The flickering glow of a warm fire speaks to something deep within all of us. Once a symbol of safety from predators and a defiance of the dark, now fire continues to draw us together, creating modern spaces of connection and comfort. Everyone likes to sit around a fire.
The Modern Outdoor Fire Experience
Today's fire pits and outdoor fireplaces have transformed how we use our exterior spaces for entertainment of friends & families. They invite us to snuggle up and tell stories long after the sun goes down. Local London expert Tony Young shares insights into creating the perfect outdoor fire feature:

Extend Seasonal Enjoyment
Outdoor fireplaces can breathe new life into gardens during our off-peak seasons. They invite us to linger outside during crisp autumn evenings and the cooler spring nights, extending our outdoor living well beyond summer even in our variable UK climate.
Genre
Firepit is an all-encompassing term that we have come to use when abbreviating 'outdoor fireplace'. It can mean a wall fire (the most popular form of firepit), a firebowl, a square or rectangular firepit or a coffee table-like firetable:

Design and Functionality
Quality of design and materials should come first, these fire elements are more than just heat sources. They're about creating experiences. "For me, it's how do we maximise the enjoyment outside?" Tony explains. "In the city, any opportunity to get outside is win-win, especially as our spaces are typically smaller. In the countryside or by the coast, we may want to maintain that local ambience". I'd expect purchasers to demand a properly modern shape or style to suit the aspirations they have for their perfect entertainment space. Then there is the fuel. Would you choose to burn wood or would you prefer the latest realistic gas flames?
Choosing the Right Fire Pit
Wood vs. Gas
Tony discusses the typical pros and cons of different fire pit types:
Wood-burning firepits
Sensory appeal with crackling sounds and aromatic smoke
Lower upfront costs
More hands-on maintenance
Potential local restrictions on making smoke
Outdoor gas fireplaces
Convenient & automatic
Cleaner and easier to manage
More consistent heat
Less environmental impact
Realistic?
Practical Considerations
Position fire pits at least 3 metres from structures
Use only on non-combustible surfaces
Maintain a 1m safety zone for children & pets
Dining tabletop-style firepits often provide more atmosphere than warmth
Gas fireplaces should be UKCA or CE marked.
Design Inspiration
Some homeowners and many designers are getting creative with spaces featuring widescreen custom wall fires, multiple firebowls or bespoke firepits you can sit around or even eat from. Others may opt for a more traditional look and choose to use a fireplace mantel, maybe from a salvage yard. Choose the right firepit for you from many materals:
Metal
Porcelain
Concrete
Granite
Porcelain offers a huge range of colours and finishes, is hygenic, easy to clean and lighter than concrete and makes a great firepit or firetable. Metal is used to create a firebox for a wall fire and concrete can be moulded into unique shapes such as that for a firebowl. A porcelain fire pit or firetable can be made up to 3m in length.
The Enduring Appeal
Garden fire elements have been a growing trend in outdoor design for the past 10-15 years, and their popularity continues to rise with the growth in outdoor entertainment areas. These elements offer more than just warmth - they create focal points that beckon people to gather, drink wine, share stories and connect.
As Tony notes, even on the worst days, a lit fireplace can transform an outdoor view, exuding warmth and inviting engagement.
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