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The height of the chimney for your outdoor fireplace depends on where the fireplace is located. Ideally, the chimney should be 2 to 3 feet higher than surrounding structures; this allows smoke to ventilate properly without endangering anyone or anything.

Note: Your municipality may have strict requirements regarding chimney heights, so it’s always a good idea to check local building codes.

While most stoves won’t last two decades, some do! Gas stoves and pellet stoves are more likely to go the distance than electric stoves or induction cooktops, and maintenance can go a long way toward increasing longevity.

There are several maintenance tips you should take to ensure your pellet stove's safety and proper maintenance. You should vacuum the ash pan every week to prevent overflowing and clean the stove and surrounding vents every three to four months. It’s also important to get a professional inspection every year and install a carbon monoxide detector close to your stove. Be sure to dispose of hot ashes in a closed metal container; store it outside, away from the house. Only use the pellets recommended by your stove's manufacturer, and follow any cleaning and maintenance instructions.

The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.