How to Choose the Best Fire Feature for Your Outdoor Living Space 

Fire features are a great way to add warmth, ambiance, and style to your outdoor living space. Whether you want to enjoy a cozy night with your family, entertain guests with a lively conversation, or create a romantic mood for a special occasion, there is a fire feature that suits your needs and preferences. But how do you choose the best fire feature for your outdoor living space? Here are some factors to consider: 

What type of fire feature do I want?

The first thing to consider is how you want to use your fire feature. Do you want it to be a focal point of your outdoor design, a conversation spot for your guests, or a mood lighting for your dining area? Different types of fire features have different purposes and functions. 

• Outdoor fireplaces are ideal for creating a statement piece and a cozy atmosphere. They can also provide privacy and shelter from the wind. Outdoor fireplaces are usually built-in and permanent, so they require more space and planning. They can be made of various materials, such as stone, brick, concrete, or metal, and can have different styles, such as traditional, modern, or rustic. 
• Fire pits are great for keeping a conversation going among groups, small and large. They allow guests to communicate more easily with everyone, as they can sit around the fire from all sides. Fire pits can be either built-in or portable, and can use different fuels, such as wood, gas, or propane. They can also have different shapes, such as round, square, or rectangular. 
• Fire tables are perfect for enhancing your outdoor dining experience. They combine the functionality of a table and the beauty of a fire feature, creating a sleek and modern look. Fire tables can also provide warmth and illumination for your food and drinks. They are usually powered by gas or propane, and can have different sizes and heights. 

Location

The next thing to consider is where you want to place your fire feature. Every Municipality has their own restrictions on proximity to structures and sizes. You also need to consider the convenience and accessibility of your fire feature, as well as how it fits with the rest of your outdoor design. A Semmer Landscape Designer can help guide the way.  

• Outdoor fireplaces are best placed against a wall or a fence, or in a corner of your outdoor space. They can also serve as a backdrop or a divider for different areas of your yard, such as a patio, a pool, or a garden. 
• Fire pits are best placed in the center of your outdoor space, or in an open area that allows for easy movement and seating. They can also complement other features of your yard, such as a pergola, a waterfall, or an outdoor kitchen. 
• Fire tables are best placed in your outdoor dining area, or near your outdoor kitchen or grill. They can also create a contrast or a harmony with your outdoor furniture and accessories. 

Seating

The last thing to consider is how you want to arrange your seating around your fire feature. You need to allow for at least 18 to 24 inches of room between your fire feature and your furniture, to ensure safety and comfort. You also need to consider the style and the capacity of your seating, as well as the view and the atmosphere that you want to create. 

• Outdoor fireplaces are suitable for sofas, chairs, or benches that face the fire and create a cozy and intimate setting. They can also accommodate a few or many guests, depending on the size and the shape of your fireplace. 
• Fire pits are compatible with Adirondack chairs, sectional sofas and chairs, or built-in benches that surround the fire and create a lively and social setting. They can also host a large number of guests, depending on the diameter and the height of your fire pit. 
• Fire tables are ideal for dining chairs, bar stools, or lounge chairs that flank the fire and create a sleek and elegant setting. They can also serve a small or medium number of guests, depending on the length and the width of your fire table. 

Fire features are a wonderful addition to any outdoor living space, as they provide warmth, light, and style. However, choosing the best fire feature for your outdoor living space can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. By thinking about the purpose, the location, and the seating of your fire feature, you can narrow down your options and find the one that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you choose an outdoor fireplace, a fire pit, or a fire table, you can enjoy the benefits of having a fire feature in your outdoor living space. 

Learn more about incorporating fire into your landscape by reaching out to the Semmer Landscape Sales team.