Outdoor Fire Features for Year-Round Enjoyment
Sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the company of friends and family is one of life’s pleasures. But when winter hits, the thoughts of pitching a tent or sleeping under the vast open sky make campfires lose their luster. However, you can capture the magic of time by the fire right in your backyard. When the fire goes out, head inside to enjoy the warmth and coziness of your own home.
Firepits and outdoor fireplaces took off in popularity several years ago, and it’s no wonder. In a digital world, finding a chance to escape outside, unwind, and stare into the dancing flames is appealing. The other reason fire features started popping up in homes is that you can fit one into any space. From the front porch of a condo to the back acre of a sprawling estate, fire features can be a welcome addition.
Designing and installing fire features into your landscape is an area where the experts at Landscape East & West excel. We can help walk you through the many available choices and ensure you find the perfect match for your taste, needs, space, and budget.
Firepit or Fireplace
Choosing between a firepit and a fireplace for your backyard depends on several factors. Here are some points we’ll help you consider:
Safety and Regulations: This comes first, as sometimes homeowner associations or local ordinances and building codes dictate what is allowed when it comes to fire. Open flames may be illegal in close quarters or in heavily forested areas and pose more of a danger to children and pets, while enclosed flames are more often approved and a safer option. A fireplace is a solution to a fire structure with enclosed flames. In addition, firepits, such as gas and electric, can satisfy safety and code standards. Knowing the rules from the start is important.
Climate: Some yards are wide open and exposed to wind. The open flames of a firepit may not be conducive in these situations without being placed in a sheltered area or behind a windscreen. Fireplaces are less susceptible to wind as the fireplace itself provides a natural windbreak.
Design: A fireplace is a permanent architectural statement in your landscape. If your yard is an outdoor living area with places to cook, eat, and lounge, a fireplace might be the ideal solution. For more casual yards that have a more rustic feel, a firepit with a lower profile may blend in more seamlessly with the existing landscape.
Space: With the variety of choices in today’s firepits, they can really be placed in any size yard. A portable firepit can go anywhere, and a built-in one can be sized to match the space. Fireplaces are often viewed as a feature for larger yards; however, they work well in smaller, defined spaces as well, placed against an existing wall or fence. Again, local codes may dictate what’s possible, more than personal preference.
Design Options
Selecting the right material for your outdoor fireplace or firepit is crucial for durability, safety, and aesthetics. With the variety of design options, a fire feature often becomes the landscape’s focal point. Here’s a breakdown of materials commonly used for outdoor fireplaces and firepits:
Stone, such as granite, limestone, bluestone, and fieldstone, is a more traditional choice and matches the decor of most homes. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and retains and radiates heat. It does cost a bit more upfront than some other materials, but it’s built to last.
Brick is a classic look for fire features and comes in various colors and textures for a more customized look. Brick is made to withstand high temperatures but can crack in freezing temperatures without proper sealing. However, individual bricks can be replaced fairly easily.
Concrete is a good choice for modern or minimalist design, and the options are practically endless. Concrete can be cast into various shapes or stamped, with many color options. Affordable, versatile, and durable, the only downside to concrete is that it requires sealing to prevent moisture absorption and can crack over time.
Metal like stainless steel, cast iron, or copper are all good choices, especially for portable firepits because they are lightweight. The modern look of metal is popular, and in the damp climate of the Pacific Northwest, stainless steel is a good choice since it resists rust. The other metals will require maintenance to keep them from rusting. Metals can also become hot, so they are probably not ideal for homes with pets and children.
Tile or Masonry Veneer can be added over a masonry base to add color, texture, and visual appeal. Custom designs can be created, or tiles can be used for decorative accents. While tiles add beauty and artistic flair to a fire feature, they are less durable than other materials, particularly in high-heat areas.
When you’re ready to warm up your wintery evenings with some time by a fire, contact the design team and Landscape East & West for a free consultation. We can discuss your ideas and options to transform your yard into a true year-round outdoor living space.
