When people ask us which landscape feature is a must-have you can’t do without, we never hesitate to recommend a fire pit. This simple addition to an outdoor living space can bring all the warmth, ambient light, and feeling of community that your backyard needs. There are two main shapes of fire pits and it can be difficult to choose between the two. Here’s what to consider when it’s time to decide between a round vs. linear fire pit: which is best for your landscape design in Hillsborough County, NH?
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The Round Fire Pit
The round fire pit is a simple and ancient design that goes back to our furthest ancestors. It’s a refined model of stacked stones rising up around the flame to protect it from the wind and make the space more comfortable. The majority of fire pits still retain this round shape. Round fire pits can burn any fuel, and can be made to fit any space.
The Pros of a Round Fire Pit
The first thing you’ll notice about a round fire pit is that it works best in open communal spaces. The round shape, when combined with a circular seating arrangement, allows for the most even dispersal of heat among everyone. Round fire pits are suitable in both traditional and contemporary landscape designs depending on their materials. For example, a metal or concrete bowl fire pit could pair well with a modern home, while a natural stone block or decorative concrete block fire pit can work in a rustic or traditional setting.
The Cons of a Round Fire Pit
If space is at a premium, consider installing seat walls around the fire pit; otherwise, you’ll need a significant amount of space around the fire pit itself for chairs as well as space to move around the chairs.
The Linear Fire Pit
The linear fire pit is a growing trend in the world of landscape design. The modern construction and shape have become popular due to the versatility and adaptability needed in many outdoor living spaces. These linear fire pits are rectangular in shape, and are commonly seen alongside outdoor living areas rather than centrally located in them.
The Pros of a Linear Fire Pit
A linear fire pit fits extremely well into modern and minimalist landscape design. They fit well into the typically parallel and perpendicular lines of a modern space and play well against gentle natural curves. Linear fire pits are always fueled by natural gas, which allows them to be much earlier controlled and calibrated to a specific flame intensity. It also means you won’t ever need to clean up ash or chop firewood. They make exceptional barriers between spaces and their presence is nothing short of dramatic.
The Cons of a Linear Fire Pit
Although they may bring a modern flavor to a landscape, there are some drawbacks to a linear fire pit. Linear fire pits are limited to natural gas as a fuel, which won’t give that wonderful campfire crackle and aroma. They also make it difficult for people to gather: like a long dining table, it will be hard to carry on conversations with everyone.
The decision between the two main fire pit shapes is typically up to how your landscape and home are already designed, including its architectural influences.
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