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Firepit vs. Fireplace | The Best Fire Solution for Your Outdoor Space

One of the best parts of summer in Canada is an evening spent with friends around a fire. With Canadians spending more time closer to home these days, that fire is often in one’s backyard.

These backyard fires come in a variety of forms ranging from wood-burning basic firepits ringed by rocks or a metal ring to outdoor fireplaces positioned closer to the house. Each has its pros and cons, but often the decision is made based on space, budget, and availability of various fuel sources.

Two of the more popular trends these days in outdoor living space upgrades are outdoor gas fireplaces and gas firepits. Each offers the benefit of adding a modern flare along with value to one’s home, while also increasing your enjoyment of the space as well. They quickly become a focal point and a cozy gathering spot, while visually transforming your space and creating a relaxing atmosphere.

 

Gas Firepits

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Perfect for entertaining, gas firepits are great to gather around as they are typically installed away from the home’s walls and roof. One of the best things about gas firepits is that they do not give off any smoke. You’ll never need to deal with the wind blowing smoke in your eyes, or the smell clinging to your clothing and hair. Because they are not releasing pollutants into the air, they tend to be more environmentally friendly than wood-burning firepits. Since they also do not produce sparks, the risk of fire is reduced as well; a primary reason why gas firepits are more likely than wood-burning firepits to be permitted in the city.

Gas firepits are available in a variety of styles and can be personalized to suit your décor, creating a centerpiece that fits perfectly with your outdoor entertainment space. Thanks to the unlimited supply of fuel, you can relax around them for hours without needing to add more wood to the fire. Sitting above ground, often on legs, a gas firepit will be connected to a natural gas line, delivering reliable fuel all year long, which is certainly more convenient than dealing with firewood and needing to douse the flames when you’re ready to leave it. If a natural gas line is not available where you live, you’ll need to take a look at other outdoor firepit options.

 

Outdoor Fireplaces

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Outdoor fireplaces come in many shapes and styles and are fueled in a variety of ways. If your space is large enough, you can opt for a traditional wood-burning fireplace, although this can be a lot of work to keep it supplied with wood. Expect that it will be messy too, coating everything around it with soot, and permeating nearby clothing and furnishings with that unmistakable campfire smell.

Perhaps the most convenient, safest, and cleanest versions of an outdoor fireplace are electric fireplaces and outdoor gas fireplaces. Much like a gas fire pit, an outdoor gas fireplace is fueled by a natural gas line. Often outdoor gas fireplaces are installed closer to the home, sometimes shielded by glass. These are a great choice for smaller outdoor spaces. In fact, there are indoor/outdoor gas fireplaces available that can be installed into an exterior wall of your home, and are viewable from both outside the home, and inside. Curl up fireside with a book inside, or take the party outside, while still enjoying the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace!

Outdoor gas fireplaces can make an elegant architectural statement in any space. They can take up a small footprint in tighter areas, or become the focal point of your outdoor living space while adding warmth to outdoor entertaining areas. Outdoor fireplaces also often offer a more intimate setting for quiet conversations, relaxing with loved ones, or curling up with a good book.

 

For those who do not have access to a gas line, consider an electric fireplace, which offers the advantages of portability, while providing a warm, cozy fire to enjoy sitting by. These too can be installed inside an exterior wall, for enjoyment inside and out.

Installing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace in your outdoor living space is sure to add to both the value and your enjoyment of your home; it’s no surprise that these features have exploded in popularity over the past year, within many of us spending more time at home, whether indoors or out! Whether you choose a gas fire pit or a gas fireplace, either fire element will be an excellent addition to your patio or backyard, extending the season and enhancing your space, while providing countless opportunities for your family and friends to make lasting fireside memories.

Lifestyle