As we edge ever closer to the summer months, many homeowners are making plans for landscape design projects in their backyard. Fire pits are more popular than ever before. Gathering around a fire is a great way to enjoy an outdoor living space—and a great way to enjoy the outdoors, even on cool Colorado nights. One of the best things about a fire pit is that people can gather around it on all sides, which usually cannot be done with a fireplace.

Here are some tips for adding a fire pit to your backyard space.

#1—Decide Where You’ll Put It

Some people want the fire pit to be a focal point of the backyard; others want to tuck it away in the corner of the yard. There are no hard and fast rules to this, and it is really up to personal preference. You should also consider how you’ll use it. If you plan to have lots of people over to gather around the fire, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of space for seating.

There might be restrictions in your community about how far your fire pit must be from buildings, so be sure to check local regulations before making the decision.

#2—Decide if You’ll Go With Gas or Wood

There is no denying that gas is much more convenient. It is also cleaner because it doesn’t give off any smoke when it burns. It is also nice that folks gathered around don’t have to worry about getting burned by an errant flame. That said, however, some people like wood because they enjoy the smoky smell. If they plan to use the fire pit for roasting marshmallows, then a wood fire pit might be preferred. 

There are many options today for gas fire pits; you can get a freestanding model. Or you can run a pipe off the main gas line from the house (be sure to get the professionals to handle that for you!). Keep in mind that you might need a permit for this type of work, so check with local laws.

#3—Decide on How Tall You Want the Fire pit to Be

Although they are usually referred to as fire pits, they are really more like “fire bowls” because they are generally raised above the ground. Many experts like fire pits that are about a foot high—or about coffee table height—because you can rest your feet on it. 

#4—Decide on the Type of Seating You’ll Have

You can have permanent seating, such as a built-in banquette or two, or chairs that people can move around. Sometimes the best option is to have a combination of the two. The banquettes provide plenty of room for a group of people, but moveable chairs provide the most flexibility—which is a plus if you have a large group of people.

Call a Denver Landscape Design Company

Are you ready to get started on your spring and summer landscape design projects? Give us a call! Whether you are planning on a fire pit or some other hardscape project, we can answer your questions and help get your project started. Take a look at some of our finished projects to get a bit of inspiration. We look forward to working with you!