With fall just around the corner in Virginia, there’s no better time to start planning your transformation of your outdoor space into a cozy haven – or to update an existing one! But when it comes to creating warmth and ambiance in your outdoor space, is a backyard fireplace or a backyard fire pit the right choice for you?
Both of these custom patio features provide charming warmth as the temperatures drop, but it’s important to consider your style, space, and budget before deciding on the perfect fire feature for your outdoor living area.
What Goes Into Choosing a Backyard Fireplace?
· Safety: The enclosed fireplace design blocks the wind from guests as well as the lit fire, offering additional safety around the flame while redirecting bothersome smoke.
· Perspective: A fireplace will become a magnificent focal point in your outdoor space, but its size can also obstruct views, providing privacy from neighbors or serving as a blockade against less desirable surrounding scenes.
· Seating: Enjoy intimate seating on one side of the structure, ideal for small groups or romantic settings. While this setup stimulates relaxing conversation and ambiance, it also requires additional seating options.
· Budget: Fireplaces offer more decorative opportunities, but they are priced significantly higher and come with a list of permits, regulations, and inspections to consider.
What Goes Into Choosing a Backyard Fire Pit?
· Safety: A fire pit offers a better view of the flame, but is more vulnerable to wind and misguided smoke and embers, making it more challenging to enjoy the fire in windy weather.
· Perspective: These low-to-the-ground structures won’t obstruct surrounding views, making them ideal for areas where privacy isn’t a concern and the surrounding scene is one to enjoy.
· Seating: Entertain a group of any size with 360 degrees of flexible seating, allowing guests to face each other for better social interaction.
· Budget: Fire pits are a significantly cheaper investment but will require attention during use and may have restrictions depending on your local regulations.
Next Steps? Contact Our Virginia Backyard Patio Builder Today!
Prepare for an outdoor fire experience that will extend the use of your yard and custom backyard patio well into the cooler months. Contact COVIS today and schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your goals and vision while providing our best recommendations in a free hardscape build estimate, helping you heat up your outdoor space in the perfect way just in time for fall!
