Once you’re convinced of the many benefits and you’ve addressed all these important safety considerations, you’ll be ready to select from the various types of fire features that will enhance your poolside paradise. From simple to elaborate, fire features can greatly range in appearance and labor intensity. Whatever you choose, soon you’ll be ready to feel the warmth, hear the crackle, and see the glow of your own backyard fire feature!
Built-in Fire Features Using Real Wood
A fire feature using real wood has its pros and cons. Benefits include multi-sensory appeal, including soothing aromas and sounds, as well as the potential to cook over an open fire. On the other hand, they can be messy and require a constant supply of fire wood. If you do choose a fire pit for use with real wood, make sure it’s surrounded with specialty bricks or large natural rocks. Plan for your fire feature to take up between two to four feet, surrounded by suitable surfaces. When choosing wood to burn, steer clear of species such as Cedar or Pine, since they can easily throw sparks.
A landscape professional or contractor can design and build your custom built-in fire pit, making sure it blends visually with its surroundings. A built-in fire feature space could include a low stone wall for seating, positioned 2-3 feet from the fire feature.
Fire Features You Can Move
The most impressive-looking fire features are certainly the built-in kind; but there are reasons you may prefer a portable option. For instance, if you already have a hardscaped area, you don’t want to have to completely dig it up and start from scratch. A portable fire pit will usually be made of metal — usually stainless steel or copper. A metal fire bowl can be positioned on any fire-resistant surface, but you should never put it on a wood deck. Natural materials such as gravel, stone, or brick would be ideal. You can use your portable fire feature with either gas or wood. Gas has the benefit of burning cleanly and requiring less space for storage.
In addition to a portable fire bowl, there are two other non-built-in options. If you’re not concerned about being able to move your fire feature, a cast iron bowl would provide more heat. Another possibility is a fire table, which sits at coffee table height. Chimneys can add to the visual appeal of a fire table, too.
Whatever style fire feature you choose, you’ll want to make sure that seating is made from nonflammable materials, such as metal or stone. Your guests will appreciate your added thoughtfulness in providing for their safety and comfort, allowing them to enjoy the many details you’ve incorporated into your outdoor living space.
Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. We also offer financing solutions for kitchen remodels, master bathroom updates, backyard decks, outdoor kitchens, or any other home improvement your home may need. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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