Incorporating a fire pit into landscaping designs is a popular option for people seeking to add versatility and function to their outdoor living spaces. Fire pit landscaping can be extremely simple or very intricate depending on the taste and finances of the creators. When including a fire pit in a landscape design, it is beneficial to consider how the space will be used, what materials are best suited for the job, and what measures can be taken to ensure the space is safe and enjoyable.
Considering the intended use of the fire pit, meaning defining the purpose it will serve to the homeowner, is a great tip for beginning a fire pit landscaping project. It is important to think about how the space will be used. If the desired effect is an outdoorsy, rustic, open fire pit, the best option is probably a free-standing, circular pit with low walls. This design allows seating all around the fire pit and easy access from all sides. Contrarily, if the fire pit is meant to mimic a more formal, indoor fireplace, a homeowner might choose to build a high-walled fire pit at the edge of a patio or deck. Assessing the intended purpose of the fire-pit landscaping helps make sure it will be used and enjoyed.
When it comes to choosing materials for fire pit landscaping, the most common choice is some kind of stone. Regardless of shape, size, or purpose, stone is an excellent option because it is sturdy, durable, and able to withstand the heat from a fire. The simplest fire pits can consist of a wall of rocks placed around a shallow hole. Intricate designs might call for professional masonry, especially if the fire pit landscaping includes walls more than a foot high. Stone varieties are plentiful, and can range anywhere from basic river stones to cut granite, depending on individual preference.
Certain landscaping tactics can be employed to make sure a fire pit is safe for people to regularly use and enjoy. Fire pits should not be placed in close proximity to buildings or underneath roofs or awnings, because escaped sparks could set these structures on fire. Plants likewise should not be located too close to the fire pit structure, and any neighboring trees, shrubs, or grass should be kept trimmed. Decorative features including flags, table umbrellas, and chair cushions should not be left unattended near an active fire pit, especially in windy conditions
