Outdoor Fireplace or Outdoor Fire Pit?

Choosing A Fire Pit or Fireplace: Pros and Cons of Each

There are many different aspects that can go into choosing the best option for your outdoor enjoyment.  Fireplaces and fire pits both offer different levels of enjoyment for different people.  So how are you going to choose which one is right for you? 

The best part about this is that there is not going to be a wrong decision.  At the end of the day you are still going to be able to relax around a fire with your friends and family.  Either choice is going to add another dimension to your landscape or family room.  It is going to bring it together to be warm and welcoming as well as more visually appealing.

Remember that an attractive yard is going to only up your homes value.  People are going to be drawn to a well put together yard and your fireplace or fire pit can be a focal point.  You are going to get pleasure from both of these structures in all seasons.

Fireplace Review: Best for Design & Home Value

Fireplaces have long been portrayed as a perfect romantic spot to woo your partner.  Outdoor fireplaces are no different, in fact they can often feel even more cozy than their indoor counterparts. 

They are going to be a great back drop for anyone that has a outdoor living or dining area.  The warmth from the fire is going to keep your guests comfortable as you host.  Outside there is typically less room for seating around a fireplace.  This is going to allow you to have a more intimate seating arrangement to optimize the romantic tone of your backyard. 

This type of structure is best used for small groups of people.  That being said it is going to use more space in your yard than a fire pit would.  If your yard already has limited space a fireplace could make it feel more cramped than cozy. 

Remember before you begin building your fireplace to check your cities ordinances.  You make need to get a permit to begin construction. The cost can be a little more daunting.  Depending on the size and types of materials you are going to use you may spend any where from four thousand to twenty two thousand.  It is going to add value to your home, but you are going to need to spend the money first.

Something to consider about outdoor fireplaces is the factor of wind.  While indoors you are able to burn your wood freely without the risk of the flames getting out of control.  If you live in an area that tends to have a no burn warning because of weather, you should look into using a gas fireplace instead of wood.  The smoke can be bothersome from wood if wind is blowing it too far.

There are also gel fireplaces. These do give you an actual flame without the smoke that you would get from a gas or wood. The exhaust emissions are diminished with this type of fireplace. The set up for these structures is also ideal.  Most are set up within minutes.

A fireplace often gives your yard a feeling of being more upscale.  They are going to be the better choice for anyone that would like to host dinner parties or have a romantic evening next to the fire.  Fire pits are going to give you a more outdoorsy tone.  This can be a good alternative for those wanting to spend time with their family or even for those couples that have been together for years and just want to enjoy each others company. 

Fire Pit: Better For Entertaining & Open Design

picture of cobalt blue reflective fire glass fire pit on the beach

Update your Fire Pit or Fire Place with Exotic Pebbles and Glass

If you want to have a party where everyone is going to feel comfortable, you can center it around a fire pit.  Fire pits are going to be great places to allow your guests to stand or sit around for more interactions.  You are going to be able to not only speak to who is beside you, but look across the pit to talk to anyone across from you as well.  It creates a more open platform to keep the party moving.

Fire pits are smaller than fireplaces.  You would be able to fit a fit pit as well as some seating even in a smaller yard.  There is going to be much more room to move around the fit pit with gives your yard an open spacious feel.  If the view from your yard is beautiful you are not going to obstruct it with a smaller fire pit.

Fire pits are going to bring you back to the days of camping with the family.  People are going to want to sit together, tell stories, and reminisce about simpler times.  You are going to feel at one with nature with a wood fire pit.  You can choose from a variety of styles from modern to more outdoorsy looking pits depending on your personal preference. 

You are going to have a variety of sizes to choose from depending on your need and area.  They are going to vary in price anywhere from two thousand to five thousand.  This is going to be much more cost effective than its fireplace cousin.  If you want a great couples project look into building your own fire pit.  You are going to bond over the experience and save a lot of money in the process.  If you want to try something different with your fire pits style you are able to change from its typical circle shape.  An unusually shaped fire pit could be a great focal point to your yard. 

picture of small turquoise fire glass

Turquoise Small 1/4 Inch – 1/2 Inch

A newer concept that is sure to be a talking piece in your yard, is the use of fire glass.  This is going to be a very modern take of a fire pit.  It is going to look like your fire is burning on ice.  They are gel fireplaces or pits that use ethanol fuel to burn.  This is a cleaner alternative to other methods like wood and you are still enjoying a real flame.  Depending on your available space you are able to find tabletop gel fireplaces or get a larger one that can stand alone. 

You may also want to invest in a portable fireplace.  If you purchase the right one you are able to carry it between your home and outside for more diverse use.  These are typically much lower in price.  If your city will not allow you to construct a large pit in your yard this is going to be a great alternative. 

Related: Building a Fire Pit