Fire Pits Versus Outdoor Fireplaces
Homeowners in Colorado have several options for enjoying the heat and beauty of outdoor fires, but it can be difficult to decide between fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. If you want to add a fire feature to your backyard but aren’t sure what will work best for you and your household, keep reading to learn the benefits and disadvantages of fire pits versus outdoor fireplaces.
If you’re looking for a Fort Collins metal fabricator to build a custom fire pit for your property, consider our team here at the Koi Lagoon. We specialize in custom metal fabrication, which means we can help you design the ideal pit for your needs, whether you want a small, simple fire pit or a complex design. Visit our metal fire pits page to view some examples we’ve completed in the past.
Ready to start your fire pit or other custom metal project now? Give us a call at 970-484-9162, get in touch via the contact button below, or visit our shop at 2000 E. Lincoln Ave. in Fort Collins, CO. We would love to help you bring your metal project idea to life.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Fire Pits
Pro: Affordability
You may opt for a wood-burning fire pit rather than an outdoor fireplace if you have a limited budget. Some store-bought pits go for as little as $75, although choosing a cheap pit may result in having to replace it the next season due to burning or rusting through the thin metal. A durable, heavy duty fire pit may cost up to or over $1,000 (or more if you opt for a built-in pit with stone or brick), but this price is still much less than the initial expense of an outdoor fireplace.
Pro: Ambiance
Outdoor fire pits allow you to bring the comforting ambiance of a campfire into your own backyard. With a backyard fire pit, you can roast marshmallows or hot dogs with the kids, liven up those summer barbecues, and enjoy your outdoor space even in the cooler Colorado months. Unlike an outdoor fireplace, fire pits allow for large groups to encircle the fire and enjoy the camping experience from the comfort of a private property.
Pro: Movability
If you opt for a moveable backyard fire pit rather than a built-in design, you will also benefit from the ability to shift its position based on convenience or existing landscaping. This advantage proves especially beneficial if you have limited backyard space and only want the pit out when it’s in use. Many fire pits are small enough to store away in a shed or garage to save outdoor space and keep them protected from rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions.
Con: Fire Safety Concerns
While fire pits offer many benefits, homeowners with open pits must always consider fire safety to prevent unwanted fires. Wood-burning fire pits produce embers, which can travel far in windy conditions and cause unsafe conditions like brush fires, house fires, and wildfires. If you choose a fire pit over an outdoor fireplace, be sure to educate yourself and the other members of your household on fire pit safety to keep everyone in and around your property safe.
Of course, wood-burning fire pits aren’t the only option. Natural gas or propane-fueled pits offer all the benefits without the risk of spreading fires through floating embers. They also produce no smoke, which can make them more pleasant to sit around depending on your preferences.
Con: Unpredictable Heat Dispersal
One of the biggest benefits of adding a fire feature to your property is getting to enjoy a warm, cozy atmosphere even when the weather gets chilly, but the omnidirectional heat dispersal can mean one side of the fire is warmer than the other. An outdoor fireplace, on the other hand, provides directional heat that is not as affected by external forces like wind.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Fireplaces
Pro: Ambiance
The provided ambiance is also an advantage of opting for an outdoor fireplace, but with a slight difference compared to a backyard fire pit. While fire pits encourage socialization, outdoor fireplaces encourage more intimate gatherings or solo enjoyment. You might enjoy the cozy romance with a partner, share a family meal beside the fireplace, or curl up on your own on a comfy chair with a good book.
Pro: Safety
If you want a wood-burning option but don’t like the idea of an open fire pit, you may choose an outdoor fireplace instead. Because fireplaces are enclosed on three sides, they can be safer in terms of not shooting burning embers into the breeze. Of course, a wood-burning fireplace without a proper spark screen can still become dangerous, so be sure to invest in all the recommended safety features.
Pro: Placement Perks
An outdoor fireplace can also provide a list of benefits depending on where the homeowner decides to place it. For example, you may have an outdoor fireplace installed in a particular location to add elegance to your backyard, enclose a patio against the wind, or enhance privacy. If you choose to have an outdoor fireplace installed under a covered porch or pavilion, you can enjoy a nice fire regardless of the weather.
Con: Initial Expense
The cost of an outdoor fireplace represents its most significant disadvantage for homeowners on a tight budget. Small and simple designs may only cost a few thousand dollars, but these projects can also cost tens of thousands, making them a significant investment. Of course, this investment may pay off in added home value and outdoor enjoyment, but for many, the initial expense is just too high.
Con: Chimney Maintenance
Another disadvantage of choosing an outdoor fireplace over a backyard fire pit is having to keep up with regular chimney maintenance. As wood smoke travels up a chimney, it builds up a layer of creosote, a sticky or shiny black substance that can catch fire if not cleaned out periodically. Chimney fires can cause major damage to the chimney structure and can spread to other parts of the home, so it’s essential to inspect the chimney at least once a year and remove any buildup of creosote.
The answer to the fire pits versus outdoor fireplaces debate will depend on how you weigh the pros and cons. If you decide a fire pit will suit you best, consider a durable pit from the Koi Lagoon. Our metal fabrication shop can create the perfect fire pit for your space and aesthetic preferences, whether you want a wood-burning pit or a gas-fueled option.
Visit our store in Fort Collins to view our current fire pits for sale or to discuss your custom fire pit ideas. We can set you up with a floor model or build you something totally custom with whatever theme you like. Contact us today to get started.