Outdoor Fire Designs: We’ve Come a Long Way Baby — or Maybe Not!
There’s something primeval about gathering around a fire. Our early ancestors relied on a group fire for warmth, cooking, security in numbers, and a deterrent to predatory animals. Perhaps that’s why, as we gather around a fire with family and friends, we feel from deep within such reassurance and comfort.
Unlike our ancestors, however, today there are lots of ways to light our fire, so to speak. There’s the popular fire pit, outdoor fireplaces, as well as warm, glowing campfires. And while we may not be roasting the day’s kill over any of them, we do love our marshmallows scorched and gooey, and our hot dogs slightly charred on a toasty bun.
In one way, though, we have come a long way, maybe. Modern technology offers something our ancestors never dreamed of — natural gas. With a wide range of choices in natural gas ‘campfires’ or ‘fire pits,’ etc., those who prefer not to deal with a wood-burning fire can enjoy the warmth of a backyard blaze without the smoke and having to build the fire from scratch.
Options abound in the fireplace category, too: natural gas or wood-burning, custom masonry, and, if on a budget, prefabricated fireplace kits can be half the custom price.
Unlike our ancestors, however, today there are lots of ways to light our fire, so to speak. There’s the popular fire pit, outdoor fireplaces, as well as warm, glowing campfires. And while we may not be roasting the day’s kill over any of them, we do love our marshmallows scorched and gooey, and our hot dogs slightly charred on a toasty bun.
In one way, though, we have come a long way, maybe. Modern technology offers something our ancestors never dreamed of — natural gas. With a wide range of choices in natural gas ‘campfires’ or ‘fire pits,’ etc., those who prefer not to deal with a wood-burning fire can enjoy the warmth of a backyard blaze without the smoke and having to build the fire from scratch.
Options abound in the fireplace category, too: natural gas or wood-burning, custom masonry, and, if on a budget, prefabricated fireplace kits can be half the custom price.
Custom Outdoor Fireplace
Along with this dramatic custom stone-veneered fireplace, the clients also wanted a custom pergola, which is graced with stately white columns on bases veneered in matching stone.
Natural Gas Campfires
If one campfire is good, two or more is even better. Note how outdoor breezes blow across the natural gas flames to create warm puffs of air and how the soft flickering light dances across the pool.
Natural Gas Fire Pit/Table
While this wood-burning cultured-stone fireplace is fixed in place, the beautiful fire pit table — also made of heavy durable materials — is light and easy to move to where you want to gather. Note: fireplace stone is Country Ledgestone (color “Bucks County”); fire pit table is “Snowbird” made with stainless steel burners.
Backyard Retreat
At sunset, glowing natural gas campfires emphasize different areas of the retreat, adding to security, drama and beauty.
Outdoor Family Fun
While we may no longer be hunter-gatherers like our ancestors, we are definitely still gatherers. This non-custom fire pit was easy to install next to a custom waterfall. Talk about outdoor primeval enjoyments. Photo: Outdoor Great Room Company
Pre-Manufactured Fireplaces and Pergolas
Budget pergola and fireplace kits can be half the price of custom ones; plus you get a clear picture of what they will look like before hand.
Frequently asked questions
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