10 Fire Pit Ideas for Outdoor Living in North Carolina
We’re so fortunate to live in North Carolina, where we can enjoy outdoor living most of the year. This is particularly true if you have a backyard fire pit. However, determining what type of outdoor fire pit to build for your unique space can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve provided 10 fire pit ideas that are perfect for North Carolina living, regardless of the size of your backyard or patio.
Getting Started with Fire Pit Design Ideas
Consider the outdoor space you have available. Is it grass? Is it a brick patio? A concrete patio? Do you have pavers already in place? Is your outdoor living space already furnished? You’ll want to consider these things before settling on a specific fire pit design.
For example, if you’ve recently purchased angular Adirondack chairs, or you have a retaining wall already in place, factor them into your overall aesthetic. Angular furniture, for example, may not work as well around a circular fire pit. Likewise, if your seating area is a circle, a square fire pit may not work as well. Depending upon your space, you may benefit most from a tabletop fire pit, if you’re working with a smaller space.
During a free consultation with Landscape Solutions & Design, Inc., we can create a preview of what your landscape will look like, using design software. That way, if you think you know what you want, we can show you what it will look like. If it isn’t the look you want, you can revise your design plan before breaking ground on the project.
Choosing an Expert for Outdoor Living
If you’re unsure which fire pit idea is right for you, or if you’d like an estimate before embarking on a DIY fire pit project, call our expert team at Landscape Solutions and Design, Inc. Our certified landscaping design specialists have decades of experience in helping homeowners throughout the Triad, Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Southern Pines areas. We are here to help transform your property from ordinary to extraordinary. Our residential services include everything you need to make the most of outdoor living in North Carolina. Our specialties include:
- Firepits
- Fireplaces
- Landscape design and installation
- Landscape lighting
- Maintenance
- Outdoor grills
- Outdoor kitchens
- Patio pavers
- Retaining walls
- Waterscapes/ponds/pond-less waterfalls
10 Fire Pit Ideas for Transforming Your Patio, Deck, or Backyard
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Simple Fire Pit
A simple fire pit is exactly what you think it is: simple. This type is often inexpensive and easily created. If you’re looking for a DYI firepit, this is probably the best bet. Typically circular in nature, and constructed of brick or stone, then filled with lava rock, this simple fire pit will provide warmth and a nice evening ambiance without any frills.
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Gravel Fire Pit
This type of backyard fire pit is a step above the simple fire pit. A gravel fire pit is best for a grassy backyard. All you need for this type of space is gravel, large stones to form the pit, and a few chairs. As a wood-burning firepit, this simple, but attractive gathering place is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
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Concrete Fire Pit
A concrete bowl fire pit adds a modern look to your patio. As the name implies, this fire pit is best suited for a hard surface, and includes a concrete bowl, filled with stones, and lit using gel fuel canisters.
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Outdoor Fireplace
If you want all the benefits of a fire pit, plus added wow factor, consider an outdoor fireplace. Made of stone or brick, an outdoor fireplace can create an absolutely elegant look, all the while providing a gathering space and plenty of warmth for cool evenings.
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Spa Style
If you’re looking to create an outdoor spa, a fire pit built into your pavers, brick, or stone patio next to the jacuzzi or pool can turn your backyard into a Zen-like oasis. Using soft, calming colors on furnishings, and soothing colored fire glass can help enhance the relaxing aesthetic.
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Gas Fire Pit
Commonly found at upscale hotels and restaurants, a gas fire pit offers a sophisticated look while being low maintenance. Using propane or other gas, these elegant outdoor fire features are often not the centerpiece of a seating area, but rather a complementary feature. Colored or clear fire glass is popular in gas fire pits.
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Inground Fire Pit
Inground fire pits can be a wonderful addition to your backyard. However, they require significant design, preparation, and work. Inground fire pits are safer than above-ground fire pits, as an out-of-control fire is less likely to spread. They also ensure that the flames look like they are coming from the ground, which can be a beautiful effect. Unfortunately, they can be risky if you have children or pets, who could fall into them. They are lined with rocks, and topped with wood for burning, providing a campfire vibe. Inground fire pits can also be built into patios. Just be sure to hire an expert to ensure safety.
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Sunken Fireside Seating Area
Sunken fireside seating areas are a popular choice. Built below the ground level, or on a lower patio level, this design is particularly helpful for cold nights. The sunken aspect provides a bit of a barrier and cozy feeling. Sunken patios accented with brick, stone, and crafted using pavers are extremely popular.
