Warm Up with a Backyard Fire Pit

The brisk days of autumn are the perfect time to relax around a backyard fire pit with family and friends. While portable fire pits can get the job done, you can elevate the atmosphere in your yard with a built-in fire pit with professional landscaping. With a dedicated spot with all the necessities, your house will soon be the go-to spot for evening fun. Here’s what to include to make your fire pit the star of your backyard:

Stone surround. The main component of a built-in fire pit is the stone that surrounds it. You can choose from concrete pavers, granite, sandstone, limestone, and other options. Fire pits can be built to match your existing hardscaping, so you can easily add on to your current outdoor area. Fire pit surrounds can be constructed in many shapes and sizes to create a customized focal point for your yard.

Seating. With a beautiful fire pit, many guests will want to sit and bask in the warmth of the fire. A seat wall is a popular option that provides plenty of seating for friends and family. A seat wall can also be used as a retaining wall to help if you have erosion issues.

Firewood storage. You'll also want to consider where to store firewood for your fire pit. You can build a covered nook to keep the firewood dry, keep wood under bench seating, or use a prefabricated firewood rack (make sure you plan for a flat area to keep it close by).

Accompanying landscaping. In addition to the fire pit, you can create a relaxing ambiance by landscaping the surrounding area. This could include plants or shrubs, a pea gravel path leading to the fire pit, a dry creek bed, or artificial turf for maintenance-free lawn cover. It's essential to plan your fire pit landscaping carefully to ensure no fire hazards exist.

Pathway lighting. If your fire pit area is further back in your yard, it can be helpful to install pathway lighting so that you and your guests can easily find your way back to the house. This can prevent trips on uneven ground or slick surfaces.

Not only will you enjoy your fire pit now, but it will also pay off in the long run; built-in fire pits add significant value to your home. If you're ready to add a built-in fire pit to your house, Dreamscape Designers can help! Call us at (757) 412-1265.