If you’ve always dreamed of having the kind of backyard that becomes an oasis not just for you but for your friends and family, consider having a custom fire pit installed. Imagine this: Great conversation on a warm summer night, a glass of wine on a chilly fall afternoon, or the perfect nighttime ambiance for an at-home date night, all centered around an incredible fire feature at your Wyomissing or Blandon, PA home.
Related: Achieve a Cozy Landscape Design this Season Gathered Around a Fire Pit in the Wescosville, PA Area
Gas Powered or Wood Burning
The first choice to make is whether to have your fire pit powered by gas or wood. There are benefits to both, and they both offer the warm, cozy glow you’re looking for from a fire. The right choice will depend on your preferences, where the fire pit will be installed, and your goals for the outdoor space.
If you’re imagining a more rustic, campfire-like vibe, then a wood-burning fire pit is more likely to fit the bill. You’ll be able to enjoy the classic sound of fire crackling, and the aroma of freshly burned wood will fill the air. Keep in mind that if you choose the wood-burning option, you’ll have to keep wood on hand, and it will take some time to get the fire started each time.
The other option is a gas-powered fire pit. Many people love this choice because they can turn the fire on with a click of a button. While the smell of burning wood is a benefit for some people who choose wood-burning fire pits, others who choose a gas-powered model appreciate not having any smoke during their outdoor gatherings and not having to have wood on hand.
Make Sure There’s Ample Seating
Once you have the fuel source sorted out, it’s time to think about how to make sure your fire pit is as functional as possible. We recommend that you carefully consider how you want people seated around the fire pit. Many homeowners choose to have a seating wall built around the fire pit for permanent seating that’s ready whenever you want to have a gathering. Others prefer to purchase patio furniture that can be more easily rearranged.
One of the biggest advantages of having a seating wall designed and built is that it is much more durable than patio furniture. Even if you bring your patio furniture in every time there’s a drop of rain and you keep it properly stored in the winter, eventually it’s likely to rust, rot, or otherwise decay.
A built-in stone seating wall can withstand the elements for decades. When you want to change up the look, you can add cozy patio cushions or pillows for added comfort and a new design look.
Fire Pit Designs
With the fuel source and seating settled on, you can start to think about the design. What kind of stone do you want to use? What shape would work best? You can choose from circular, rectangle, or square shapes, among others. Half-circle fire pits are often built into the side of retaining walls to fit in with the design. Consider other elements you might want to help build ambiance, such as pergolas, outdoor lighting, or an outdoor fireplace.
Related: Some of the Best Memories Can Be Made While Gathered Around a Fire Pit in the Wyomissing, PA Area
