FIRE PITS: THE PERFECT FALL ADDITION TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Autumn in southeastern Pennsylvania is known for its brilliant showcase of natural beauty—and what better way to enjoy the view of turning leaves and the feel of crisp, cool air than by sitting with family and friends around a fire pit?

Fire pits are a popular hardscaping feature that can bring your ability to enjoy your outdoor space to a whole new level. When it comes to installing a fire pit, you have a lot of options. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most popular materials and styles for fire pits to help get you started on your plans. In our next post, we’ll cover our top five tips on fire pit installation.

 

What material should I use when adding a fire pit?

Fire pits are constructed from a wide range of materials. Two of the most common are stone and steel.

Stone fire pits can either be made of pieces of stone that are mortared together, or made of concrete and then faced and capped with stone. Flagstone, limestone, slate, granite, fieldstone, and river rock are popular in fire pit construction for their natural look that can be rustic and elegant at the same time.

Steel fire pits are also widely used, though it’s important to be aware of the fact that unless the steel is powder coated it can rust over time. Steel fire pits allow for a great deal of diversity of design, and while artisan-crafted steel is more expensive than prefabricated units, they can be molded into a custom shape that gives you a one-of-a-kind piece.

Copper fire pits are known for their high-end beauty and durability. They don’t rust, though they do develop a patina over time that adds to their charm. One of the more costly materials to use, copper fire pits can last a lifetime and look even better as they age.

What are some popular styles for fire pits?

Fire pits can be constructed in an array of styles. They can range from minimalistic and very rustic—looking much like a simple circle of stones—to expansive center pieces whose capped surfaces can be used as a table.

Most often fire pits are constructed above ground, but a sunken fire pit is also an option. Shapes can vary as well. While round and square fire pits are most common, they can be L-shaped, designed like a half circle to lie flush with a garden wall, or custom designed into a shape that’s unique to your preferences and needs.

Ultimately, what material and style you choose will depend on what fits your home and outdoor space. Talk to your landscaping professional today about designing a fire pit that will match your style and help you enjoy the outdoors this fall!

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