A custom fire pit from Archadeck of Central SC enables you all the ambiance and allure of a fireplace at a fraction of the cost!

An outdoor fire pit makes the perfect “go-to” destination in your backyard!

Walk up to any newsstand in America and peruse the outdoor living section. One of the first things you will probably notice when you open the glossy pages of your favorite outdoor living magazine is the popularity and allure of outdoor fire features. I am not making a pun when I state that “outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are hot”, because here in the Columbia area they are at the top of the outdoor living most-requested list!

According to a 2013 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects earlier this year, American homeowners are increasingly interested in creating outdoor rooms for entertaining and relaxation on their properties. The survey also shows from all the categories polled, 97 percent of respondents rated fire pits and fireplaces as somewhat or very in-demand. The results of the poll are not surprising. As the economy begins to steadily improve homeowners are looking to invest in their property while maximizing the amount of enjoyable use of their outdoor spaces at the same time. Adding a fire feature to their outdoor living space is one of the best ways to get both.

Aerial photo of outdoor fire pit integrated into a low maintenance deck with built-in seating.

Choosing between a fire pit and fireplace is an important decision when creating an outdoor room. Both features extend the enjoyment of an outdoor living area by providing warmth, light, relaxation, and ambiance. However, they have important differences that should be considered. Along with the number of people you are trying to accommodate, and the function you want to achieve with your fire feature, the amount you wish to invest is also an important consideration.

An outdoor fireplace can add rustic appeal to your outdoor room and serves as the perfect spot for friends and family to gather.

A fireplace will create a cozy, romantic feeling & a fire pit will encourage storytelling, laughter, and s’mores!

An outdoor fireplace will help anchor an outdoor living space such as an outdoor living or dining area. You also want to decide whether you want a fire feature where guests can surround the structure or cozy “up to” the feature. Fire pits become a gathering spot enabling more enjoyable open space within the backyard. A fire pit will not obscure the landscape because of its low profile. It has minimal impact on the landscape and allows you to still enjoy an unobstructed view of your plantings and trees. A fire pit will also serve as an open refuge for good times when used in conjunction with a deck or patio. Outdoor fireplaces serve as a dominant design feature even when not in use, and take up more linear space than that of a fire pit because more design components are involved. In order to make the best decision to fit your spatial needs and lifestyle, it is important to be aware of the size demands of both a fire pit and fireplace.

The Fire Pit is the central element of this outdoor space.

Outdoor fire pits evolved from our love of the campfire. You probably fondly remember sitting around a campfire swapping ghost stories, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows as a child. That feeling and the emotions tied to our campfire memories are how today’s fire pits were born. However, in modern outdoor room settings, it is often too messy and unpredictable to have a wood-burning bonfire — not to mention illegal in most areas of the country. Along with enjoyment, adding a fire pit to your outdoor space is also more economical than adding an outdoor fireplace. Depending on the materials, size, and burning medium you choose for your fire pit ( gas-burning pits are usually more expensive than wood-burning pits) your price tag could be half of what an outdoor fireplace would cost. This is a welcomed thought for homeowners wishing to create backyard bliss on a budget!

Timber Tech Composite Deck with Curved Bench and Firepit.

If you are ready to ignite your outdoor living enjoyment with a custom fire pit, or outdoor fireplace addition, contact Archadeck of Central SC to learn more about placement, size, construction, costs, and much more. Call us today for a free consultation (803) 784-1566
centralsc@archadeck.net

The Archadeck of Central SC team – Mike Reu, Marshall Reu, and Tucker Reu

You can see more inspiring photos of the outdoor fire pit and outdoor fireplace designs by visiting our outdoor fireplace and fire pit photo gallery located on our website.