The seasons of backyard living are upon us, and this is the time for devising the upgrades and improvements you want to make to your yard so that it becomes the nicest room (not) in the house. One of the most commonly desired additions to a backyard living space is a fire pit or similar feature. This isn’t surprising, as fire-features offer a range of benefits from light, to warmth, to ambiance. If you’ve decided to invest in an outdoor fire feature, you’ve probably narrowed it down to either a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace. But what’s the difference and which is better for you? Let’s dig in.

What Is A Fire Pit?

A fire pit is sort of like the backyard equivalent of a campfire when you’re camping. It is usually a circle, either set on the ground or incorporated into a table, and the fire materials burn in the center. Sometimes they come with covers or grates, but most often they are open. This is a great solution if you love to host larger groups, where lots of people would want to gather around the fire. The Design of a fire pit allows people to gather on all sides.

What Is An Outdoor Fireplace?

Fireplaces are larger structures, with typically a much greater overall height than a fire pit. They are designed to contain the fire and direct the heat. Their more imposing structure also provides greater privacy, but it makes only one side truly useable. When an outdoor fireplace is going, there is usually only space for a small group to gather around the warmed side (unless you build a two-sided fireplace, but then the fireplace itself does disrupt conversation).

How Much Space And Budget Do You Have?

Clearly, two big controlling factors for which one to get are going to be space and budgetary constraints. Fireplaces are bigger and generally more expensive. Fire pits are smaller and tend to be much cheaper – after all, you can stroll into any big-box hardware store and buy a fire table. You need a professional to come build your outdoor fireplace (do not try to DIY this hardscaping project), so it will also take more time.  If you have a small yard, you likely are not going to have the space for a huge outdoor fireplace. You may be able to fit a small one in, but is it really the best use of your space? If you’re unsure, working with a landscaping professional can make all the difference in getting the most bang for your buck and your space.

Do You Have Warmth And Safety Concerns?

Before you make your final decision, you also have to think about safety and what you want to get out of the fire feature. Generally, a fireplace offers a more controlled fire, since in the firebox it is more protected from the wind. A fire pit is an open flame. Similarly, if the warmth that it gives is the most important benefit, the fireplace will have more controlled and directed heat, while the warmth of a fire pit blows away in each breeze.

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