When renovating a backyard, many homeowners consider adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to their patio. Firepits can be a stunning focal point and a gathering place, and they can keep you and your guests warm on cool nights. From roasting marshmallows to warding off mosquitoes, there is a lot to love about this added feature. Below, we will discuss some important aspects of including a firepit in your backyard.
Fall and Winter Backyard Usage
Firepits and outdoor fireplaces can add a lot of extra usage to our backyard into the fall season. While a firepit is great year-round, a nice toasty fire can make colder nights in your backyard much more enjoyable. Fireplaces provide an added degree of warmth to your backyard that makes them more likely to receive year-round use.
Space Considerations for Your Firepit
Backyard firepits in NYC should be contained within a backyard and placed at least 10 feet from the house or any combustible materials. It is best to situate firepits near the center of the backyard, further away from property lines or fences. Covered patios may have gas-burning pits if they receive city approval and follow the firepit manufacturer’s requirements for ceiling height, ventilation, flooring, and location.
Fireplace or Firepit
Depending on the size, space, and location within your backyard, you may want to decide between a fireplace or a firepit. Fireplaces will generally not have 360 degrees of sitting space around them but will be better for drawing smoke up and away. Fireplaces are often generally safer when making considerations for young children. On the other hand, fireplaces are generally more costly to install, as they require more masonry work to fabricate.
Gas or Wood-Burning
While gas-burning firepits can be convenient, many families prefer a classic wood-burning pit. Gas pits offer convenient on-and-off lighting, and minimize risks of cinders and sparks. These pits often feature more unique designs and ways to accentuate the look of the flames, such as crushed glass, lava rocks, or multiple jet burners. Gas burners generally require more installation costs, but less upkeep from cleaning out ashes and debris. These pits can run a line to your home gas line, or use tanks similar to barbeques. For wood-burning, some people prefer the sounds, smells, and authenticity of a wood flame. One downside to wood pits is supplying the wood, but many hardware stores sell bundles.
Seating Options
When designing the space around your pit, seating should be a major consideration. Patio furniture is an easy fix and can be adjusted for distance around the fire. Some homeowners want a more permanent option and may go for a seat wall or around the hearth. This is best for people who want to make the space feel more homey. Many homeowners opt for a combination of the two, which gives you options for hosting get-togethers in a variety of sizes.
Firepits By Russo’s Landscaping
Our team of expert masons and landscape design specialists can help create the perfect firepit or fireplace for your backyard. Our team works with you every step of the way to create your perfect outdoor oasis.
For over 40 years, Russo’s Landscaping has offered professional and quality landscaping services on Staten Island. Contact us or call us at 718-727-7914 to discuss your landscape renovation needs.