How to Build a big clay chiminea (to socialbuzzfeed.com)

Clay potters with experience can throw huge clay cylinders with amazing precision. For the majority of us the chiminea made of clay will have to find its permanent home right away as moving it could harm the clay.

Choose a location that has a safe open space and lay down a layer of play sand for children. Clay chimineas may crack if there are sudden changes in temperature or moisture.

Location

A large clay chiminea can be a great option to warm your garden or patio. These wide and long pieces of fire art resemble chimneys and are easy to light and keep the flames safe from the wind. They have a chimney that directs smoke into the air, so they don't produce excessive heat and are safer to use than regular outdoor fireplaces. It is possible to cook food on them, but it's best to use a separate pot and grate for this.

There's also a wide range of styles and materials for these heaters. You can choose from clay and terracotta, but they are also available in cast iron or steel. Cast iron is a better choice for cooking as it can withstand higher temperatures. Another benefit of a metal chiminea is that it's simpler to move around than a clay or terracotta one.

The ideal place to put your chiminea is an open, clear area where the chimney can be vented properly. Also, ensure that there aren't any trees or other items that could ignite nearby. You can also place the chiminea on an outdoor patio made of brick or stone patio. However, you must make sure it does not rest directly on any pavers since this could cause them to crack.

You'll have to fill the chiminea's bottom with sand to help prevent it from becoming too hot when it's burning and also to stop any kindling or paper from falling in and catching fire. Keep the ashes and sand in the chiminea and clean the chimney each week to prevent ash accumulation. If you're not planning to use your modern chiminea, make sure you cover it with a weatherproof cover and keep it in a safe place.

If you have a huge clay chiminea, you might want to put it on a base that is raised to stop the chimney from getting too close to your house or other structures in your yard. It is a good idea to keep it 10 to 20 feet away from your home. This is because it could be extremely hot and sparks could fly out of the chimney.

Size

The size of your chiminea will depend on the space in which you'll be placing it. If you are planning to place a clay chiminea within a large space it is best to choose one that is able to accommodate multiple people and provides them with ample heat.

If you have a small space to put the chiminea made of clay, it may be better to select a model that is smaller and can hold a few people comfortably. It also provides enough heat to allow them to all sit comfortably.

Clay chimineas have traditionally been made from terracotta, but they are also available in other materials as well. Clay models tend to be more susceptible to damage than their Metal chimineas counterparts, however proper use and maintenance will ensure they last longer. Both types of chimineas should be placed on flat, stable surfaces to avoid them falling over and damaging decking or other outdoor furniture.

Set your clay chiminea upon a non-flammable base, such as 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 with sand or volcanic rock. This will keep the sand or rock from burning or becoming too hot to touch. it also helps to reduce heat stress on the clay in the first few times you use your chiminea.

The sand or the rock will also make it easier for you to add and take away firewood at any time and will provide you a convenient surface to place your grill on when cooking outdoors. When you are done using your chiminea, it's important to let it cool down slowly and naturally by itself. Attempting to speed the process of cooling could result in stress that could cause cracks or breakage in the clay.

Don't pour water over your chiminea. It could damage it or even destroy it. It is recommended to regularly clean your chiminea by taking off any ash and rubbing with steel wool or a soft-bristled brush. You can clean your clay chiminea by using mild soap and warm water however some manufacturers suggest not using anything acidic.

Style

Chimineas are an impressive addition to your backyard. Their chimneys emit smoke into the air. their shape allows for a big fire pits chimineas to be able to be held without having to worry about wind or rain. If you're seeking to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your outdoor space, then you might want to consider a terracotta or clay chiminea. They are also ideal for cooking.

Clay chimineas are constructed from fire-resistant materials that are able to withstand temperatures up to a high. 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. They can be used to burn wood or other fuels, but you should not use charcoal.

Like most ceramic and terra-cotta objects clay chimineas must be stored away from water and other liquids. They can be stored in a protected area or under a protective cover to keep out moisture. If you intend to use your chiminea to cook, be sure to follow the instructions for use. Certain models require special care to avoid cracking. This can happen when the ceramic is subjected to sudden temperature fluctuations.

Fill the chiminea with sand until it is about half full. This will stop the flames from extending into the sides of your unit and also protect your furniture on your patio. It is recommended to start with an initial small chiminea fire. Chimineas made from clay heat up as gigantic radiators. A large fire can cause them crack or explode.

It is also essential to allow your chiminea to cool slowly. If you try to extinguish it with water or move it too quickly it could put the clay under stress and cause it to break. This is referred to as heat stress. To avoid this, place your chiminea in a stable location like a firepit and avoid placing it in a place near any wooden structure that could catch fire.

Maintenance

It's important to properly maintain your clay chiminea in order to ensure it lasts longer and functions safely. Regular care can extend the life of your chiminea. This includes putting on a cover to protect it and selecting the correct fuel.

Clay chimineas are susceptible to cracking and breakage particularly if they're not used frequently or stored in a proper manner. If a chiminea made of clay breaks, you'll be able to repair it with a few materials and techniques. If the chiminea is split into more than two pieces, it is recommended to replace it.

To prevent cracking it is important to place the chiminea on a non-flammable surface and to use sand or lava rock in the bowl's bottom to absorb heat from the flames. It is a good idea to clean the ashes and rocks after each use as they will accumulate over time. You can also buy an specialized clay chiminea cleaner to keep the ash clear between use.

Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer when making your chiminea. Put it in an area that is secure, away from wires, overhanging branches and wooden fences. It is also essential to use only natural wood, not briquettes, coal or other fire-prone materials. Briquettes and coal could crack the clay chiminea.

If your chiminea starts to crack, you may be able to fix it using glue or putty. Before you attempt to repair cracks, ensure that the chiminea is dry. Sand the surface of the crack using medium-grit sandpaper until the surface feels smooth. If your chiminea is painted, you'll need to remove it and then sand the clay beneath.

In the off-season, it is possible to protect your chiminea by covering it with a waterproof chiminea lid. This will prevent the clay from being damaged by moisture and extend its life. It is also a good idea to keep the chiminea in the elements during the winter months as temperature changes could cause it to crack and break. If you follow these simple tips, you can enjoy your chiminea all year round.