Throughout human history, we have loved gathering around the fire. Even as the majority of the world has moved indoors, the fire pit still beckons with its many charms and benefits. Though there are many boilerplate fire pits out there to choose from, the real magic comes from an expertly designed custom fire pit suited to your aesthetic and practical needs. Here’s how the pros help customize the perfect fire pit for your outdoor space in the Wescosville, PA area.
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The Size
The size of the fire pit has a massive impact on the experience. Professionals will design a fire pit that draws a precise balance between the size of the intended fire, the height and width of the wall, the buffer space surrounding it, and the confines of the allowable area to keep everything safe. Of course the available space is the biggest determining factor, but even a small well-placed and well-designed fire pit can be exactly what your patio is missing.
The Shape
Another major design decision is its shape. The options are generally limited to circles, squares, rectangles, and hexagons. These are the most efficient shapes for controlling a fire. You may occasionally see an L-shaped fire pit that hugs the outside perimeter of a seating area but this is more of a decorative fire feature. Fire pits designed for gathering are shaped to allow the maximum number of people to enjoy the warmth.
Circular and hexagonal fire pits get people as close to the fire as possible for maximum warmth. Square and rectangular fire pits can bring a contemporary look to an outdoor space. Generally, the simpler the shape (square or round) the more versatile the fire pit will be in fitting into the design aesthetic.
Seating Options
Professionals will design a fire pit where the wall is just the right height for the space. They will consider whether you want to sit on the capstone without getting too toasty. Or, you may want to build a seating wall around the fire pit. Another option is to create plenty of open space around the fire for comfortable seating.
The Fuel
Residential fire pits use one of three fuels: wood, propane, or natural gas. Traditional fire pits use wood as their primary fuel, but many homeowners are opting for a propane or natural gas option to enable better control and consistency with the fire. The compromise with natural gas or propane is that you won’t get the delightful aroma and crackle of a wood fire; but at the same time, there’s less mess and no smoke. Professionals will not only help you decide which fuel is best for your fire pit, but in the case of a natural gas option, they’ll also install the gas pipe and controls so you can have a comfortable fire outdoors any time you like without having to constantly add firewood and stoke the flames.
The Masonry Materials
For maximum enjoyment of your fire pit, it has to be a thing of beauty. The masonry materials used to build your fire pit should blend in well with the surrounding elements including an outdoor kitchen, retaining walls, and the patio itself. A fire pit can be built from natural stone blocks, decorative concrete blocks, or structural concrete blocks faced with a veneer. The pros will help you choose the material that is best suited for your unique space.
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