We have just finished our sunroom addition in the Ardmore subdivision located in Winston Salem, NC. There are so many positives elements we could point out within this completed addition.
These include the soaring cathedral ceilings and the charming and durable wood composite floor, just to name a few. We could even elaborate about the elegant wall sconces used throughout the room, or how the sunroom adds a new dynamic of versatility to this home.
Not only does the fireplace become the focal point of the room, but it also plays an integral role in the function of the space.
This new space is a place to gather and watch TV, play games and spend valuable family time. These homeowners decided early on to include a stone fireplace with ample room to mount a TV over the mantel. This particular fireplace is built using stacked stone and is gas burning. When choosing a fireplace for your outdoor room addition, there are many choices and factors to take into consideration that can influence the cost and look of your fire feature.
Along with our open outdoor structures, Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad frequently includes fireplaces within many of our outdoor room additions. You can add a fireplace in screened porches, 3 and 4-season rooms and sunrooms. Our goal is to provide a functional and safe environment to enjoy for years to come.
Masonry or manufactured stone?
When planning to include an outdoor fireplace to your screened porch, sunroom, or season room design, there a couple of ways you can proceed. A standard masonry fireplace built from scratch is stunning but can be quite pricey. The basis behind this expense is the need to add a full foundation. And, depending on how high off grade your room is, can really dip into your wallet. Another factor in building from scratch is the chimney stack. In order to comply with building codes and for the sake of safety, the chimney stack must exceed the height of the roof. Expenses can inflate with the individual characteristics of your roof line. Not only does the chimney stack have to be a specific distance from the roof itself, it must also be a specific distance from each side of your structure.
An alternative to building solely from scratch is to build a fireplace with concrete block in the foundation which goes all the way up to the stack. From there, you can install a veneer that can be done in a myriad of different mediums including stone or brick. One of the most common materials we use on fireplace veneers is cultured (manufactured) stone. Natural stone is another option but is rather expensive. When choosing stone, cultured or natural, there are many style options to consider as well. These include stacked stone, cobble or even the larger flagstone look, just to name a few.
Burning options – wood or gas?
Another important point to consider when building an outdoor fireplace on your outdoor room is how your fireplace will burn. Your fireplace can burn wood or it can be a gas burning fireplace. When you get into the realm of wood burning fireplaces you have to consider elements that will go into your fireplace design such as mantels, hearths and size and location of your fire-box which is used to store wood. Another decision to make is do you actually want a place to store your wood, or a spot above the mantle to mount a television? All these things factor into the planning, design, price and ultimate construction of your fireplace.
Now or later?
With a myriad of choices, the key to getting the fireplace you really want in the location you desire is to plan and build it at the time of your outdoor room addition. Waiting until your room is completed will make it a very expensive endeavor. If you feel like adding a fireplace at the time of your structure’s construction would be biting off more than you can chew then we can phase your project for you. Talk with us about where the fireplace is going so we may prepare the site in advance such as reinforced foundation, running of gas lines, etc. for the future addition. We can build the framing and foundation in anticipation of the addition of your fireplace at a later date so we are not ripping out framing to install your fireplace as an afterthought. This way the stage is set when your lifestyle and budget allows the addition.
If you are considering adding a new outdoor living design with a fireplace to your home, we want to be your building partner. Give us a call for a free consultation at (336) 568-8230, drop us an email or fill out a contact form on this website. We look forward to your call.
