What could be more relaxing than spending time with your family or friends around a cozy fire? It is a great way to socialize outdoors on those cooler evenings. A built-in firepit will offer you that, and is surprisingly easy to install, even in smaller outdoor spaces.
But with any improvements to your outdoor spaces, careful planning is always advised. And this is especially true for an outdoor firepit. So before you go ahead, read our 5 ideas to consider when planning your outdoor firepit.
5 Ideas To Consider When Planning An Outdoor Firepit
1. Firepit vs Fireplace
Backyard fire pits and fireplaces both offer warmth, light, and ambiance that will enhance your outdoor appeal and improve the value of your home. Before you go ahead with your planning, determine which option is right for you. People often think these two are the same, but there are differences.
Advantage Of A Firepit Over A Fireplace
Fire pits are generally smaller and more informal in their design than fireplaces. However, you do want to make sure there is ample space for seating around it. A firepit is great if you love entertaining as everyone can sit around the fire and chat over it.
2. Gas Or Wood
Decide how you will be fuelling your fire. You have two main choices when it comes to your outdoor firepit; gas or wood. There are benefits for both.
Gas
Many fire pits can be designed to run on propane or natural gas. You won’t have to gather wood or clean up ashes afterward like with wood. It is easier to light and turn off. And best of all, it is clean-burning. There’s no smoke polluting the air, and the danger of flying embers catching things alight also falls away.
Wood
Wood is a traditional choice for a fireplace or firepit. There is no doubt that the crackle of a log fire creates mood and ambiance for your outdoor space. With wood, there is no maintenance of gas rings. And a wood-burning fire will also provide more heat than a gas burner – perfect if you’re wanting to keep warm on cooler nights!
3. Flow From Your Patio
Create a seamless transition from your backyard door to your outdoor space by installing a paver patio. The flow from your patio to the firepit will seem more natural and harmonious if you pave the entire area. But that does not mean that you can’t be creative. Patio pavers will offer you fantastic versatility.
There are many patio design options available to you. Introduce different colors, patterns, and textures to build interest while still achieving a cohesive look.
A well-planned and properly laid paver patio, that leads to your firepit, will add further value to your home. And it is not only practical but low-maintenance too.
4. Built-In Seating
It’s great to be able to entertain outdoors, even on cooler nights. This is one of the reasons why every backyard needs a firepit. But this requires adequate seating. The seating around your fire pit should be both practical and comfortable and in harmony with your firepit design.
Seating Designs That Match Your Firepit
Built-in concrete seating is a cost-effective and practical solution. It will also blend in with a paved patio and stone fire pit, beautifully.
For the most comfortable seating around a circular fire pit, choose a curved bench design. For a rectangular or square-shaped fire pit, opt for straight benches to provide symmetry.
Seating Comfort And Safety
Your built-in seating may not be as comfortable as you’d like for extended periods. So for added comfort, add some outdoor cushions. But in the case of a wood-burning fire, ensure that these are made with flame-retardant fabric. This will stop sparks and embers from wood fires from causing any issues.
5. Complement The Surrounding Theme
A firepit that complements the existing entertainment area will further enhance your outdoor spaces and add value to your property.
Select a firepit installation that harmonizes with the hardscaping and theme of your outdoor space. In this way, your firepit becomes part of your decor.
For example, a rustic stone firepit design will complement outdoor spaces that feature cement benches, stone pavers, cacti, and rock art. Or, for a more high-end look to complement a modern outdoor entertaining area, consider a design with straight lines and clean-cut paver stones.
There are a variety of construction materials and styles available, so give it as much consideration as you would any other outdoor installation.
Conclusion
A cozy fire, friends chatting, and kids making smores. We know those are the heartwarming images that spring to mind when you think of an outdoor firepit. And by following our tips above, all of this can be yours. So get in touch with us today, and we will help you to make it a reality.
