We’re pretty lucky living in sunny Southern California. Being able to take advantage of the Indoor Outdoor Lifestyle and sit outside on even the chilliest of nights is a luxury. A really nice fire pit or fireplace always helps to make evenings even more cozy. But how do you decide which is best for your backyard and your budget – a Fire Pit or Fireplace? Whether it’s built-in fireplace or free-standing fire pit, gas, electric or wood, we have a few ideas to make your outdoor space toasty with a little style and ambiance.
FREE-STANDING OUTDOOR FIRE PITS
Free-standing propane fire pits are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add warmth and high design to your backyard. With a round shaped fire pit, it’s nice to gather individual chairs around the fire and encourage lively conversation. A linear fire pit allows for plenty of seating with 2 sofas facing each other, with additional chairs placed on each end. A Fire Pit with a wide surround is a fantastic detail that adds additional space to place a drinking glass, a plate or even kick your feet up and relax.
Jensen Co Alta Fire Pit
WHATS’ THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A
PROPANE TANK OR GAS LINE FIRE PIT OR FIREPLACE?
PROPANE FIRE PIT
A propane fire pit is free-standing and can be placed anywhere you like on your deck or backyard patio area. Something to be aware of: you will need extra space to hold the propane tank. Some fire pits are tall enough to store the tank inside of them, and stand around 24” tall. You may want to purchase taller seating chairs in this case. Chic, low profile fire pits will have a connector hose that attaches to the tank nearby. In order to hide the tank and prevent it from looking like an eye sore, look for propane tank covers that act as an extra table.
WHATS’ THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A
PROPANE TANK OR GAS LINE FIRE PIT OR FIREPLACE?
PROPANE FIRE PIT
A propane fire pit is free-standing and can be placed anywhere you like on your deck or backyard patio area. Something to be aware of: you will need extra space to hold the propane tank. Some fire pits are tall enough to store the tank inside of them, and stand around 24” tall. You may want to purchase taller seating chairs in this case. Chic, low profile fire pits will have a connector hose that attaches to the tank nearby. In order to hide the tank and prevent it from looking like an eye sore, look for propane tank covers that act as an extra table.
Teak Warehouse
GAS LINE OUTDOOR FIRE PIT or FIREPLACE
Typically, a custom built-in fire pit or outdoor fireplace will have its own gas line to keep everything contained and easy to operate. (Of course, you can always opt for an outdoor electric fireplace as well.) When you’re able to plan ahead, like during a remodel or new landscape design, a gas line is the way to. A built-in outdoor fire feature adds another layer of luxury to create a finished and high-quality style to your home that feels more elevated.
OUTDOOR WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE
Depending on your area and the backyard surroundings, you may be interested in a wood burning fire pit or fireplace. There’s something so natural and cozy about a real sitting around the fire. The smell of the wood. The color of the flames. And the sound of the sparks. Please just use caution and common sense to avoid any accidental fires that easily spread.
MALM
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HOTTEST OUTDOOR FIRE PITS and FIREPLACES | by Sara Plaisted
