FAVORITE HARDSCAPES | OUTDOOR FIREPITS
Living in Colorado we find ways to enjoy our sunshine all year – even when the temperature doesn’t cooperate. Adding hardscape elements to your landscaping is not only a good way to extend the use of your outdoor area, they’re also water efficient, add contrast and comfort, and are easy to maintain.
Firepits in particular are a great option for Northern Colorado residents looking to give their backyard some extra life during long winter months. They add a beautiful focal point and create a cozy space for you and your family to enjoy year-round.
Outdoor firepits also add an element of functionality. The firepit can be designed as the centerpiece of a dining table or coffee table, or some firepits have built-in grilling surfaces to serve as an additional outdoor cooking appliance.
Here are a few different types of outdoor firepits –
Wood Burning Firepits
If you’re looking for the authentic outdoor fireplace experience – featuring the crackle of wood and the smell of campfire smoke – this your best option! In its simplest form, these are built with stone, brick or cinder blocks and can double as a spot for grilling with family and friends.
The Chiminea (derived from the Spanish word for chimney) is a more stylish wood burning option. Originally made from clay, this stove-like appliance has a short vertical chimney that was traditionally used for everyday cooking and heating homes or huts. Chimineas are best kept indoors during the winter months when they are not in use, as they are prone to cracking and will be damaged if they’re sitting with water inside them.
A copper bowl firepit is another popular wood burning option that offers a stylistic and portable design for your backyard. These firepits are typically smaller and can be easily moved. It’s important to keep in mind that the metal pieces of the copper bowl can rust and fail if they aren’t properly cared for. Though these can run on propane, it’s more common for them to be wood burning.
Propane Firepit
Compared to the wood burning option, propane firepits are a cleaner, lower maintenance option for your outdoor area. Firepit tables are a good option if you don’t have the space to install a firepit in/above the ground. They are also easy to move, can be resold, and they ensure a safe distance between your guests and the flames. Propane firepits are appealing because of their convenience; however, they do require a hefty amount of fuel which is an added cost.
Natural Gas Fuel Firepits
A natural gas firepit provides a nice option that runs on an endless supply of fuel from a natural gas line that’s incorporated into the design, which makes it a cost-efficient option. Natural gas also burns cleaner than propane or wood, eliminating most of the residue that you see with other energy sources.
If you’re thinking about adding a custom built-in fireplace, or even an outdoor kitchen, plumbing in natural gas would be your most reliable option.
One thing to keep in mind with this style of design is that you’ll need to be sure that a gas line can be plumbed to the location of the firepit and, because of the hard line, your firepit will not be portable.
All Fire Features
Just a reminder to keep any firepit a minimum of 12 feet away from any structure, further if possible, and avoid low-hanging trees and plants!
If you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of an outdoor firepit, give Detailed Landscape a call! Our team of designers can help you create the perfect outdoor oasis right in your backyard.
