Igniting Outdoor Allure
A look inside one of the hottest outdoor home enhancements
Fire pits have long been a coveted commodity, evolving from an essential source of warmth to a significant element of landscape design, enhancing outdoor aesthetics and fostering social gatherings. Human fascination with fire never has cooled, and today, many feel that their backyards would be incomplete minus a flame feature.
In short, fire pits are hot.
“Especially in the cooler times of the year, fire pits become a reason for outdoor social gatherings,” said Rene West, founder and CEO of Executive Landscaping. “They bring a lot of people outside that normally wouldn’t venture out.”
Serving Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre, as well as various areas in Alabama, landscaper West imparts a strong understanding of how to ensure a fire pit becomes the main attraction of any outdoor area.
Growing numbers of homeowners are making patios, permanent fire pits, and barbecues part of their outdoor spaces. Preferences and budgets differ, as people have unique needs and visions for extending their homes and embracing the outdoors. Budgets for such projects run anywhere from $3,500 to $25,000 and above.
“Truth be told, $3,500 will ensure a simplistic design with minimal amenities,” West explained. “Whereas a larger budget will allow for several features, such as seating, flagstone, or hard surfaces, possibly even shade sails. The possibilities are endless.”
Outdoor enhancements may seem daunting, but homeowners should not be dissuaded from embarking on projects to rejuvenate and expand their living spaces. While fire pits certainly become focal points of outdoor decor, these expansions are also known to drive value.
“I think back to clients who hired us for their second home, and they’ve been pleased to report that they saw a return on their investment,” West said. “They’ve spoken so positively about the interest that their outdoor spaces created in their homes.”
Dos and Don’ts for your Backyard Project
Many would say the real value lies in memory making, like those moments spent solo or with loved ones, eating s’mores under the stars.
DO SEARCH FOR INSPO
Sites and social media, including Pinterest and YouTube, can be a fantastic (and free) source of ideas. Search keywords specific to your interests, and you’ll be kept busy combing through thousands of posts. If you like to keep your searches old school, check out your local library for backyard planning and landscaping books.
DO MAKE A PLAN
While talking things over at the house is a good start, hiring a designer will help turn your vision into a comprehensive, workable plan. Experienced designers are equipped with photos of tasteful and successful projects that can help you visualize possibilities. Regarding fire pits specifically, a designer will help you understand whether you want a wood-burning or gas fire—an important detail to choose upfront.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BUDGET TO CHANCE
Whether it’s $4,000 or $20,000, a budget helps iron out details for designers, installers, and the homeowners themselves. That way, there are no last-minute surprises.
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE YOUR SPACE
Be sure to understand and agree upon the placement or expansion of your outdoor space. For instance, if you opt for a wood-burning setup, you will want to be mindful of the embers when finalizing the placement of your new outdoor arrangement.
FOR YOUR BACKYARD PROJECT DO’S AND DON’TS DO FIND A QUALIFIED INSTALLER
If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on your home, it’s best to do some research on installers in your area. Get references on hardscapers to make sure they are competent and easy to work with.
Laci Swann contributed to this article.
