Get More from Your Screened Porch with a Fireplace Focal Point
Screened porches provide the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors while still having protection from insects and elements. As lovely as these spaces are, the enjoyment of a screened porch is often limited to spring, summer, and early fall when temperatures are mild.
Adding a fireplace to your porch enables you to get so much more use and enjoyment from the space. The warmth and ambiance transform the porch into a 3-season room you can utilize morning, noon, and night, through autumn and into winter.
Types of Fireplaces Well-Suited for Screened Porches
Not all fireplaces make sense for screened porch installations. Specific design types, however, can make an excellent addition to these semi-outdoor retreats.
Masonry Fireplaces
The most classic choice is a masonry fireplace, constructed from brick or stone. These wood-burning fireplaces allow fires right in your porch for a cozy, authentic experience. Masonry fireplaces have excellent heat efficiency and output to warm your space. The biggest downside is the high installation cost since they must be specially constructed and properly ventilated.
Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplace inserts offer flexibility regarding placement inside your screened porch. Available in a range of different styles, from modern to traditional, gas fireplaces provide ambiance and heat from vent-free or direct-vent models. They are typically easier to use and maintain than wood options. You don't have to stock and store wood or clean up ashes.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces can be installed virtually anywhere with an electrical outlet, without any venting required. While they don't provide as much heating ability as gas or wood options, their affordable price point and sleek contemporary styles still make them a viable option to expand your enjoyment of your screened porch during shoulder seasons.
Primary Factors to Consider in Selection
Choose the right fireplace for your screened porch by taking some key considerations into account while planning your project.
Location and Placement
Experts recommend installing a fireplace along an exterior wall of your porch rather than on a wall shared with your home. This allows for proper ventilation of smoke and exhaust. Be sure to allow adequate clearances from combustible materials for fire safety.
Also consider sightlines when determining the best placement, allowing enough space for seating around the fireplace focal point. Centrally placing the fireplace unit can help amplify its presence.
Energy Efficiency
Operating any fireplace requires burning fuel, whether gas, wood, or electricity, so costs are inevitable. Choosing an ENERGY STAR certified model designed for energy-efficiency yields benefits over time. Well-insulated fireboxes prevent heat loss better than older, drafty masonry fireplaces.
| Fireplace Type | Energy Efficiency |
|---|---|
| Masonry | Heat output depends on insulation; can lose energy through chimney |
| Gas | Moderate to high efficiency ratings available |
| Electric | 100% energy efficient; turns all electric energy into heat |
Aesthetic Design
Fortunately, fireplaces today are available in styles ranging from old world masonry to sleek modern designs. Consider a built-in fireplace customized to your porch or a free-standing model. Work with a professional designer to select the ideal aesthetic to complement your space.
Heating Capacity and Temperature Control
Determine how much heat output you need for your porch's dimensions, along with your regional climate conditions. Masonry wood-burning units or high-BTU gas fireplaces provide enough heating capability to make your space quite livable on cooler days. With any fireplace, be sure to look for adjustable heat settings and optional fans to help control the temperature to your desired comfort level. Depending on climate severity, you may still occasionally need a supplementary portable heater now and then.
Steps for Installation Process
Successfully installing a fireplace in your porch requires careful planning and execution. Be sure to:
- Obtain all necessary permits
- Complete preparatory work like framing or finishing walls
- Make structural accommodations as needed, such as extra insulation or moisture barriers
- Run gas lines or electrical connections
- Install fireplace safely to manufacturers' specifications
- Add final touches like completing surround, mantel, & hearth
Cost Breakdown by Fireplace Type
Adding a fireplace is a significant investment, but worth it to enjoy extended functionality of your porch. Budget for expenses including:
| Cost Factors | Gas | Wood | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance Cost | $3,000+ | $4,000 - $6,500 | $500 - $1,500 |
| Materials | Vents/pipe | Masonry materials | Wiring |
| Labor | Gas line work | Installation expertise | Electrical |
| Permits | $200-$500 | ||
Enjoying Your New Outdoor Living Space
The ambiance and warmth a fireplace lends to your porch provides a cozy gathering spot for family and friends. You'll find yourself utilizing the previously seasonal space many more months of the year now to:
- Entertain guests
- Relax with a good book or television
- Enjoy leisurely meals al fresco
- Accommodate overnight guests
As you weigh options for adding a fireplace, carefully compare the pros and cons regarding your needs and lifestyle. Could you enjoy the nostalgic crackling ambiance of burning wood, or would a fuss-free gas model suit you better? Work with a professional designer to ensure aesthetic cohesion with your existing porch. And don't forget to budget for the best quality materials to yield enduring enjoyment for years to come.
Installation of a fireplace unit on your screened porch will provide comfort and function all year long. Extend your enjoyment from just a seasonal space to a 3-season outdoor living room.