Chimeneas,fire pits become comfortable chairs

Fireplace Cast Iron For more and more people, chimeneas and fire pits have become as essential as barbecue grills and comfortable chairs. "They are becoming more popular as homeowners extend their livingarea to the outdoors," said Deidra Darsa, public relations managerfor the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. "An outdoorfireplace now ranks among the top three items people plan toinclude when they build an outdoor room." Chimeneas, which have chimneys to direct the airflow and smoke and somewhat resemble potbelly stoves, and 360-degree fire bowls orpits are available in many styles, sizes, materials and prices.They can be fueled by wood, artificial logs, natural gas or liquidpropane, and many models are equipped with cooking grids forgrilling. HGTV's Green Home even features a fire pit that's a handmadereplica of a 10th century syrup kettle. "They're very popular in the spring and fall when it's still coolout," said John Ivancicts, a manager at Southwest Fireplace SupplyInc. in Frankfort. "People want the ambiance and the warmth." Clay chimeneas may take you on a virtual vacation to Mexico, butthe once-popular structures are being pushed to the back burner asmore homeowners opt for the durability of materials such as castaluminum and cast iron. At Southwest Fireplace Supply, cast aluminum chimeneas operated by natural gas are very popular. "Cast aluminum offers the looks and the durability everybodywants," Ivancicts said. "You don't have to worry about rusting orcracking."