Either of these options are great additions to a deck or patio.
Your home likely has a backyard with a deck or patio, if not both. Depending on the size of your yard, you will have more or less room to create a place to sit with family and guests outdoors this spring through fall. Most families in the U.S. enjoy this pastime. However, knowing which kind of fire feature to install can be tricky. Fire pit vs. outdoor fireplace: which is best for you?
Pros and Cons of Fire Pits
Pros
Fire pits are great for creating a casual and communal campfire. With their 360 degree access, it’s possible to have everyone enjoy the flames and warmth equally. It’s an interactive feature on which you can toast your marshmallows or cook your hotdogs.
Fire pits are also practical fire features for smaller decks and patios. A fire pit can serve its primary function or turn into a table when not in use. Given their smaller size compared to outdoor fireplaces, they also cost less.
Cons
One of the downsides of fire pits is that they do not channel the direction of the smoke. If you have been around a fire pit, you likely have experienced getting blinding smoke in your face when the wind changed directions.
It also could pose a safety hazard. Be sure to supervise young children around an open fire and watch the fire itself. Sparks or loose, flaming twigs that fall from the fire pit could cause a massive fire. Have a fire extinguisher or water hose handy.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Fireplaces
Pros
Outdoor fireplaces are a lovely backyard feature for either decks or patios. They can be one-sided or double-sided. Their chimneys channel smoke upward and away from your outdoor seating area and can produce a lot more heat than a fire pit can, so everyone can stay warm no matter where they are in the area.
An outdoor fireplace makes any outdoor living space feel more like a living room, giving it a homey and luxurious feel. It is still more than possible to have a comfortable gathering spot despite the heat not coming from its center. Given how contained the fire is, it is also safer.
Cons
An outdoor fireplace will cost more than a fire pit, but it will also produce more heat. It also requires a larger deck or patio. You will not get the same casual, communal feel that a fire pit gives; this feature is more formal than a campfire. You also won’t be able to cook your food on the fire with an outdoor fireplace.
A Fire Feature for a Fine Setting
The question of fire pit vs. outdoor fireplace comes down to what kind of outdoor entertainment area you want and whether or not you have the space and budget for it. At Freedom Fence and Deck, we are happy to help you find the best solution in Baltimore, MD.
Upgrade Your Home and Reach Out to Freedom Fence Today
Whether you want a brand new patio in the spring or want to install a beautiful new wood fence, Freedom Fence and Home has the expertise, competitive prices, and professional service you need. Freedom Fence and Home has over 50 years of fencing experience in the Baltimore County area, Harford County, Essex, White Marsh, and Bel Air area, and we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best customer service experience possible. To see examples of our work and pick the right backyard feature for your home, explore our website. To get started on planning your project, give us a call at (443) 271-6841, or visit us online. For more information, tips, and updates about Freedom Fence and Home, follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.