Considering adding fire features to your home? Find out the difference between fire pits and fireplaces and why one may suit you better.
Fire Pit or Fireplace?
The mid-Atlantic region is a beautiful region of the country and it allows us to have plenty of opportunities for outside living and entertainment. Imagine an outdoor living room where your family can sit by a fire and watch the stars! Many homeowners are adding hardscapes that become a main social gathering, rivaled only by the kitchen. In this blog we will cover the features and benefits of fire pits versus fireplaces.
The Fire Pit
One of the important aspects of deciding whether to have a fire pit or a fireplace installed is how many guests you plan on hosting. Everyone can get together around the fire pit, which is a perfect place to drink, chat, relax, and roast some hot dogs or marshmallows so it is helpful to know if you typically have large, medium or small gatherings, as gatherings occur around the fire pit instead of in front as occurs with fireplaces. However, you will need to exercise some caution since there is no chimney to redirect the smoke coming from the fire. It is important to work with a landscape designer to ensure your fire pit is placed in the correct spot. Once the fire pit is installed, it becomes a fixture, so make sure that you don’t end up regretting where you placed it on your patio. Fire pits are also less expensive than installing a fireplace, and they can work very well with an existing patio. Your fire pit will become a fabulous focal point for your patio and outdoor kitchen area.
There are many options for materials used for fire pit construction including:
- Brick: is a great option if you’re looking for something rustic and traditional. Just remember that you’re going to need firebricks for any spots that may be directly exposed to heat, otherwise you run the risk of your fire pit being damaged in the long run.
- Copper: often found as portable units in many big box stores, there are a number of different styles and options out there if you’re looking for a fire pit. This is ideal if you don’t want a permanent installation and instead just want to be able to enjoy the benefits of a fire pit whenever the weather permits.
The Fireplace
if you want something more upscale that makes a strong architectural statement, then a fireplace is the answer. There are many options for fireplace materials including:
- Manufactured stone: offers longevity and low maintenance as well as clean, simple lines. You’ll get the look and feel of stone from a product that has been made in an environmentally friendly manner. Many options are available including colors and styles to meet your project needs.
- Natural stone: is one of the most durable products used to build—it offers longevity and easy maintenance.
Many options exist for fireplace design so it is advantageous to use an experienced fireplace designer and installer. At Honeysuckle Nursery and Design, our designers and installers have 20+ years of experience ensuring 100% satisfaction with your design and installation. A fireplace designer will also make sure that the chimney is positioned where it can vent the smoke away from the seating areas. Fireplaces typically burn wood or wood pellets. For those fireplaces that are built into a covered patio design, a television can be mounted to the fireplace for entertainment!
Fuel Types
If you can connect a fuel line for natural gas to your patio, then a gas-powered fire pit could be a way to give your outdoor living space a boost. however, if you can’t, then this means you will need to make room for a propane tank. Plus, turning the gas on and off is much easier than having to sweep ashes away. And you need to think about how safe it is to operate
GET A BRAND NEW FIRE PIT or Fireplace FROM HONEYSUCKLE NURSERY AND DESIGN!
With Honeysuckle Nursery and Design, you will get construction and maintenance crews on site who have a minimum of 20+ years of experience in all types of fireplace and fire pit construction. Our designers will work closely with you to understand how you want to use your space so that we can make the most of your entire site. We are committed to providing complete customer satisfaction and will work with you on every step of the way to be sure that you are happy with your new fire pit.
Summer is here! Whether you live in Anne Arundel or Howard Counties, we can help you experience your dream space in Annapolis, Davidsonville, Millersville, Ellicott City, Clarksville, Columbia, and surrounding areas. We specialize in Landscape Design & Maintenance, Swimming Pools, Hardscape, and Natural Stone, Water Features, Outdoor Living Spaces and more! Be sure to visit our Gallery for inspiration ideas: