Fire Pit vs Outdoor Fireplace: Tips for Making the Choice...or Include Both in the Mercer Island and Bellevue, WA Areas

Since fire creates a natural gathering place that invokes comfort, you'll want to include a fire feature in your Mercer Island or Bellevue, WA area backyard. You can choose between a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace, but how do you know which fire feature to pick? Here are some tips to help you make the decision on which feature to choose.

Determine Your Fuel Choice

Fire features are available as either gas-fueled or wood-burning. There are different benefits to each, and which one you choose comes down to personal preferences. If you enjoy the aroma of burning wood, choosing this option will be ideal. Imagine spending a crisp fall evening outdoors beneath the stars with the fire crackling in the fire pit as you enjoy the ambient glow of the fire and the cozy warmth. 

Gas-fueled fire features are often smokeless, making them a great option for people that cannot be around smoke. If you plan to have your fire feature built beneath a shade shelter, then you may want to consider going with a gas-fueled fire feature, so you do not have sparks from burning wood. With a gas-fueled fire pit, you can choose to have a filler, such as colorful glass beads or smooth lava stones. This can add beauty and character to your outdoor space. 

Consider Your Goals

It’s a good idea to think about how you plan to use your outdoor space. If you want to be able to gather around the fire to roast marshmallows to make s'mores or roast hotdogs for an easy meal, then you may want to choose a fire pit. However, if you want this feature to be a part of an elegant outdoor living area, then you may want to choose an outdoor fireplace. 

Design & Style Preferences

Fire pits tend to have a more laid-back design and style, while outdoor fireplaces tend to be more formal. However, there are exceptions, and this is not a rule. Much of the design and style of a fire feature comes down to the material that it is manufactured out of. 

For example, the look of an outdoor fireplace built using natural stone will have a rustic vibe, while a fire pit built out of sleek and modern block will have a more refined look. Circular, wood-burning fire pits tend to have a campfire-style vibe.

You Don’t Have to Pick One

If you aren’t sure whether to choose a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace, the great news is that you don’t have to pick one or the other—you can choose both. You could have a fire pit area built that features a built-in seating wall that wraps around it, providing plenty of seating for when you host large social gatherings.

Towards another side of your outdoor space, you could have an outdoor fireplace that is part of your outdoor living room area. Have a TV mounted above the mantle, and you’ll have th