Cozy talks under the stars, roasting marshmallows, warm gatherings with friends and family—all of this and more is possible with an outdoor fireplace or a firepit. But which one is right for your home?
While both options enhance your outdoor space, they each have unique features and advantages that cater to different needs. In this blog, we compare outdoor fireplaces and firepits and list considerations for each to help you find the best option for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Outdoor Fireplaces vs. Firepits: What’s The Difference?
Although outdoor fireplaces and firepits are both beautiful additions to any home, they offer vastly different experiences and benefits. Below, we break down how they differ before to help aid in your decision-making process.
What Is an Outdoor Fireplace?
Outdoor fireplaces are solid structures made of stone or brick designed to contain a fire in an outdoor setting. They can be wood-burning, gas, or electric and offer an elegant and intimate ambiance, perfect for relaxation.
What Is a Firepit?
A firepit will generally have a more open design that emanates heat 360 degrees, creating a warm and inviting centerpiece for people to gather around. They can either be hooked up to a gas line and fueled by natural gas or house a self-contained propane tank. Firepits are also available in various sizes and styles, including more traditional firepit designs, fire tables, fire bowls, and more.
4 Considerations for Choosing an Outdoor Fireplace or Firepit
The choice between an outdoor fireplace and a fire pit depends on a number of things. It’s important to consider several key factors, including personal preferences, lifestyle, and the specific needs of your outdoor space. Below, we outline different considerations to help you decide which option is right for you.
1. Size and Space Availability
The size of your backyard is crucial when deciding between an outdoor fireplace or a firepit. Outdoor fireplaces are generally larger and offer a more extravagant architectural addition to outdoor living spaces. Their stone or brick masonry will require considerable space to be installed as well as additional area to accommodate comfortable and safe seating.
If your outdoor space is limited, a firepit might be a better option. Their designs are much smaller and can be easily installed in just about any outdoor space. There are many different styles available to choose from, including larger statement features like a fire table and smaller designs like a fire bowl, which can be installed on patios and even balconies.
2. Lifestyle and Functionality
When choosing between an outdoor fireplace or a firepit, it is also important to consider your lifestyle and how you intend to use your new fire feature. Will you be entertaining lots of people, hosting more intimate gatherings with close friends and family, or maybe a mix of both?
Outdoor fireplaces tend to put out more warmth overall and produce forward-facing heat, so you gather in front of it, not around it. This can create an intimate and homey feel, almost like a second living room, but outside. On the other hand, firepits emit heat in all directions. This open design tends to be more casual and laid back, making it great for social gatherings where people can choose to walk around the space or sit around the fire.
3. Safety
Safety is a paramount concern when choosing and installing any kind of outdoor fire features. Firepits have an open flame which can pose a higher risk to homes with children or pets. On the other hand, outdoor fireplaces can provide a layer of protection against accidental contact with the flames. However, both types of fire features require careful supervision and should never be left unattended when lit.
Outdoor fireplaces and firepits will need to be installed at a safe distance from flammable materials to prevent accidents. Always follow local regulations and building codes, maintain proper clearances, and keep a fire extinguisher readily available in case of accidents.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance
While both outdoor fireplaces and firepits require regular cleaning and some maintenance, there are some key differences to consider. For instance, an outdoor fireplace may require a more in-depth cleaning routine than a firepit, as well as professional inspections and maintenance.
Firepits may also require some maintenance, but the specific requirements will vary depending on the style, fuel source, and where it’s placed.
Find the Best Addition for Your Home at the Bay Area’s #1 Fireplace Dealer
Whether you envision cozy evenings by a crackling fireplace or lively gatherings around a warm firepit, choosing the best fire feature for your outdoor space requires careful consideration. Need help finding the best fire feature for your home? At Creative Energy, we have a fireplace or firepit for every design preference, lifestyle, and budget.
Our team of experts is more than happy to help you find the perfect option for your home. Contact us online today or visit any one of our Bay Area showrooms to browse our selection in person.
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