From extra space for entertaining and relaxing to an increase in your home’s appeal and value, the benefits of outdoor living spaces are easy to see. While many elements make a great outdoor living space, a fire pit is one addition you should consider for your patio.
The 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey showed that fire pits and fireplaces were the third most popular features for an outdoor living space. Building a fire pit can be a great investment, both for your own enjoyment and if you someday want to sell your home. This guide and the help of your outdoor living contractors will ensure you design the perfect fire pit.
1. Location
Location is important in regards to any part of real estate, but it should also be an imperative factor when determining where you will install your fire pit. While you want it to be easily accessible from your home, the fire pit should not be so close to the home that a spark would harm the home or your family.
Consider wind patterns when choosing a location. Avoid installing a fire pit in a space of your yard that experiences high wind gusts. Your home or trees should be able to block wind gusts, reducing the flow of smoke and fire sparks to other areas of your yard.
Also, make sure the space will be large enough to accommodate not only the actual fire pit, but furniture, such as chairs and tables, as well. Be sure the space is level to ensure the fire pit and furniture will sit evenly on the surface.
2. Size and Shape
Once you choose a location, you can determine what size of fire pit you prefer. In most cases, you and your family will want to sit around the fire pit, so you want the actual pit to be big enough for a nice fire, but small enough where you will have plenty of space for seating.
On average, make sure there is at least seven feet of space between the fire space and exterior ring, which will be a suitable amount of space for chairs and comfortable seating.
In regards to the shape, a functional and appealing fire pit can be round, square, or even rectangular. In reality, the shape does not actually matter as long as it has level ground and enough seating space.
3. Materials
The materials used to build your fire pit can also be a difficult decision. Fire pits can be built using a variety of materials including brick, stone, metal, and concrete. However, the interior wall or ring must be made using fire-proof materials, such as fire brick or a metal ring designed with withstand fire and high heat.
No matter what materials you use, the overall look of your fire pit should complement your patio and other outdoor living spaces in addition to the exterior of your home.
You can choose to use the same material that was used to build your patio or choose an entirely different material to make the fire pit stand out. For example, if you have a brick patio, your fire pit can have the same brick exterior. If you have a concrete patio and you want your fire pit to stand out, opt for paver or flagstone stones.
4. Heating Source
Whether your fire is fueled by gas or wood is another decision you will need to make. Each option offers its own pros and cons.
Wood is a popular option because it is easy and affordable, and it also provides the most natural and realistic campfire experience. Unfortunately, wood is difficult to start and will require constant maintenance to keep the fire burning.
Gas lights quickly and runs continuously, but having a gas-fueled fire pit will require a more extensive installation. A gas tank and lines from the tank to your fire pit will need to be installed.
Either option can be great, but make sure you choose the option that’s right for you.
To get started designing and installing a fire pit, contact Ecoworkz today.
