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.