Advantages of Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

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1.   What are the advantages of a fireplace?

The main advantage of a fireplace is that the chimney will channel the smoke away from the people gifting them with a smoke free outdoor fire experience.

 

The firebox provides protection from the winds keeping the fire in the place and not in the surrounding living space.

 

Fireplaces provide a formal décor to the outdoor living space making a seamless flow from the indoors thus expanding your home’s square footage.

 

Couples can’t deny the soothing and romantic ambiance that a fireplace eludes.  Who needs a Snuggie when you can snuggle with a loved one by the fire.  

 

Have younger children living with you or visiting often?  The fireplace fitted with a heavy gauge screen offers a child safe close up view of the magical flames while being protected from the pops & sparks show.

2. What are the advantages of a firepit?

The main advantage of a firepit is that they typically are less expensive thus conducive to keeping the spend low during these sensitive economic times.

 

Only a firepit can truly allow for 360 perimeter seating, expanding the number of marshmallows being roasted at one time as well as the number of guest being warmed.

 

It is the firepit that provides an instant campfire charm to the outdoor living space (and just a short sprint from the restroom) offering a means of cooking meals as well as deserts.   

 

Versatility should be the firepit’s middle name given the vast amount of locations it can be placed.  Such as on a patio, under a Trellis, built into a retaining wall, inside a pool cabana, sitting in a lush lawn, surrounded by mother earth in a natural area, or even placed in on an open deck.

 

Some types of firepits are even portable!  Try moving a fireplace to your neighbor’s backyard gathering. 

3.Pit or Place? How should you choose what’s best?

Budget is the main deciding factor for most when it comes to deciding between a fireplace or firepit.  Firepits can range from $125 for a store bought portable unit up to $2,000 for a custom built brick or stone firepit. Fireplaces range from $3,500 for a precast kit with stucco finish upwards to $8,000 for an elaborate natural stone masonry fireplace.

 

One should determine the main use of the structure before committing to the fireplace or firepit. Considerations like large group entertaining or smaller gatherings, portability versus stationary, or cooking variety of foods versus foods on a stick.     

 

The area that the fireplace or firepit will be housed can also be a main deciding factor.  Smaller open areas are more conducive to firepits while a corner or nook area that can tolerate some height may suit a fireplace better.  A fireplace with wings can provide for a cozy private area by blocking the surrounding while a firepit can be cozy yet open to the surroundings.  

 

4. What do you look for to “match” the fireplace or firepit to the home’s style?

Structural exterior elements of the home such as stone, brick, stucco can be complemented by matching elements in a firepit or fireplace. 

 

In order for outdoor living space to be an extension of the indoor, the Architectural Style must be incorporated into the fireplace or firepit.  Examples are; New England Colonial style built simple timber-frame lean-to structures with a large chimney, Colonial Cape Cod style built a large central chimney with symmetrical appearance (wings) with little exterior ornamentation, Spanish Colonial style built simple, low structures of rocks, adobe brick, coquina, or stucco, French Colonial style called "Creole" combined traditions from France, Caribbean and West Indies designed for hot wet climates built with brick or "bousillage" (mud combined with moss) and the Georgian Colonial style usually have square, symmetrical shapes with paneled accents and decorative crown.

5. While you’re installing a fireplace or firepit, don’t forget to include add-ons! What type of add-ons?

Fireplace add-ons include; gas fire starter, wood (storage) boxes, wing walls, hearth, mantle, back ash door, electric & cable installed for built-in flat screens, metal mesh screens, glass doors, heat blowers.

 

Firepit add-ons include; gas starter, cooking grate, mesh dome covers.

6. What space issues should you consider before installing a firepit or fireplace?

The fireplace builder must consider property setbacks as well as the proper distance from roof lines and side walls required for drafting.  Home Owner Association Architectural requirements may also have a say in the guidelines of property line off sets as well as the type of chimney or chase that can be installed.

 

Since there is no direct ventilation system for firepits they will need to be installed in an outside space.  Firepits need to be installed within an outdoor space that will safely accommodate its heat, sparks & smoke.  Please take into consideration a means of isolating the firepit from unattended children.         

7. Can you talk about electronic ignitions?

Most gas log starters have an electric ignition for ease of starting up the fire. 

We recommend that firepit and fireplace gas logs come complete with electronic ignition and remote or wall switch systems.  This allows for the optimal ease of use as well as security by locking up remotes or switches.

   
8. Can you offer safety tips?

The most significant safety concern is for the protection of our young people.  Young children tend to lose focus of where they are when engaged in activities.  As responsible adults we must always take into consideration the “what-ifs” of children.  Safety precautions should include; adding fire rated mesh screening (domes or curtains), walls with gates around firepits, wide hearths in front of fireplaces, and locked fire igniters including matches, lighters, remotes, wall switches.

9. Are gas logs a good choice?

Gas logs are the only choice for fire-on-demand and today’s ceramic logs are made from real wood molds for ultimate realism.  Most gas log burners are designed for years of reliable use; just ensure you are purchasing one that is rated for external environments.  Need we mention the obvious benefits of less mess, no (wood) bugs, no flying sparks, controlled flame and cheaper (over the long run) of buying wood.