This 4th of July, families across the country will gather around campfires at campsites and in their own backyards. In fact, fire pits are increasingly common features in outdoor living spaces. They gained popularity as a means of enjoying socially distanced hangouts during the height of Covid-19, but their value extends far beyond the pandemic.
No matter the size or layout of your outdoor living space, a fire pit is a great way to enhance your landscape and create opportunities for connection with loved ones and with nature—on July 4th and beyond.
Here, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons why a fire pit could be a valuable addition to your landscape, outline the most common types of fire pits, and share some installations from our team to inspire your landscape design.
Our Land Organics design and installation
Benefits of Fire Pits
As it turns out, fire pits aren’t just good for making s’mores (though s’mores are a good reason to have a fire pit, too!). They also offer several health benefits. For instance:
Fire pits inspire social connection.
A fire pit offers an inviting space for friends and family to gather for conversation and relaxation. You don’t need to clean the whole house or prepare a fancy meal to enjoy a social gathering. A hangout by the fire pit is accessible and low-stress. Time spent with loved ones is essential for our mental health and even improves physical wellbeing.
Fire pits invite time spent in nature.
The heat emitted by a fire pit offers real warmth, which can extend the ability to comfortably sit outside even as temperatures cool. Time spent in nature is vital for physical and mental health, so anything that keeps the family outside through the fall (and even into the winter) is valuable.
Fire pits encourage mindfulness.
Flickering flames draw attention away from screens and invite presence. Tuning in to your senses while gazing at a fire encourages mindfulness, which boosts mental health. Whether you’re sitting alone or with loved ones, fire pits offer opportunities to engage the present moment.
Beyond these health benefits, fire pits offer several additional perks:
They come in a wide range of styles, so you can tailor them to your aesthetic and your landscape’s design.
They’re available in a variety of sizes, from small to very large. You don’t need a huge yard to enjoy a fire pit.
You can choose to install a permanent fire pit or a portable one, depending on your needs.
Fire pits serve as decorative elements that can enhance the look and feel of your landscape.
Our Land Organics design and installation
Types of Fire Pits
Fire pits are available in many different shapes, sizes, styles, and so on. This makes them a versatile addition to any landscape. When choosing a new fire pit, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
Style: Designs range from fire tables to fire pit bowls, tabletop fire pits, and chiminea (which have a vase-like shape). They can have a rustic look, a modern flare, or anything in between.
Shape: You can choose from fire pits that are round, rectangular, square, or vase-shaped. The best choice will depend on your space as well as personal preference. For example, a rectangular option is a good choice for a narrow space, while a round fire pit nicely mirrors the lines of a round patio.
Fuel type: Fire pits typically burn wood or gas. There are pros and cons to each, but the choice mostly comes down to personal preference.
Materials: It’s vital that a fire pit be made from materials that are capable of withstanding intense heat. Good options include stone, clay, steel, and cast iron.
