are any number of portable gas and electric outdoor fireplaces that will add both warmth and distinction to any setting. It's even possible to move your indoor portable electric or gel fuel fireplace outside for special occasions.

Of course the most elegant and expensive outdoor fireplace is the built-in stone or brick fireplace. Beautiful and stately, these additions serve both as a patio focal point and as an outside kitchen or cooking area as well. To be sure these are significant pieces of construction and should be well thought out and planned.

These are the many choices available. Take some time to plan how any one of these outdoor fireplaces would fit into your own special outdoor living area. If you have the space or have different areas with in your patio or garden, than the addition of more than one type of fireplace might very well be appropriate. The outdoor fireplace is a very versatile decorating item. However you choose to use it, the outdoor fireplace will add charm and beauty for years to come.