Gas offers convenience – instant ignition, adjustable flame height, and no smoke or cleanup – making it ideal for frequent, low-maintenance use. Wood-burning fires provide the crackle, scent and ritual of building a real flame, creating a more traditional and immersive atmosphere. The right choice comes down to lifestyle, desired ambiance, and how often you plan to use the feature.
Fire Features
When warmth becomes a reason to stay outside longer.
Gather Around Fire
Fire has a way of slowing the evening and drawing people closer. Whether it’s a built-in outdoor fireplace anchoring a patio or a thoughtfully placed fire pit beneath the open sky, a fire feature creates a natural place to gather. Conversations linger longer, quiet moments feel warmer and outdoor spaces become inviting well beyond the daylight hours.
When designed with intention, fire becomes more than an accessory – it becomes an architectural focal point. Scale, material selection, sightlines and seating are all carefully considered to ensure the feature feels integrated with the home and surrounding landscape. The result is warmth that feels permanent, refined and built to be enjoyed season after season.
Fire Pit
A fire pit invites people to gather in a circle, encouraging conversation from every angle. Lower in profile and more open to its surroundings, it feels relaxed and social – equally suited for quiet evenings or larger gatherings. Whether wood-burning or gas, a well – placed fire pit becomes a central hub within the patio or lawn, drawing people together without dominating the space.
Fireplace
An outdoor fireplace creates a defined focal point within the landscape. With its vertical presence and architectural structure, it anchors outdoor living spaces and establishes a natural gathering wall that frames seating and views. Fireplaces offer greater wind protection and a sense of enclosure, making them ideal for extending the season and creating a more intimate, lounge-like setting outdoors.
Each offers warmth in a distinct way. The choice depends on how you gather, entertain and experience your outdoor space.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Pits and Fireplaces
Before moving forward, take the time to ask thoughtful questions and understand your options. Fire features involve structure, fuel sources, clearances and design integration – details that deserve careful planning. The right designer will welcome your questions and guide you toward a solution that feels safe, intentional and built to last.
Are there restrictions to where I can put a fire pit or outdoor fireplace?
Every township or municipality has requirements and restrictions for placement of a fire feature in the yard. Most of them require at least ten feet away from a structure. If it’s going to be a gas burning system, you’ll also want to keep in mind where the gas connections will be made. The further away the fire feature is from the gas supply, the more money you’ll spend on plumbing.
Should I choose a fire pit or outdoor fireplace?
Choosing between a fire pit and an outdoor fireplace comes down to the kind of evenings you want to create. A fire pit feels relaxed and social – friends gathered in a circle and kids roasting marshmallows. An outdoor fireplace brings a more defined, intimate setting, often anchoring seating areas and even supporting features like mounted televisions for a more lounge-like experience. Both can be built as gas or wood-burning, and some homeowners choose to include both for these reasons.
Do I need a permit for a fire pit or outdoor fireplace?
For anything that includes propane or natural gas, yes you’ll need a permit and inspections. For a wood burning fireplace, you’ll usually need a permit and inspection for the foundation. Wood burning fire pits usually don’t require permits, but you’ll want to be mindful of pervious and impervious limits on your property, depending on if you want a seating area around it. It’s always a good thing to be proactive and ask your township before installing either one.