THE SECRETS TO OUTDOOR SUCCESS
10 Jul 2013
Gone are the days when an outdoor fireplace meant sawing a 44 gallon drum in half, a garden screen was a piece of cheap pine lattice and an outdoor oven was, well, non-existent.
Gone are the days when an outdoor fireplace meant sawing a 44 gallon drum in half, a garden screen was a piece of cheap pine lattice and an outdoor oven was, well, non-existent.
Bruce Thomas from Innovative Metal Products has over 20 years designing and producing steel and laser cut products, including outdoor fireplaces, outdoor ovens and garden screens. When it comes to purchasing these items, Bruce’s tips can help you to make the right decision:
Finish: “We’re finding the most people like the rust look,” explains Bruce. “This effect is also known as 'Corten' - a protective layer that ironically looks like rust. Corten is durable, you’ll see examples it on many freeway walls and garden sculptures.
“Most of our fireplaces are sold with corten finish,” explains Bruce. “Garden screens can also be powder-coated in almost any colour! Outdoor ovens are only available in heat resistant grey paint.”
Durability: “Your fireplace and screens will be exposed to Australia’s harsh elements. Australian-made generally means better quality and longer lasting,” explains Bruce.
Practicality: With over 20 years’ experience in Australia’s laser cutting industry, Bruce knows what designs on garden screens will work before the first cut is made. For fireplaces, Bruce adds “We’ve used our experience to create fireplaces that distribute heat gently while smoke is directed overhead and carried away.” An ethanol insert is also available for selected fireplaces. This means fires can be lit instantly, without firewood.
Versatility: “Ensure your oven can also be used as a fireplace. Our ovens have the fire on the outside so they can always be used as a fireplace,” explains Bruce. To minimise heat loss when cooking, Bruce recommends an outdoor oven with an inspection window. He also suggests a smoke applicator for flavour enhancement, heat bricks for even cooking and a large cooking area, suitable for pizza, breads or a roast.
For more details, call 03 8710 4188, email enquiries@inproducts.com.au or visit www.inproducts.com.au.