Draw a Crowd With a Fire Pit
For an alluring patio or backyard and a happy group of guests, get cracking with a fire pit
Cassy Aoyagi
May 5, 2012
Want butterflies? Plant lupine. Want humans? Light a fire. We are like moths to a flame. And while all fires fascinate, it's hard to beat the draw of a fire pit. S'mores, anyone?
The mix of water and fire is enchanting, day or night.
Adding fire instantly creates a sense of destination.
Even when the sun is still high and there is no flame in sight, there is something about a fire pit that brings people together.
No ocean or lake view? A pool or spa can create a similar aesthetic.
While fire pits are long on charm, it's important to ensure they are also long on safety. Here are a few design tricks for keeping all the appeal while ensuring that your fire is safe and sustainable.
While fire pits are long on charm, it's important to ensure they are also long on safety. Here are a few design tricks for keeping all the appeal while ensuring that your fire is safe and sustainable.
Surround with hardscape. As the fire in a pit is more likely to escape than fire contained in a fireplace, surrounding the feature with nonflammable materials like the brick of this patio is key.
The decomposed granite and stone border that separates this fire pit from the greenery beyond is a smart safety precaution, particularly in drier climates.
Likewise, this mix of concrete and gravel is a safe platform for flame. Can you just hear the fantastic crunch of gravel underfoot as we approach this fire?
Dig a pit. The recessed nature of this pit will help keep dangerous stray sparks inbound.
Create boundaries. Elevating the surrounding hardscape is another great way to capture stray sparks.
Maintain a distance from tall foliage. Placing the fire pit at a safe distance from tall foliage is also a smart preventative measure.
Build in seating. If young people will be enjoying the space, built-in seating can encourage a safe distance.
Use heavy seating. If built-in seating is not an option, the use of larger furniture can establish breathing room for the fire.
Use structure. The shape and structure of the fire pit itself can also encourage appropriate respect.
Consider custom. While portable fire pits seem to be available at low price points from all the big-box home improvement stores, local landscapers can often create custom, optimally safe fire pits for very reasonable prices. It may be worth a few phone calls to see if creating your dream fire vessel is actually less expensive than you think.
Enchanted? See more fascinating fire pits, get tips to build your own or check out Annie Thornton's tips on moving the party out of doors (hint: using fire is one of them).
More:
The Beauty of Fire, Without the Smoke
More:
The Beauty of Fire, Without the Smoke
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If anyone is interested in hiring a professional in the DC Metro to install a fireplace or fire pit on a new or existing patio, we would be happy to help! Also, here are some examples of our work we wanted to share as design inspiration for everyone!