Fire pit or fireplace? See the pros and cons of each right here!
It’s a burning question you’ve been debating for a while: “Should I get an outdoor fire pit or an outdoor fireplace?” Each has its pros and cons, but this article will help you get to know them and the materials and fuel sources available. Your outdoor living space can be both beautiful and warm! If you have any questions, The Landscape Design Center in Edgewater, MD, can help you!
Fire Pits
Pros
- Many people imagine themselves sitting around the fire pit in the evening, roasting smores, cooking hotdogs, or just having a great time. It is the iconic centerpiece for having great outdoor gatherings. Fire pits also allow people to gather all the way around and receive equal warmth. You can easily place seating all around the fire pit and move around it, and everyone gets to enjoy its warmth, entertaining flames, and cooking abilities.
- You can make it multifunctional; when not in use, the fire pit cover can become a tabletop for your card games, board games, snacks, and drinks.
- Fire pits are a lot less costly than a fireplace.
- Fire pits can be installed by most paver contractors, whereas a fireplace should be installed by a mason.
Cons
- One of the greatest cons about fire pits is that smoke can fly into people’s faces if the wind blows in a specific direction. That can be a constant hassle. However, your landscape designer can position it strategically with consideration to typical wind direction in your yard. Proper ventilation will also help with this problem.
- The look of a fire pit is not as impactful as a fireplace.
- If it isn’t covered or installed correctly, it can hold water and be messy.
Fireplaces
Pros
- Outdoor fireplaces are elegant and fancy.
- They make a statement in your outdoor living space and make your patio feel like an outdoor living room. Better yet, you can also add shade and shelter over your patio, like a pergola or pavilion, since the chimney directs smoke upwards.
- You won’t have to worry about smoke getting trapped in the ceiling or blowing in people’s faces. These fire features also take up less space and most times sit at the edge of an outdoor living area.
- Seating is arranged in front of the fireplace rather than around it; you could have two seating areas if your outdoor fireplace is double-sided.
Cons
- The biggest con of an outdoor fireplace is that it doesn’t have the same traditional, interactive quality about it; it does not have that campfire effect. It would be a lot harder for everyone to cook with it. Even so, it does provide sufficient warmth.
- They are also much more expensive and require a knowledgeable mason to install.
Best Materials for Built-In Fire Pits and Fireplaces
- Brick – This is a traditional look and almost timeless.
- Concrete – Most of the fireplace and fire pit kits are made of a concrete mix and then faced with material.
- Travertine – This is a fun material to use if you are looking for a more Old World OR modern look. Both can be accomplished with this material.
- Stacked natural stones – Stone is never outdated. It is beautiful and can go with most any home or landscape.
- Flagstone – Likewise, flagstone can give a warm feel but look a little more modern if done right.
- Paver block – It is a less expensive option, and with SO many options out there, you can get the look and colors you want at a great price!
Best Fuel Sources for Outdoor Fire Pits and Fireplaces
- Wood – this is a more messy option but it is traditionally what people lean towards. You will need a source of wood and a place to store it.
- Natural Gas – If you have it coming into your home already, it isn’t that costly to direct a line to your fire feature! Then you can push a button and have an instant fire
- Propane – Same goes with propane. If you have it at your home already, it isn’t much to run it to your feature. So much easier to start and it will be a consistent heat.
The Landscape Design Center Is Here To Serve You
At The Landscape Design Center, the client is our number one priority. We are committed to creating, improving, and maintaining the environment – an environment in which our clients live, work, and play. Feel free to ask us questions or contact us for an estimate, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all of our latest news.
