Fire Pits Add Seasonal Dimension to Outdoor Areas

By the time the early spring hits, many people are eager to spend time outdoors. However, with early spring weather, that means days and nights that are not quite temperate enough to sit outside without some extra heat. A fire pit can be just the way to add heat to your backyard and a way for you to use your outdoor living spaces for more than just the summer months.
 
There is a good reason that fire pits have become so popular in the last few years. Many people have discovered that in cooler climates, much like Northeast Ohio’s, a fire pit can extend the amount of time that families and friends can get outdoors to enjoy each other’s company. In fact, fire pits can be so effective at providing a heated area, that many people now can use their outdoor areas from early spring until late fall.
 
If you are planning to add a fire pit area to your home, take into account how much use you’d like to get out of it. There are many ways to plan a fire pit and each of these can add time to your ability to be outdoors. For instance, a fire pit that is put in the middle of a yard will get less use than one that is near an outdoor wall because of wind. Adding a two sided outdoor room with a stone fireplace can provide protection on windy days and help to confine the heat to the area. Additionally, outdoor fire pits can even be put inside enclosures. If you have a covered porch area that is separate from your home, a fire pit with a chimney can be added to provide heat to allow you to use your outdoor area throughout the entire year.
 
Landscape designers also recommend that you consider seating when designing a fire pit area. There are so many options when it comes to seating around a fire pit. For more traditional fire pit installations, stone or wooden benches give the area a real camp fire feel. For more sophisticated areas, outdoor couches, recliners and even large upholstered chairs with ottomans can give the area an outdoor living feel, by using new fabrics that will withstand the weather.
 
Also consider the type of fuel that you would like to burn. Most people do choose to use wood as the fuel for their fire pit. There are others, though, that appreciate the ease of a natural gas fire. If that is the case, then a permanent natural gas line with an igniter can be accompany your design – maybe even powered with a remote switch! Keep in mind that each type of fuel provides a different level of heat, so it is important to discuss this with your landscaper and choose accordingly.
 
A fire pit is a great way to enhance the ambiance of your outdoor living space and to get more use out of your yard throughout the seasons. From simple camp fire type fire pits, all the way to modern outdoor living areas with plush furniture and fireplaces, you can be sure you and your family will love spending more time outdoors. Call Exscape Designs today to get your own custom fire pit design underway!