Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits: What's the Difference?

Adding a fire feature to your backyard design is a fun way to make a statement. It also allows you to increase your yard usage; a good, old fashioned bonfire is an excellent way to spend a summer evening, and the warmth of a fire allows you to spend time outdoors earlier in the spring and later into the autumn. Both outdoor fire pits and fireplaces can add extra warmth and light, but what's the difference between these options? To get a nuanced understanding, let's begin by examining the similarities so you can figure out which is the better option for your property: 

In some ways, the same

Due to the fact that they're both residential fire features, backyard fire pits and fireplaces have a similar rustic, cozy aesthetic and functionality. They both provide excellent natural gathering points for warm, intimate discussions with friends, and both require similar amounts of cleaning and maintenance to ensure safety and upkeep. And, for families with young children, both present the same hazards--not only during use, but in requiring a screen to prevent soot smeared all over your yard! 

In other ways, different

Outdoor fireplaces tend to be a more permanent hardscaping design feature. Fireplaces come with a chimney and smoke ventilation firebox, which are frequently attached directly to the home or built into a custom deck or patio. Homeowners with larger properties seem to gravitate towards a fireplace because a fireplace can serve larger parties, and tend to be higher off the ground, which can make it easier to keep small children away from the heat and ash. For large families, an outdoor fireplace may be a natural option. 

On the flip side, outdoor fire pits are smaller, which is a natural catalyst for cozier, more intimate gatherings. Because a fire pit is often accessible from all sides, roasting marshmallows and other goodies or relaxing for an evening chat around the fire happens naturally. Firepits are also lower to the ground--sometimes even carved into a patio--so they don't distract from the view of your yard. The size of a fire pit is also completely customizable, giving you added flexibility. 

The factors you may need to take into consideration as you make the choice between outdoor fire pits and fire places are the size of your backyard, which option will be better suited for your unique children, and what the average size of a party you host might be. In any case, a fire feature can elevate your space and create the cozy atmosphere you crave. Bella Vista Landscape serves clients in Boise, Middleton, Caldwell, Meridian, Kuna, Star, Eagle, Nampa, ID, and all surrounding areas. For more ideas about landscaping, check out our online gallery or give us a call at (208) 995-3532 today!