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How to Build a Big Clay Chiminea Clay potters with experience can throw massive cylinders of the stuff with amazing skill. A large clay chiminea will need to be placed permanently as moving it could damage the clay. Find an area that has an open, fire-safe space and lay down an area of play sand. Chimineas made of clay can crack if there are sudden changes of temperature or moisture. Location If you're looking for an option to warm your patio or garden, a huge clay chiminea is an excellent option. These wide and long pieces of fire art look like chimneys, and are easy to light and keep flames secure from wind. The chimney is a conduit for smoke to the upwards, which reduces the heat they emit. They are also more secure than outdoor fireplaces. You can cook food in them if you wish but it's recommended to make use of a separate grate and pan to cook food. There's also a broad range of styles and materials for these heaters. Terracotta and clay are both traditional choices but you can also find them in metals such as steel or cast iron. Cast iron is a better choice for cooking as it can handle higher temperatures. Another benefit of the chiminea made of metal is that it's simpler to move around than clay or terracotta chimineas. The best spot to place your chiminea is in an open, clean area where the chimney can vent correctly. Also, ensure there aren't any trees or other items that could ignite nearby. You can also put the chiminea on the patio of a stone or brick patio. However, you must ensure that it doesn't rest directly on any pavers since this could cause them to crack. Fill the fireplace's bottom with sand. This will help prevent it from getting too hot, and will also stop any papers or kindling from falling into. You should always keep the chiminea in good condition by filling it with ashes and sand and you should also clean the chimney every each week to avoid the accumulation of ash. If best chiminea uk fireplacesandstoves 're not going to use your chiminea in a long time make sure you store it and cover it with a weatherproof cover to protect it from the elements. If you have a huge clay chiminea, you might want to put it on a higher base to stop the chimney from getting too close to your house or other structures in your yard. It's recommended to keep it 10 to 20 feet from your home, as it can be quite hot when you use it, and sparks could fly out the chimney. Size The size of your chiminea will be contingent on the space in which you plan to put it. If you have a large area in which to put the clay chiminea, it may be appropriate to choose one that is larger to easily accommodate a number of people and provide plenty of heat for them to take pleasure in. If you only have a tiny space to place the chiminea made of clay it might be best to choose a model that is smaller and can accommodate up to a couple of people comfortably. It will also provide enough heat for them to all sit comfortably. Clay chimineas are made of terracotta clay, however they can also be found in cast iron and other materials. Clay models are more vulnerable to damage than their metal counterparts. However taking care of them and maintaining them will ensure they last longer. Both types of chimineas need to be placed on stable, flat surfaces to avoid them falling over and damaging decking or other outdoor furniture. Set your clay chiminea on a non-flammable base, like sand. This will help protect your patio flooring and decking from scorches and burns. It is also important to fill the bottom of the chiminea up to about halfway sand or volcanic rock. This will prevent the sand and rock from burning, or getting too hot to touch. It also helps to reduce heat stress to the clay material in the first few times that you use your chiminea. The sand or rock will also allow you to add and take away firewood as required, and it will give you a convenient surface to place your grill on when cooking outdoors. It is crucial to let your chiminea cool down naturally and slowly when you are done using it. If you attempt to speed up the process of cooling it may cause stress on the ceramic, which could cause cracks or break the ceramic. You should never sprinkle water on your chiminea because this could cause damage or cause it to be destroyed. It is best to regularly clean your chiminea by cleaning off any ash and then brushing with steel wool or a soft-bristled brush. You can clean your clay chiminea with mild soap and warm water but some manufacturers recommend not using anything acidic. Style Chimineas are a stunning addition to your backyard. Their chimneys emit smoke into the air, and their design allows for a huge fire to be held without having to worry about wind or rain. You may want to consider the terracotta or clay chiminea to add warmth and character to your outdoor area. They're also perfect for cooking. Clay chimineas are constructed from materials that are resistant to fire and can withstand high temperatures. They are available in a range of sizes and colors and some even come with decorative accents that add a touch of flair. They can be used on any surface that is fire-safe, including concrete, stone, and brick patios. You can use them to ignite wood, but not charcoal. Like most ceramic and terra-cotta objects, clay chimineas should be kept out of water and other liquids. When they're not in use you can keep them in a covered space or in a protective cover to keep moisture out. If you intend to use your chiminea to cook, be sure to follow the instructions for use. Certain models require extra care to avoid cracks, which can happen when the clay is exposed to sudden temperature fluctuations. Before lighting an ablaze in a chiminea you must first fill it with sand up to approximately halfway. This will stop the flames from touching the sides of the chiminea and will protect your patio furniture. It's best if you begin with a small fire. Clay chimineas heat up like huge radiators. A large fire could cause them crack or explode. It is also crucial to allow your chiminea's temperature to cool slowly. You can cause the clay to break when you use water to extinguish or move it quickly. This is known as heat stress. To prevent this from happening, put your chiminea in a safe location such as an outdoor fire pit and don't set it in the vicinity of any wooden structures that could catch fire. Maintenance It's important to properly maintain your clay chiminea to ensure it lasts longer and functions safely. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your chiminea. This includes putting on a protective cover and selecting the correct fuel. Clay chimineas may break and crack, especially when they are not stored or used properly. If a clay chiminea breaks, you'll be able to repair it with simple tools and techniques. However when the chiminea is broken into more than two pieces it's time to consider replacing it all. To prevent cracks it is important to set a chiminea on a non-flammable base and use sand, lava rock or pea gravel in the bottom of the chiminea bowl to absorb the heat of the flames. It's also a good idea to clean out the ashes and rock after each use as they may accumulate over time. You can also buy an specialized clay chiminea cleaner to keep the ash clean between uses. When assembling your chiminea be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and put it in a safe area that is free of branches, wires and wooden fences. It is also important to use only natural wood, not coal, briquettes or other fire-prone materials. Briquettes and coal may cause cracks in the clay chiminea. If your chiminea develops a crack, you can often mend it with some glue or putty. Before attempting to mend cracks, ensure that the chiminea is completely dry. Sand the surface of the crack using medium-grit sandpaper until it feels smooth. If your chiminea is painted, you will have to take it off and sand down the clay underneath. In the off-season, you can protect your chiminea by covering it with an waterproof chiminea lid. This will stop water from damaging the clay and extend its life. It's important not to leave the chiminea out in the elements during winter months as temperature changes can cause it to crack and break. By following these simple guidelines you will be able to enjoy your chiminea all year round.