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Tabletop Fire Pit
A tabletop fire pit is a great option for small spaces. They may not provide as much heat as a fireplace, but they certainly help transform outdoor kitchens and dining areas into beautiful spaces. Tabletop fire pits are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles to meet your unique goals.
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Outdoor Kitchen Combo
Combining a fireplace with a grill, or even a pizza oven is very trendy. It’s also practical. While sitting around the fire, you can be preparing dinner, and enjoying the savory smells of your meal. Outdoor kitchen combos create a virtual kitchen and dining room in your back yard.
Is it safe to build a DIY fire pit?
The answer to this is “maybe.” Certainly, those with building experience will likely have no trouble building one that is safe. However, there are many, many considerations before building a fire pit. You’ll want to ensure that it doesn’t have proximity to flammable materials such as chair cushions, sofas, or other cloth-covered furniture. If you’re creating a gas firepit, you’ll also want to ensure that you’re attentive to all details, to prevent injury.
If you’re an inexperienced DIYer, your best bet is to contact a landscape design specialist for help in building a fire pit on your deck, in your backyard, or on a patio. Our team of specialists at Landscape Solutions & Design will work with you to determine the proper size, location, and materials that will help bring your outdoor living space to life.
What is the average size area for a fire pit?
There is no average size for a firepit. However, common sizes are 3’ wide. For fire pits that are more of a focal point, they are commonly 6” wide. If you buy a store-bought pit, you can expect it to be 24-30 inches in diameter.
What is the best base for a fire pit?
The best base will depend upon the type of pit you intend to design or have constructed. Stone and concrete are good choices for many homeowners, and commercial business owners. If you’re unsure about which base to choose, consider hiring an expert landscaping company, who can guide you to the best option.
Should I choose a gas fire pit or a wood fire pit?
Both gas and wood burning fire pits have advantages. A wood burning fire pit provides a natural campfire smell and a less controlled burn. However, wood-fueled fires can take longer to start, and they are not clean burning. You also need to put more effort into keeping the fire going. Of course, you’ll also need a stockpile of wood.
Gas fueled fire pits are generally more expensive, and the gas is highly flammable, so they can be dangerous. On the other hand, gas-burning pits are quick to light and clean burning.
What fire pit design is most popular?
There is no singular design that is noticeably more in demand than others. Circular, stone fire pits are timeless and have been popular for years. More modern, sleek styles, that use gas, are popular for commercial properties such as hotels and restaurants.
How can I start a landscape project?
If you want all the benefits of a beautiful, custom-designed backyard, deck, or patio oasis, hire the pros! Since 2005, our team at Landscape Solutions & Design, Inc., has served Greensboro, Charlotte, Southern Pines, High Point, Summerfield, Archdale, Belews Creek, Winston-Salem, Lake Norman, and the surrounding areas.
We offer a free consultation to learn about your goals and your budget. Plus, we can produce a visual of your finished landscape using design software. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect. And of course, you can make changes before we even break ground.
Our team of experienced technicians is led by CEO Kostas Menegakis, who prioritizes customer service above all else. A licensed contractor, Kostas, and his team also have multiple certifications including:
- John Deere Landscapes University-Landscaping Certifications
- Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting-Outdoor Lighting Design Certification
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute-Paver Design & Installation Certification
- North Carolina Pesticide Certification-Pesticide Safety & Application Certification
- North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board- N.C. Licensed Landscape Contractor
Residential and Commercial Landscaping Design in North Carolina
Landscape Solutions & Design, Inc. provides full-service landscaping design, maintenance, hardscape construction, tree service, lawn care service, and more. Our team provides homeowners and apartment & condo complexes with complete lawn care and landscape service.
We also have a large commercial division. We provide outdoor lighting and landscape services for hotels, restaurants, corporate and company campuses. Our hardscape and landscape work is visible throughout North Carolina, in retaining walls, benches, outdoor dining areas, and more.
Free Estimate for Residential and Commercial Landscape Design in NC
Our three-step process to begin working with you involves an initial consultation, which is free of charge. During the consultation, we welcome photos you’ve saved. Or, if you’re not sure what you want, we are happy to create a unique plan for you. After the consultation, you can expect a project estimate. The estimate is incredibly detailed. In it, we provide the cost of materials and the cost of labor. We will also estimate our completion date. We encourage questions about the estimate at any time.
The final step is the project installation. All technicians who will be working on your landscape project will be from our company, as we do not sub work out to contractors. The project manager will keep you updated throughout the project. They will serve as your primary contact during the installation.
We welcome your calls and questions today. Call us at 336-276-2707 for a free estimate. You may also contact us online. We look forward to helping you create the backyard or patio of your dreams!