All fired up.
In many parts of Australia, a refreshing dip becomes less appealing as the temperature cools, but that shouldn’t mean retiring to the house till spring arrives. Fireplaces and fire pits let you make the most of your space well into winter, giving you a year-round connection to the outdoors and providing valuable additional living and entertaining areas.
When weighing up your options, take some time to think about the available space and how you would like to use it. Fireplaces and fire pits offer different benefits and have different space and location requirements, so consider the following factors before purchasing.
Space and location
The first and most obvious thing is the space and setting you have available. An outdoor fireplace is pretty much exactly what it sounds like — a fireplace. Permanent versions are typically installed in outdoor rooms and encased in a timber or masonry wall, with or without a mantel, depending on the design.
If you are considering heating options as part of a larger landscaping or building project that incorporates an outdoor room, gazebo or covered patio, a fireplace is a great option. They can be used in all weather conditions and are also a good way to divide a larger space and create separate areas for lounging and dining. There are a range of fuel options available including gas and wood-burning alternatives, which will of course require the appropriate flue to exhaust gases or smoke.
Gathering around a fireplace generally means sitting in front of it, whereas a fire pit is traditionally more like a campfire. There are of course some affordable portable wood-burning fireplace options available including chimineas, which should be used in open spaces only.
The benefit of a fire pit over a portable fireplace in an outdoor setting is the full-circle view, which inherently makes it a more interactive experience. If you’re thinking about a permanent fire pit, you should speak with a landscaper or builder when assessing your space. The chosen site needs to factor in distance to the main house structure or any other outbuildings, your neighbours and any nearby trees and shrubs. You’ll also need to think about suitable fuel storage — firewood can take up a lot of space — and exposure to the elements including wind.
Usage
What you want from your fire will also help facilitate decisions. If you want somewhere comfy to lie down and read a book on a chilly winter’s day, you probably don’t want a fire pit. If you want to gather with friends to catch up and toast marshmallows or cook a meal over an open flame, then the fire pit is for you.
Give some thought to how you see yourself using the fire pit or fireplace — and how often. Do you see yourself hosting weekly fireside events at your place year-round or will it be mainly family just a few times throughout winter? Will there be children running around or playing ball games nearby? Will rain and wind have an influence on how often you venture outside?
Thinking about your expected usage will also help you arrive at a budget ballpark.
Budget
As with every building project, budget will help narrow the options. Portable fire pits and fireplaces are relatively cheap, but probably won’t be as long-lasting as purpose-built alternatives, particularly if left out in the elements year-round.
When thinking about budget, don’t forget to factor in fuel costs, including time and effort on your part. If you opt for a wood-burning pit or fireplace, it makes sense to bulk buy firewood by the truckload. It will save money but don’t forget it needs to be carried and stacked in a suitable weatherproof area, which can be a lengthy and arduous exercise.
Other considerations
Not all heat sources will deliver the same heat levels, so think about your expectations — is the fire as much about aesthetics as it is heat? You should also consider the practicalities of starting and maintaining a fire — do you want a set-and-forget solution or are you happy to tend to an open fire and adhere to the safety requirements that wood fires demand? What about the overall design — are you trying to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas?
Installing a fireplace or fire pit is a great way to extend the time you spend outside throughout the year and to facilitate longer enjoyment of the investments you’ve already made. To get the most out of the experience, conduct some initial research to get an idea of the available options, but you should always seek the advice of a landscape architect, builder or other professional who can give you their expert recommendation, ensuring you end up with the best possible solution for your requirements.