Who doesn't love a fireplace or firepit? A fire feature can enhance any outdoor living space. When choosing a fire feature, you have two options; wood or gas. Both will give you a beautiful fire, but which version is going to best fit your needs and budget?

Gas fire features have been becoming more popular in the last few years due to the advancing technology, including remote controllers and timers. They make a great addition to any landscape and have lower maintenance requirements...no more cleaning coal or chopping wood! And, if you don't care for the smell of burning wood, a gas fireplace or firepit is perfect for you. 

Unfortunately, these luxuries do come at a price. Gas fire features are often 3-4 times more expensive than their wood-burning counterparts due to the amount of work needed to install them. Unlike a wood-burning version, a gas fire feature requires a burner kit and gas line installation, which requires a permit. Most landscape companies will subcontract the gas hook-up, which may result in the installation timeline being longer. 

An additional cost for the gas version is a cover. We recommend covering your gas fireplace or firepit when it's not in use to avoid any damage to the burners. 

Wood-burning fireplaces and firepits are still the most common outdoor fire feature we see in landscaping. Without the need for a gas line, they are quick to build and are definitely more cost effective. If you already have an outdoor patio, wood-burning fireplaces and firepits can typically be installed on the existing structure and are easy to customize. When installing, it's best to include a layer of egg rock under the flame to elevate the wood and reduce moisture. This also helps alleviate smoke and tar build-up on the surrounding brick.

Whether you choose gas or wood-burning, a fire feature will undoubtedly enhance your outdoor living space and give you easy access to all-season marshmallow roasting! Contact D.A. Alexander & Company, Inc. to learn more about our award-winning landscape designs and for help in choosing the perfect fire feature for your family.