Buying a Fire Feature - What You Need to Know

What do you need to know before buying a fire feature for a pergola? Learning about fire pit styles, fuels, construction, and cost can make selecting the perfect fire pit for your outdoor space a lot less overwhelming. To help you more easily navigate the process, we've devised this guide, including tips from Denver Pergola System's StruXture aluminum pergola design team.

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Fire Feature

Safety for Use Beneath Your StruXture Pergola
You can safely use  gas fire pits beneath your StruXture pergola. The fully-extruded aluminum construction of your pergola is fire-safe. The open design and adjustable louvers of StruXture systems allow for ample ventilation, yet can quickly and easily provide shelter from rain and snow.

The Lowdown on Local Regulations & Permitting for Fire Pits

We know it's boring, but boning up on local regulations and permitting requirements before fire pit shopping is crucial. It can save you a lot of heartache and expense. Essential information to gather from your city/county includes:

• Setbacks from your home/neighbors.
• Safety regulations, such as placement away from buildings/fences and fire-safe flooring.
• HOA requirements.
• Permitting for gas lines or oversized fire features.
• Site inspection by fire officials prior to use.

 Finding the Best Place to Locate Your Fire Pit

After considering local regulations, determine how you'd like to use your fire pit, considering how its placement will affect the flow of your backyard design. Keep in mind its use for cold winter months, giving it protection against prevailing winds.

Choosing Between Popular Fire Pit Styles

There are a dizzying array of gas fire pit styles. Look for designs that complement your home or landscaping, such as those with coordinating materials, shapes, or colors. Then, consider fire pit use. For instance, you may enjoy placing a warm cup of cocoa on the lip of certain designs, but doing the same with a glass of wine or frosty beer may not be ideal.  

Popular Fire Pit Materials

Be mindful of the benefits and drawbacks of popular fire pit materials:

• Concrete is durable but prone to staining.
• Powder-coated metal is likewise durable but can get quite hot.
• Natural stone is a lasting solution, but like concrete, can stain. It may also crack if improperly fabricated.

 Permanent versus Portable Fire Pit Models

If you love to bask by the warmth of the fire outdoors, installing a durable, permanent fire pit beneath your pergola is a better long-term investment. If you only use your fire pit for the occasional party, however, a portable model may make more sense. 

Ready-Made versus Custom Designed Fire Pits

If you want a large, lasting addition, prefer custom materials, or your fire pit will be an essential feature of your backyard design, you may be happier with the results of a custom design. In a hurry? Ready-made options are easier on your budget and can speed installation.  

Tips for Fire Pit Sizing
Size your fire pit to leave ample surrounding space, including 5-7-feet surrounding the pit for the safe movement of tables and chairs. Portable fire pits come in standard sizing, typically 24-30-inches wide. Built-in models are larger, ranging from 36-58-inches. A lower height, 18-20-inches, delivers more bodily warmth and gives you a spot to rest your feet if a ledge is present.

Differences Between Fire Pit Fuels

Both propane and natural gas fire features offer many choices for decorative media, from faux-logs to lava rock and fire glass. There are differences in cost and use, however:

• Propane
  Propane is a more cost-effective option but requires you find a spot to hide a tank that is easily accessible for refills. 
• Natural Gas
  There’s no unsightly tank to hide with natural gas, but expect to pay more for installation, including permitting to extend natural gas lines.

Make the most of your outdoor living space year-round with a StruXture adjustable aluminum pergola and the perfect fire pit addition. Contact Denver Pergola Systems to schedule a complimentary design consultation today.

This article was previously published at: 

http://www.denverpergolas.com/buying-a-fire-feature-what-you-need-to-know/