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The Basics of a Ceramic Chiminea The most popular type of chiminea is made out of clay. Think of terra cotta pots or the red pottery ones. Clay is extremely strong and hard, but it is also susceptible to cracking if not handled properly. Clay is extremely absorbent, and therefore needs to be protected with sand and gravel at the bottom of a chiminea, along with some kindling or logs. This protects the clay from burning too hot and prevents hairline cracks from becoming. Materials The chimineas made of clay (also known as pot-bellied or ovens) feature a chimney that sends smoke upwards. These types of chimneys are typically glazed to guard against cracking and weathering due to sudden temperature changes. However, they remain vulnerable to rain and sun. It is therefore essential to cover them when not in use and to stop water puddles from developing inside the clay. Most chimineas, however, are made of clay terracotta. Other materials like cast iron and steel could be used as well. Cast iron and aluminum offer a long-lasting option that requires less maintenance. Terracotta has a classic Mexican look. Some manufacturers also offer modern designs that blend the beauty of a clay chiminea with the strength of metal. Many people pair their chimineas with flowering or evergreen plants. This gives a natural appearance to complement the ambiance in their backyard. It is important to choose plant pairings carefully, though the chiminea has to be placed in an area that is free of overhead structures that could catch fire. It is essential to make sure that the chiminea is in a fire-proof area such as a concrete, brick or stone patio. A chiminea is typically built by hand from high-fired clay that could be glazed. The potter is the one who creates the clay. They can use an emulsion mold or a wheel for the potter. In either case the clay is then kneaded and smoothed before being dried. Some of the newer clay chimineas have been pre-grogged. This is a compound which can help them resist thermal stress which is prone to cracking earthenware. Other chimineas are made using metal moulds that give them various designs and shapes to fit any backyard. Cast iron chimineas are heavier than clay models however they are more durable and less likely to crack or break because of sudden temperature fluctuations. They are cheaper than other types of chimineas, too and are available in gas-burning models, too to provide additional versatility. Styles Chimines are designed to resemble an outdoor fireplace and can be decorated with different materials and styles. Terracotta chimineas provide the traditional look that dates back centuries, whereas metal options are more durable and handle high temperatures. Many chimineas come with decorative patterns and designs that are a perfect match for the surrounding patio furniture. chiminea for sale Fireplaces & Stoves UK , for example can give your chiminea an old-fashioned look especially if you match it with iron or wood patio furniture. Chimineas can be freestanding or mounted on a patio made of brick, stone or concrete. Whatever you decide to put your chiminea, ensure that it is protected from wind and is away from flammable plants or structures. It is important to remember that chimineas emit smoke and soot that can affect the air quality in the surrounding area. Certain chimineas have a chimney that opens at the bottom of the structure, while others are pointed upwards and squat. Both models include or lack an opening large enough to add firewood. The chimneys of squat models can also be shaped to increase visual appeal and create a more dramatic style. You can also add decorative elements to the exterior of your chiminea, such as wrought iron, marble, or granite. You can also consider a ceramic or copper top to add a bit of elegance. The lustrous sheen of these finishes helps to reflect light from your chiminea and improves the overall appearance of your chiminea. Chiminea polishing on a regular basis is a great method to enhance the appearance of your fire pit outside and protect it from harm. Use a natural polishing agent like beeswax, or olive oil, to polish the surface and create a rich shine. Apply a thin layer and gently rub, then rinse and dry the chiminea to get a stunning result. Chimineas can be quite a bit of work however, with the proper care and attention your outdoor chiminea will look fashionable for many years. With the help of practical decorating and maintenance strategies you can enjoy your chiminea in the backyard all through the colder months. Safety Although chimineas are very popular however they could pose dangers to safety if they are not correctly used. Clay chimineas are susceptible to cracking, particularly those that are not glaze-coated. They can also pose an ignition risk if they are too close to flammable materials like your furniture, your home and in the garden. You should use your chiminea outside and in an area surrounded by a fire-resistant material or secured. Keep a fire extinguisher near you and make use of it to extinguish small fires, or hot coals, which may happen while you are tending your flame. It is also recommended to use a long lighter to light the fire and to move coals around with tongs instead of using your hands. It is also a great idea to keep a bucket of water nearby in case you need to remove the chiminea. It is crucial not to use water to quench the chiminea's flame after it has cooled. Instead use water only when the fire has stopped or if the chimney is in danger of overflowing. A simple spark arrestor constructed from chicken wire, and placed in the top of the smokestack can protect your property and your neighbors from accidental burns. Chimineas can also be very hot, and the surrounding area. You should install an uninspiring wall to warn people not to step close enough to. Do not burn your chiminea in weather conditions that are windy or rainy. The sparks could cause the chimney to catch fire and cause damage to your home. Make sure to inquire with the local fire department if there are any burn bans in place before using a Chiminea. Before adding firewood to the chiminea, make sure you clean the area around it. This will ensure that there aren't any burning materials within the vicinity. You should also clean the inside of your fireplace after each use. This will stop the accumulation of ash that could lead to smoke inhalation, or a sooty outdoor. Maintenance Clay chimineas require a bit of maintenance, even though they can be used to create outdoor fires. Like everything made of clay, they need to be handled with an appropriate amount of care to guarantee their longest life. This means avoiding making them too hot too quickly, and taking the time to allow them to cool down between each use. They should also be regularly sanded and sealed to stop the paint from getting damaged. It is essential to clean the ashes after every use of your chiminea, but only after it has completely been cooled. Although it appears to be cooling down however, the ash will be hot. Use small brushes and rakes to remove it. Once you have swept the ash out and disposed of it with care the next step is to fill the bottom with either gravel or sand. This is important, because if you do not do this, the chiminea could crack. The clay absorbs moisture and may crack if it is too dry. Some sources recommend treating the exterior of a chiminea with an acrylic waterproofing solution, similar to the ones used to seal tile. This will stop moisture from damaging the chiminea. It is recommended that the chiminea gets cleaned and resealed every 6-8 weeks during periods of heavy usage. Chimineas must only be used on surfaces that are free of any other coverings or wood. Only using hardwood that has been well-seasoned will decrease the amount of sparks and stop the clay from cracking. A chiminea that is made of clay will not last forever. However, it is not a problem to break unless hit it with an extremely heavy Hammer. Cracks can appear for many reasons, including poor combustion or lack of maintenance. They also have the potential to rust, which is why they should be covered whenever not in use. This will stop rain and snow from corroding metal parts.