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How to Build a Big clay chiminea (www.makeyoung.com)

Clay potters are able to throw massive cylinders using incredible ability. For the majority of us, a large clay chiminea will have to find its permanent home as soon as possible and moving it could damage the clay.

Choose a location with a fire-safe area and put down a layer of play sand to children. Chimineas made of clay can be damaged if there are sudden changes in temperature or moisture.

Location

A large clay chiminea could be a great option to warm your garden or patio. These long and wide pieces of fire art resemble chimneys, and are easy to light and keep flames protected from the wind. They have an elongated chimney that funnels smoke into the air, which means they don't produce too much heat and are more secure than traditional outdoor fireplaces. You can even cook food in them if you wish but it's better to use a separate grate and pan to cook food.

There's also a broad selection of styles and types for these heaters. You can choose from clay and terracotta, but they also come in cast iron or steel. Cast iron is more suitable for cooking as it can handle higher temperatures. Another benefit of an iron chiminea is that it's easier to move around than a clay or terracotta one.

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

Fill the bottom of your fireplace with sand. This will help to prevent it from getting too hot, and will also stop any papers or kindling from falling into. Keep the sand and ashes in the chiminea and clean the chimney every week to prevent the buildup of ash. If you're not going to be using your chiminea fire pit, make sure you cover it with a weatherproof covering and store it.

You should consider placing your large clay chiminea on a raised platform to ensure that the chimney is kept away from your house or any other structures in your yard. It is a good idea to keep it 10 to 20 feet from your house. This is because it could be extremely hot and sparks may be released from the chimney.

Size

The size of your chiminea will be contingent on the space you intend to place it. If you intend to put a clay chiminea in the middle of a large area it is recommended to choose one that is able to accommodate multiple people and provide them with ample heat.

Alternatively, if you have an area that is smaller to place the clay chimineas, it might be more appropriate to opt for a small model that is able to comfortably hold only a handful of people and provide enough warmth for them to all sit comfortably.

Chimineas made of clay have been traditionally made of terracotta, but they are available in other materials as well. Clay Chiminea large models are more susceptible to damage than counterparts made of metal. However the proper care and maintenance will make them last longer. Both types of chimineas need to be placed on flat, stable surfaces to prevent them from falling over and damaging decking or other outdoor furniture.

Set your clay chiminea on a non-flammable base, such as sand. This will help protect your deck and flooring from burns and scorches. You should also fill the bottom of the chiminea up to about halfway with volcanic rock or sand. This will stop the sand or rock from burning, or getting too hot to touch. It also helps reduce the heat stress on the clay 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 it will give you a suitable surface to balance your grill on when cooking outdoors. It is essential to let your chiminea cool down naturally and slowly when you are done using it. If you try to accelerate the cooling process, it could cause stress in the ceramic and cause cracks or break the ceramic.

Never pour water on your chiminea. It could damage it or even destroy it. It is best to keep your chiminea clean by cleaning off any ash and then brushing with steel wool or a soft-bristled brush. It is recommended to make use of mild soap and water to clean your chiminea made of clay, however certain manufacturers recommend against using any acidic substances on their products.

Style

Chimineas are a beautiful addition to your backyard. Their chimneys direct smoke into the air, and their shape allows them to accommodate a large fire without having to worry about rain or wind. If you're looking to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your outdoor space, you may think about a clay or terracotta chimney. They are also great for cooking.

Clay chimineas are made from fire-resistant materials and are able to withstand temperatures up to a high. They are available in various sizes and colors, and some come with decorative accents for an additional appearance. 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, however you should avoid using charcoal.

Like most ceramics and terracotta products, should be kept away from liquids and water. You can store them in a covered area, or in a covered area to keep out moisture. If you intend to use your chiminea to cook, make sure you read the user instructions carefully. Some models need special care to avoid cracking. This could happen if the ceramic is subjected to sudden temperature fluctuations.

Before lighting an ablaze in a chiminea, you should first fill it with sand up to about halfway. This will stop the flames from touching the sides of the unit and help safeguard your furniture. It is best to create an initial small fire. Chimineas made of clay heat up like huge radiators and a large fire can cause them to break or explode.

It is also essential to let your chiminea cool slowly. You can cause the clay to break by using water to extinguish or move it swiftly. This is known as heat stress. To prevent this, it is recommended to place your chiminea on a sturdy surface like a fire pit, and never place it near a wooden deck or any other wooden structure that could catch fire.

Maintenance

It is essential to properly maintain your clay chiminea in order to ensure it lasts longer and operates safely. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your chiminea. This includes putting on a cover to protect it and selecting the appropriate fuel.

Clay chimineas are susceptible to cracking and breakage particularly if they're not regularly used or stored properly. You can repair a broken clay chiminea using simple materials and techniques. However, if the chiminea has cracked into more than two pieces it's time to think about replacing it altogether.

To prevent cracking it is important to place the chiminea onto a non-flammable surface and to use lava rock or sand in the bowl's bottom to absorb the heat of the flames. It is a good idea to clean the ashes and the rocks after each use since they may build up over time. You can also purchase an specialized clay chiminea cleaner to keep the ash free between uses.

Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer when building your chiminea. Put it in a place that is well protected away from wires, overhanging branches and wooden fences. It is also important to make use of only natural wood for your fires and not coal or briquettes, because they could crack the clay chiminea large.

Repair a damaged chiminea using a bit of glue or putty. Make sure that the chiminea is completely dry before you attempt to repair a crack. Sand the surface of the crack using medium grit sandpaper until it feels smooth. If your chiminea has been painted, you'll have to remove it and sand down the bare clay beneath.

In the off-season, you can protect your Chiminea by covering it in an insulated chiminea lid that is waterproof. This will stop the clay from being damaged by moisture and will extend the life of the clay. It's a good idea to not leave your chiminea outside in cold winter weather. The temperature changes could cause cracks or breaks to the chiminea. Follow these easy steps to make your chiminea a pleasure throughout the year.