Fire Pits and Fireplaces
The main design difference between a fire pit and a chimenea/fireplace is the chimney. Chimneys create an upward draft which will carry smoke up and out of your living space. This specific feature allows you more flexibility with regard to where the installation is possible.
Gas fire tables are a great alternative if you have limited space or you don’t want to burn wood. However, some would argue that smelling of wood smoke is all part of the experience!
One of our most enjoyable Canadian traditions is gathering around a bonfire with friends and family on a beautiful summer evening. When you’re considering adding a fire feature to your landscape, these tips will help you get the most out of your new fire pit or fireplace.
There’s a wide price range between fire pits and fireplaces. Steel, stone, or clay fire pits, fire bowls, and chimeneas can range from a couple hundred dollars up to a few thousand dollars. On the other hand, fireplaces generally start around $5000 and can reach upwards of $60,000 depending on the complexity and finishing features.
Where do you place your new fire pit or fireplace on your property? Wind direction is very important because you want to be upwind from the fire feature to avoid smoke. You also need to be aware of local bylaws regarding minimum distances from combustible structures. Abiding by local codes is important for safety and liability reasons. Locating your open fire pit 10 feet from any combustible structure is a good rule of thumb. Fireplaces and chimeneas can generally be as close as 3 to 5 feet from any combustible structure because they are considered to be enclosed features.
