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Your Guide to Choosing Between a Fire Pit & an Outdoor Fireplace

Entertaining outdoors can be an exciting way to change your party scene. Your yard can be the perfect place to spend quality time with your loved ones. Installing a fire pit or outdoor fireplace is a great way to enhance your outdoor space. Either choice will make your get-togethers warm and memorable. In the following guide, we tackle topics like budget, space, and safety. The following items will help you decide whether a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace is right for you and your landscape.


A fireplace will greatly enhance your time spent outdoors, but do you have the space?

Fire place with seating near Casey Key, Florida.

A fireplace can enhance your outdoor time, but one of the biggest constraints to installing one is space. A contractor can help you determine whether or not you have enough room in your outdoor area to pursue this option. If you have a larger property, you can easily fit a fireplace. However, if your property runs on the smaller side, you are probably better off choosing a fire pit, as these do not need nearly as much space to build.

A fire feature can completely transform the atmosphere of your outdoor space and enhance your property value.


Is your budget tight or flexible for your fire feature project?

Now that you have decided to move forward with your fire feature, your budget is likely one of your biggest considerations. A tight budget will steer you towards a fire pit, while a more flexible budget can often buy an outdoor fireplace. You can, of course, customize the size and materials used for your outdoor project to accommodate your budget while still creating an enjoyable hardscape.


How many guests do you regularly host in your outdoor space?

Before choosing your fire feature, determine how large or small your parties tend to run. If you usually host a larger crowd, a fire pit is likely a better option because you can fit more guests around the fire at once. On the other hand, an outdoor fireplace can foster a cozy environment for smaller groups to gather around and enjoy the fire.


Will there be children and pets running around your fire feature?

It is important to think about safety when choosing to incorporate fire into your outdoor space. Fire pits have open flames and are likely to spark and create smoke. Outdoor fireplaces, on the other hand, will contain the fire in a much safer way, so this option tends to create a safer environment for young children and pets who may be running around near your feature.


How long are you planning on using your new fire feature at one time?

Two boys roasting marshmallows over fire pit near Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, FL.

An important thing to decide is how long you plan on using your fire feature at one time. Fire pits have open flames, which means the fire and warmth will disappear faster than they would in the encasement of a fireplace. These things should be considered so that you can make the best decision on which fire feature will keep your outdoor space the most relaxing and comfortable.


Enhance your outdoor living space with a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace. Call today to schedule a consultation!

If you are looking to enhance your outdoor entertainment, then adding a fire feature is definitely the way to go! At Tropical Gardens Landscape, we install custom fire pits and fireplaces in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and nearby areas in Florida. We will professionally install your custom fire feature in wood or gas with the materials that you want for your space. If you're ready to get started, give us a call today at (941) 993-2442 to schedule a consultation.