Outdoor Firepit. Nothing is quite as inviting as a fire on a crisp evening. When you want to add the element of warmth to your landscape, a fire pit can be a beautiful and useful choice especially here in the valley where you can burn a gas fire pit on no burn nights which are frequent in the winter here. Whether you want a full outdoor entertaining area or a smaller conversation pit, it can lend an entirely different feel to your outdoor space.
However, poor planning can turn your dream into a nightmare. If placed too close to other structures, your cozy firepit can become a complete fire hazard. If you don’t consider the direction of the wind, you could smoke out your guests, making your firepit virtually unusable. Taking some time to ask yourself a few questions can mean the difference between disaster and delight.
When looking at Arizona backyard landscaping ideas, the trusted professionals at Mesquite Landscaping want you to know the things to consider before you get started on designing a fire pit.
Outdoor Firepit Design for Your Backyard
Intended Use
How do you see yourself using your firepit? Do you envision your backyard as an extended outdoor living space? Perhaps you’d like to have dinner around the glow of a fire and end it with a sweet treat of roasted marshmallows. Would you like to have a place to dry off and warm up after taking a swim? If so, a built-in firepit may be just what you need. Understanding what you want to achieve with your landscape project will ensure your satisfaction with the final result.
Ambiance
When you think about the feeling you want to achieve with your new landscaping, do you envision wrapping up in a blanket with a good book or, even better, with your significant other? Maybe you want an intimate place to catch up with good friends over a glass of wine. Perhaps you love to entertain all your friends and family frequently and require a lot of seating options. Is your house considered a party central?
Whether you want a bonfire for a big group or just a warm glow for close friends, give some thought to how you plan to enjoy your yard. If you routinely have large gatherings, you don’t want your guests having to stand around for lack of seating to be able to enjoy the glowing embers. On the other hand, you do not want to feel you have to shout to be heard over an expansive area when you usually have only a small get-together. You, your family, and your guests will be much more comfortable with the right configuration, and you’ll be more likely to use it frequently.
Location
Most cities have guidelines and building or fire codes that must be considered when building a firepit, such as distance from existing structures. Once you have chosen the best location for your landscape addition, you’ll want to be sure that the area around your firepit is fire retardant. Surrounding your firepit with a hardscape-like pavers is a stylish and functional way to keep your home and family safe.
If you live in a windy area, you’ll need to consider the direction from which the wind blows when finalizing your design. A chimney instead of an open firepit could be a better choice to keep the smoke funneled up and away from those gathered around the fire.
Wood vs. Natural Gas
The choice between wood and natural gas-powered firepits is mostly a matter of personal preference. However, gas firepits may be a safer option in windy areas, as there they don’t produce smoke or sparks. It can also be much more convenient to have a fire on demand instead of having to keep firewood on hand.
Image Credit: Getty Images / dschnarrs