Do you know at least a few people who are obsessed with all things fall? You know; the ones that decorate their house with fake leaves, burlap and pumpkins everywhere. Speaking of pumpkins, there’s a huge chance the folks you have in mind are also addicted to pumpkin spice flavored or scented anything. You get the picture.
What about you? Just because you may not reach the same level of obsession doesn’t mean you don’t also enjoy the season of crisp air and changing leaves. As we enter Autumn, we just so happen to have a major way you can enjoy the season even more: a fire pit!
Along with being a centerpiece to your outdoor living space, fire pits create an instant, comfortable atmosphere for friends and family to make memories while enjoying each other’s company. The first official day of fall is September 22, so now is as good a time as any to start picking out the right fire pit to fit your needs and personal taste.
Before you make any decisions about the material or design, you must choose where the pit will be located in your yard. It really can become a centerpiece, so give consideration to seating and any additional hardscaping or landscaping you want to include in the area, or existing structures like patios and walkways.
Safety tip: An open area away from the house is highly recommended. Give consideration to items like vinyl siding, buried cables and overhanging plants and trees.
Once you’ve chosen your perfect location, it’s time to consider design and decor. Are you looking for a more traditional in-ground pit, or do you prefer a more modern approach? Maybe stacked stone or paver-style blocks fit the bill. Whichever route you choose, we have loads of different ideas floating around, and can offer suggestions based on the surrounding area of your yard.
Materials used are important, as you want to create a fire pit that will give you years of beauty and functionality. Natural stone can be stacked and sealed to create a more rustic feel, while bricks and pavers can help create a fire fortress you can be proud of. You’re truly only limited by your imagination (and fire safety) when it comes to the design and materials.
While many traditional fire pits are manually fueled by wood, more and more spaces choose a natural gas or propane solution for the flames. This allows maximum fire and heat control, allowing you the beauty and comfort of a fire pit without the inevitable “chair scooting” that comes with the unpredictability of a wood-fired pit. Setups can include wood-emulating cast centers that can handle the heat while portraying that organic, natural beauty that a wood fire gives.
There are plenty of options to consider with your fire pit, but the most important thing is to make it your own. Let Stork Landscaping help you plan your outdoor hardscapes, including your fire pit, to give you the beauty and charm you value while taking into account all of these options and safety considerations. We’re ready to help you kick fall off in comfy, outdoorsy style!