The Hottest Trend in Outdoor Living? Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Posted on Mar 8 2016 - 4:31pm by Housecall
#16

fireplaces

As more homeowners seek to bring the indoors to the outdoors, fireplaces and fire pits are becoming an even hotter commodity — literally and figuratively.

Fire pits are one of the biggest trends in 2016 for homeowners wanting to upgrade their outdoor living spaces.  In fact, landscape architects surveyed by the American Society of Landscape Architects identified fireplaces and fire pits as the number 1 outdoor design element for 2016.

Fire features such as fireplaces and fire pits “not only add ambiance to an outdoor space but also provide heat and light that allows you to use your deck later into the evening and into the year,” says design expert Kate Campbell, one of the stars of HGTV’s “Decked Out.”

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits also make great focal points and gathering spots, Campbell says in a news release from Trex Co., which makes outdoor living products.

Related Link: Top 7 Eco-Friendly Amenities for Your Home

“Once upon a time, the living room fireplace was the favored gathering spot for family and guests, and roasting marshmallows over a campground fire was part of the annual family vacation. Modern outdoor living combines these two traditions into one with outdoor fireplaces and fire pits,” according to Belgard, a maker of outdoor living products.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association says linear fireplaces and smokeless fire pits are growing in popularity.

Homeowners are drawn to linear fireplaces because of their “sleek, modern design,” the patio association says. Gas-powered models, which are up to 12 feet wide, come equipped with glass that can tolerate high heat as well as with no-trim options for homebuilders and homeowners. Consumers also are attracted by the “sophisticated, contemporary style” of electric-powered models that feature realistic-looking multicolor flames, the association says.

Explaining the outdoor fireplace and fire-pit trend, home remodeling and design website Houzz says: “Not unlike water, the natural element of fire is simply a primal source of satisfaction.”

John Egan is editor in chief at LawnStarter, an Austin-based company that helps people find, schedule, pay for and manage lawn care services.

16 Comments so far. Feel free to join this conversation.

  1. Chris March 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm -

    Totally agree on integrating the feel between indoor and outdoor decor. Love the article!

  2. Dan Heston January 11, 2017 at 12:09 pm -

    This post hits the nail directly on the head. The outdoor fireplace has become a fast growing trend that will add a fantastic outdoor living element to your home. Linear designs are great and other options are angled structures with extra seating. Adding cool veneer and décor for your geographic area makes it “fit in” and look “correct” as well.

    Check out http://www.backyardflare.com for DIY construction plans and additional information.

  3. Spencer May 5, 2017 at 8:22 am -

    I can’t agree more, it seems many families are deciding that the backyard patio is the new living room, plus with Plus with the wealth of knowledge available to DIY or buy a pre-made fire pit it’s getting easier every day to have that perfect outdoor paradise.

  4. Victoria Star September 4, 2017 at 11:07 pm -

    I totally agree that the outdoor fire pit is bringing the family together. My family has just recently started to enjoy the outdoor fire pit and its like we are starting to get to know each other again. We got really cheap though and built ours with local moss rocks and burn wood. Though round, this has been a great addition to our backyard.

  5. J Belk October 17, 2017 at 10:27 pm -

    I agree! It seems like everyone is building an outdoor fireplace now!

  6. safedoom April 7, 2019 at 12:04 pm -

    Well at this age, outdoor activities are the in thing.
    I always do this for my kids in the holidays but in a different way.
    I will try your style

  7. Arvada Masonry February 11, 2020 at 11:26 am -

    Usable outdoor spaces – like the beautiful one you’ve pictured here – add so much to a property. A place to gather, host, enjoy the day, enjoy each other’s company. It’s attention like this that turns properties into HOMES that people are proud of! We’re so happy to work in this industry and help enhance spaces in our community.

  8. Maria Delwyn April 22, 2020 at 8:20 am -

    Thank you for sharing. This is a great idea to welcome your friends in a beautiful space.

  9. Lauren April 27, 2020 at 10:37 pm -

    Are the interior fire bricks a necessity? And could I do this on pavers instead of lava rock?

  10. Jon May 14, 2020 at 5:32 am -

    Looks nice

  11. Andrew September 10, 2020 at 3:56 am -

    Looks really nice. I’m going to renovate my backyard. Thanks for sharing.

  12. Michael Simo November 26, 2020 at 7:39 am -

    Yes because of this cold atmosphere this trend is increasing and take into action by all and also I’m thankful to you for sharing this useful information with us.

  13. Anna December 26, 2020 at 9:28 am -

    add so much to a property. A place to gather, host, enjoy the day, enjoy each other’s company. It’s attention like this that turns properties into HOMES that people are proud of! We’re so happy to work in this industry and help enhance spaces in our community.

  14. Middletown Concrete January 14, 2021 at 10:08 pm -

    How beautiful is that!!!?? This is the stuff homeowner dreams are made of!! Great stuff!

  15. Oliver John April 27, 2021 at 2:59 am -

    The location and the house is really beautiful.

  16. Quick Block Masonry Mesa July 10, 2021 at 5:15 am -

    Hey, John
    Love the article! I’m going to renovate my garden. Thank you for writing and would like to see more.