Imagine the enjoyment of gathering your family and friends around your beautiful hardscaped firepit on a cold autumn night to roast marshmallows and make memories! Hardscaping can add beauty and functionality to your backyard. From fully functional outdoor kitchens, to hardscaped patios, landscaping improvements can not only add enjoyment and create a comfortable space to gather with family and friends, hardscaping can add value to your home when it’s time to sell.
Firepits are a great addition to any backyard. They can introduce a rustic feeling, create a focal point and provide almost year-round enjoyment for your family. Unlike an outdoor heater, firepits bring a 360 degree, dynamic visual to your outdoor entertainment area. Fire pits come in a variety of forms, from portable to permanent, metal or stone, wood or gas fueled, no matter which you choose, a firepit will add warmth, light and atmosphere to your outdoor space!
Let’s look at some options to consider if you’re planning on adding a firepit to your outdoor landscape!
Define your Needs, Weigh Your Options
First, think about how your fire pit will function. This will help you to narrow your choices in terms of style and fuel. First, how will you use your firepit:
- Grilling – Many firepits come with a cooking grate allowing them to double as a grill. This can be a fun option for the kids. Nothing beats cooking hot dogs and smores over an open fire!
- Fire Tables – Fire tables create an intimate focal point. They can function as a place to gather around and enjoy a cocktail and dinner all by the warmth of the fire. Styles range from coffee table height to bar table height.
- Traditional Decorative Fire Pit – Lit or unlit, steel or stone a decorative firepit is a great focal point for any backyard landscape design. Firepits can be customized with anything from landscape scenes to inscriptions or customized motifs.
Next, choose your fuel.
- Propane – Propane pits have a tank attached making them portable. Propane can cost more than natural gas, to operate but are more fuel efficient.
- Wood – Traditional and beautiful wood is always a winner, and you can add a smokeless firepit insert to get the beauty of wood-fire without the nuisance of the smoke.
- Natural Gas – Natural gas pits are generally in a fixed spot and permanent. Natural gas is cheaper over time, but the set-up costs are higher.
- Bio-Ethanol – Clean burning and efficient, bio-ethanol emits no ash, smoke or embers
- Gel – A chemical that emits no by-products, smoke or ash
Choosing the Perfect Firepit
Firepits come in a variety of materials. Each offers benefits and the material you choose will depend on your needs, and your fuel.
- Stainless Steel – Available in a range of shapes and finishes.
- Copper – Popular and durable, copper pits do not rust and develop a beautiful patina over time.
- Cast Iron – Looks expensive but is very affordable. Cast iron is sturdy, affordable, rust-resistant and great for cooking.
- Aluminum – One of the most common materials aluminum pits are lightweight, easy to move and will last for years.
- Glass – Stylish, trendy and tolerates a high temperature without burning or discoloration. Common used with gas and propane.
You’ll need to make a few decisions, but no matter what you choose, adding a firepit to your landscape design is a great choice that will bring you years of enjoyment. If you’d like to learn more, stop by the Old Station Outdoor and Landscape Supply store. We’re here to help you choose the perfect firepit!
