Firepits are among the most popular features in outdoor living spaces. They naturally draw people together, creating a welcoming place for conversation and connection. As we like to say in our business, “when the fire is burning, people will talk.” There’s just something timeless about sitting around a fire with a comfortable chair and a favorite drink in hand—it invites relaxation and makes moments memorable.
There are countless options when it comes to firepits. You can choose from pre-packaged kits or fully custom builds, square or circular designs, and finishes ranging from natural stone to bold, modern looks. But the first question to answer is simple: Wood or gas?
A wood-burning firepit delivers the classic crackle, smoky aroma, and rustic feel of a traditional fire. A gas firepit, on the other hand, offers clean convenience, instant flames, and easy control. Each creates a very different look, feel, and experience—so your choice sets the tone for your entire outdoor space.
When choosing a gas burner take into account the interior width of your firepit and the number of flames the burner produces so the heat and the flame fits the size of the pit. When it comes to wood burning there are inserts to help control the smoke. These smokeless firepits can be pricey but worth it. As a designer and owner of my own natural stone firepit I do not have a smokeless unit and the firepit works just fine. Just remember there are plenty of options in the firepit market for you to create what you want to fit your lifestyle.
Lastly, firepits need a sitting area. That area for any outdoor chair is usually a 4 foot x 4 foot area. Typically a firepit and sitting area takes up a 12 foot x 12 foot footprint equally 144 sq ft. Take this into account if the firepit in on your patio. This can eat up alot of your patio square footage. A tip is to build the firepit off the patio. It can be connected to the corner of the patio or there could be stepping stones leading to it. This way you can create a patio and a firepit space that help you get the best use of your space.
