One of the growing trends in outdoor living is fire features. More
homeowners in Halifax are including either an outdoor fireplace or firepit to their decks, porches and patios to allow them to use the
space more often. At Archadeck of Nova Scotia, we design both fireplaces and
fire pits that work seamlessly with your outdoor structure.
When considering an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, one of the questions
that commonly comes up is: should it be gas or wood fired? While some people
have strong feelings for or against an option (I can’t blame someone who loves
the smell of a wood fire), here are some questions to consider as you make your
decision:
Where do you live? Wood burning fireplaces or fire pits aren't made for
all parts of the country. If you live in a dry area of the country, you may not
have easy access to firewood, making gas a better option. Conversely, gas is
usually a better choice for heavily wooded properties as well. If there isn't a
clear opening above the fire, you’d want the control of a gas fire feature as
opposed to wood. Wood fires give off more smoke and embers that shouldn't go up
into branches from trees.
What will be the cost of running it? Wood fire pits and outdoor
fireplaces are more cost-effective to have if you have easy access to firewood.
If your property abuts a wooded area for instance, you could probably grab wood
for the fire for free. Conversely, with gas fires you do have to pay for fuel
costs.
Do
you need easy control and convenience? This question is especially important if
you have any small children that may be around the fire. Gas flames are much
easier to control and use. They are easy to turn on, off, up or down. So, if
you need to turn it off in a hurry, you can. Additionally, there is no smoke
and you don’t have to clean up any ashes. Wood burning fires cannot be easily
turned on or off and there is always smoke. You have to watch it more carefully
to make sure it isn't getting too big or hot and from time to time, you will
want to clean out any built up ashes.
Are you adding it on to an existing space? At Archadeck, we try
to plan for all parts of your outdoor living space (even future additions) when
we design a deck, porch, patio, etc. When you plan ahead, the choice of gas or
wood can be easier due to gas lines. If you know you want a gas fire pit on
your patio in the future, for example, you should have the line put in as you
build the patio. If you are adding a fire feature to an existing space and
hadn't planned for it, it may cost more if anything needs to be torn up for a
gas line. In that case, a wood burning fire feature may be your best option.
Is the flame important for you? Personally, I love the sound of
a crackling fire and I love the smell of wood burning. A gas fireplace can’t
give me that. If having the characteristics of a real fire isn't important to you, however, you’ll be happy with what a gas fire pit or fireplace can provide
you.
If you are looking to enhance your
outdoor living space with a fire feature, please reach out to our Halifax office. With our knowledge and
expertise, we can help you to create a space that you can’t help but love. (902) 444-DECK (3325)
