With crisp mornings rolling in, the smell of fall in the air, and football season finally here, there’s just nothing better than sitting outside around the crackle and glow of a fire. Whether it’s roasting marshmallows with the kids, cozying up under a blanket after a long day, or having friends over for the big game, a fire feature makes your backyard the place everyone wants to be.
At Avant Gardens & Hardscapes, we’ve seen it all, gas fire pits that light at the push of a button, wood-burning fireplaces that smell like the perfect fall night, and everything in between. If you’ve been dreaming about adding one to your outdoor space, let’s talk about the options and what might fit your home best.
Fire Pits
Fire pits are the go-to for that casual, outdoorsy feel. They’re perfect for gathering in a circle, telling stories, or just kicking back while the kids make s’mores. You can go as simple or as custom as you want, anything from a. classic round fire pit to a custom designed brick or stone fire pit with custom stone caps, or a beefy warming trans-crossfire gas burner.
Why people love them:
- Quicker install and easier on the budget
- Can be blended right into a new or existing patio
- Great with either simple seat wall seating or just some Adirondack chairs pulled up close
- Work year-round and bring people together. A great option to really feel the heat of the fire and all the way around and the heat
Things to keep in mind:
- Open-air design means rain and weather can affect use
- Wood-burning pits can smoke and need to be located away from structures.
- Gas fire pits can require dedicated gas lines with specific requirements and possibly an upgraded meter.
- More detailed designs can add cost.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces are a whole different experience, they bring that timeless, cozy feel and can turn your backyard into an outdoor living room. Picture a vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling with wood beams, stone columns, and a custom mantle you can decorate for fall and Christmas. Or maybe you just want a simple stone or brick fireplace tucked into the patio where you can curl up with a blanket and a good book.
Why people love them:
- They instantly become the focal point of the backyard
- Add value to your home and create true year-round outdoor living
- Safer and more controlled flames compared to open pits
- Offering some wind protection
- Can be customized with mantles, hearths, and stonework to match your style
Things to keep in mind:
- Higher cost and longer to build
- Heat is directed forward instead of all-around
- Seating is more limited than with fire pits
- It can be a significant investment, especially if paired with a covered patio or porch
Gas vs. Wood
No matter which fire feature you choose, the biggest question is always fuel:
- Gas: Instant flames, easy to use, and low maintenance. No ash, no cleanup, just push of a button or flick of a lighter. It can fit any design that is nearly total custom to your outdoor space, though it may cost more up front if a gas line needs to be added.
- Wood: The real deal. The crackle, the smell, the glow, it feels like sitting in your own custom living room but in your backyard. Wood is cheaper fuel-wise, but it does mean more cleanup, smoke, and effort to get the fire started.
Let’s Build It Together
At the end of the day, it’s about creating a space that feels right for you. Fire pits are great for casual family nights and tailgates. Fireplaces bring elegance and that cozy, year-round living room feel outdoors. And whether you’re a gas-for-convenience family or a wood-for-tradition family, we’ll help design it, so it blends right into your hardscape like it’s always been there.
At Avant, we serve Knoxville and surrounding areas, helping families turn backyards into the place where memories are made. So, let’s get the kids off the screens, grab some blankets, and build the fire feature you’ve always wanted.
Ready to get started? Call us today at 865-235-1785 or book your consultation.
