Fire pits can help open up how you use your outdoor space and offer a huge number of benefits when customized to fit your needs.
Do you enjoy spending your time outdoors, especially as the evenings turn a bit cooler? If so, an outdoor fire pit may be right for you and your home. Fire pits can extend the season of your outdoor entertaining, and provide a great family gathering spot for cooking special treats like marshmallows and s’mores. Whether incorporating a fire pit into your existing deck or patio, or even creating a separate spot in your backyard, it’s a feature that will add appeal to your home. Let’s take a look at two key elements that will help you choose the options that are best for you and your family.
Fuel Options
There are three common kinds of fire pits: wood, natural gas, and propane. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Masonry wood fire pits are rustic and straightforward in terms of building and installation, and best constructed away from your dwelling due to their fire safety risk. They run the gamut in price and, compared to other options, can more easily be installed by the homeowner. However, wood fires contribute to air pollution and depending on your locality, there may be laws regarding their use. Embers must be carefully extinguished, and ash disposed of as well.
Natural gas pits are easy to light, which is nice if you plan to use your fire pit often – as simple as easy on and easy off. Unlike their wood counterparts, you can install gas fire pits on decks or porches, however, installation is pricier, and they cannot be moved once in place.
Finally, propane pits are easy and quick to light and, there are smaller styles which are able to be moved. Just remember that propane tanks are heavy and must be refilled regularly.
Seating Options
No matter which fuel option you decide to utilize, you’ll want to consider seating around your fire pit as well. Rectangular fire pits with built-in banquette seating offer plenty of space to cozy up or stretch out. An added bonus is their adaptability for storage under the seats. Round fire pits are a great choice for folks who prefer to have individual chairs, which can form a circle, ensuring family and guests are easily included in conversation and cooking. As part of your custom home design and build, Columbia Builders can incorporate outdoor living features, and advise you on the placement and design elements that work best for the field conditions of your home site.
Design and Build Your Dream Home with Columbia Builders!
Columbia Builders is the home builder of choice in Howard County, offering homes in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Columbia, Marriottsville, Fulton, Clarksville, Dayton, and Brookeville. No matter what the size and scope of your project, we have the skills, experience, and resources needed to bring your vision to life. We offer a level of customization that is truly unmatched and are committed to using materials and craftsmen of the highest quality, so you can trust that your new home is built to last.
If you’re ready to invest in a home that is built with your needs in mind, trust in us. Give Columbia Builders a call today at 410-730-0215 or use our contact form here. You can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, and Youtube, and don’t forget to check back on our blog for more tips and information!