Fire Features and Outdoor Heating

One of the most popular trends at the moment is the installation of a fire pit. The notion of gathering around a warm, glowing fire is very appealing for evening entertaining.
This can be accomplished with several different options. The first consideration is fuel type: wood burning, natural gas or propane. Running a natural gas line can be expensive and hard to run if your paving is already installed. However, if you are just re-doing your landscape area and the ground is
clear of obstructions then running the gas line is a great way to go. Gas is clean burning and
easy to use plus relatively low cost to run. Wood burning is lovely but affects the air quality and it
is somewhat of a hassle to obtain wood or gather it. Any wood burning fire pit should have a spark
arresting screen.
Propane is a low cost option and the portable tanks last fairly well. Most prefab. fire pits use
propane, but may have an option to hook up to a gas line also. Occasionally, you will find a unit that uses butane. These are not always a good option as butane isn't as readily available, the tanks are small, and empty quickly.

Normally, fire pits are lined with fire proof stone, block or brick and have a raised edge so kids and
adults don't fall into the area. The low wall or edge around the unit acts as a foot rest, seat or
place to set food and drinks. (see examples to follow).
The exterior of the wall can be stone, block (stuccoed or veneered with stone), brick or
even wood, as the inside has the fire proof brick.  The Cap of the wall should be also fireproof-
stone, brick, cast concrete or interlocking pavers.
I like to set the height of the fire pit at 14-16" off patio level to be below seat height, so that you can see the fire and rest feet on edge.

The fire table is another interesting concept for a fire feature. These are normally at dining table
height and have a center burner powered by a propane tank below (in a housing). These units don't give off much heat but are a fun dining experience.
Both the fire pit and the fire table have the option of a cover for the fire area so the table and pit
can act as a regular piece of furniture.

Fireplaces built outdoors are lovely and make a backdrop for the garden. This is a very pricey option and not as easy to gather around for more than a few people.
They are custom built but there are some prefab. units available (they can be set on built in hearths) that lower the cost. These run on natural gas or propane and have a "faux" chimney- they vent out the side
or back. I have included photos to follow.

There are some fabulous combinations for fire and water features that I have included too.
These are really pretty by swimming pools and patio areas. The fire features and water features
are normally self contained so one can be set inside the other! Cool! These run on natural gas or propane and the water feature is electric. Plumbing is in a separate housing.

The other option for outdoor heating are portable or mounted heaters. Many restaurants have these and homes have the option also. Most of the stand heaters can be moved and have a space for the propane tank, while the bar shaped mounted heaters can be electric, natural gas or less commonly- propane.

The concept of heating the outside world is fairly flawed as the heat dissipates quickly.
Seating should be close- with in 2-3' of the unit and you should be prepared for uneven distribution of heat.
The ambiance is more the point of fire features and entertainment value.

 Heaters tend to heat the head and shoulders well while leaving the legs and ankles open to drafts. A lap rug or blanket might be just the thing for the lower body!

Fire features and heaters should be used with caution and need to follow all city rules and regulations.

Gas and Electrical lines should be installed by licensed professionals. And custom units need skilled

craftsman also. Enjoy safely and stay warm!

Prefabricated Fireplace with custom veneer and hearth or seat. Also a prefab. and hearth set in place.

Prefabricated Fireplace- notice the fire jewels inside the fire area. Very pretty

Custom double sided fireplace. Gorgeous, but according to home owner, not a very good
source of heat.

 This is a prefabricated fire bowl. Nice shape and look but edge is narrow for setting things on.
Below is a prefabricated fire pit with propane tank hidden in base. Available through American
Leisure Patio.

Custom built fire pit and seat wall. Tile cap and face band with stuccoed block base

 Custom built in fire pit with stone cap. Nice height and look.

 Examples of fire tables. Propane tank is hidden in base.

 Now here is an interesting unit for the rustic garden! Fun that is space conservative and unusual.

 Beautiful Bougainvillea draped over a custom built fireplace with southwest look.
Stuccoed block with cast concrete seat cap.

 Electric bar heaters mounted in patio cover and arbor

 Movable propane outdoor space heaters

Examples of fire features combined with water features

See also my patio furniture blog for other examples