Fire Pit Sanctuaries : Create Your Outdoor Living Space
Originally published in the Winter 2020 issue of Spoke+Blossom
The best room in the house isn’t in the house at all, according to fire pit manufacturer Fire Gear Outdoors. Imagine the possibilities of enhancing your basic landscaping needs with an outdoor fire pit living space to relax, entertain and create memories.
“They’re a statement piece, gorgeous and fun,” says Keenen Ross, a sales associate for Brickyard Masonry and Landscape Supply. “Fire pits have become so popular that many builders are automatically installing them.”
Beyond its sentiment and functional gathering place, the outdoor fire pit has become a crucial design anchor for the outside of the home, according to the American Institute of Architects. Fire pits can extend the livability and comfort of an outdoor space. Many potential buyers are fascinated by homes with this outdoor feature as both a lighting source and functional piece of art.
Fire pits are crowd-pleasers. It’s a fact that people love to gather around fire, whether it’s the inviting hypnotic dancing flames, the warmth, the charm, the evening glow or being with nature. Fire pits encourage togetherness and the exchange of stories between family and friends, or a welcome retreat from daily stress — just you and a good book.
Fire pits work in small or large spaces, can add value to your home, are available at all price points, help keep bugs away, can be used to cook over, and possibly best of all, can be used year-round. Their advantages are countless.
“I needed more fire in my life,” says Andreya Krieves, resident of Grand Junction. “It’s so easy to get comfortable inside as it gets colder. There is something cozy about a fire pit — they draw you outside, and it makes having people over more of a special event.”
When moving from a condo to their new home, Andreya and husband, Mike, brought their portable cauldron fire pit with them. They enjoy times with their two young sons, gathering and burning sticks from the yard and making s’mores. Huge believers in the magic of fire pits, the Krieves also added two more “adult gathering spaces” centered around fire pits to their backyard.
From basic to elaborate, kits to custom, fire bowls to fire tables, fire pits are strong, weather-resistant and long-lasting. Outdoor fire pits are available in a plethora of styles, designs and materials to fit and enhance any landscape surrounding.
“The Brickyard can basically build any fire pit to your specifications,” says Ross.
Lava rock media or “jewelry” accents such as broken, beaded or reflective colored glass of your choice can surround and set off the fire’s brilliance. Or for more of a campfire feel, a variety of log sets are available. Stone, fire glass, stock or custom brick in a myriad of colors can be shaped into circular, square, rectangular or linear fire pits just to name a few. Most often, they are designed to disguise any fuel source presence.
Fuel sources include propane, natural gas or wood. Ignition systems vary from a key valve and lighter or match, to a manual spark ignition, and for the most pampered owner — remote Bluetooth starters are now available. Accessories include timers, safety valves, vent kits, windshields and covers.
“If you’re thinking about a fire pit, you can always start with a modest investment in a wood-burning cauldron and move up from there,” says Ross.
Families spend huge sums on indoor computer, phone and TV entertainment. It’s time to modernize and expand your home outdoors by adding a distinctive, unique fire pit. Come together and experience the greatest light show in the comfort of your backyard.
Fire Pit Safety Tips
• Fire pits should be at least 10 feet from your home or other structures.
• Don’t place a fire pit under a tree or overhang.
• Don’t put a wood-burning fire pit on a deck. A gas fire pit won’t send out dangerous sparks, making it the safer choice.
• Educate children about fire safety.
• Keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby whenever you light up the fire pit.