As you think about how you want a Madison, WI, area fire feature to look with a brick patio—to create a perfect outdoor living space, keep in mind that the smallest details can make a big difference. As you contemplate whether you prefer an outdoor fireplace or fire pit for this space, you will likely want to maximize comfort and beauty while ensuring easy accessibility. Here are some design tips that can help you choose the best combination of fire features with the patio.
Related: 6 FIRE PIT TYPES AND THEIR BENEFITS IN WAUNAKEE AND MIDDLETON, WI, AREAS
Tip #1: Consider Brick Patio Placement
As you think about where to position the brick patio, having it near the backyard exit door could be the best for accessing this space. Many homeowners like the idea of adding folding or sliding French doors instead of a back door since this opens up the indoor living to the outdoor space.
When you want to wander out for morning coffee, you don’t want to have to go far to sink down into a comfortable chair and enjoy the morning sounds. Having the brick patio close to the rear of your house allows you to go in and out at your leisure.
Tip #2: Position the Outdoor Fireplace at a Different Elevation
When your landscape professionals position the outdoor fireplace at a higher or lower elevation from the brick patio, this can create a sense of destination for the fire feature. The two brick surfaces can be connected with similar brick selections and wide stone steps that offer a sturdy foothold for moving back and forth. Deep stone steps can also offer a way for you to express your personality through oversize planters full of lovely seasonal blooms. If planting containers is not your forte, a landscape contractor can handle that for you!
Your fire feature should have plenty of planned seating for entertaining large groups. For an outdoor fireplace, this can be as a deep and wide hearth where guests can cozy up to the warm fire and it can be as a retaining wall that surrounds the fire space to add a secluded vibe to this space.
In front of the fireplace, a full-service landscape company can help you with furniture choices and placement to create the outdoor area you envision.
Tip #3: Add Outdoor Dining
Invariably, food is involved when you light the outdoor fire. Whether it is marshmallows, pizza, or a full array of appetizers, incorporating an outdoor dining space can let you set up the food nearby so no one has to go inside to grab a plate or drink.
This can be a perfect spot to add a pergola for shade and differentiation from the rest of the outdoor living space. Choosing a vertical structure in the horizontal landscape will draw the eye to this area and give it a look all its own.
Tip #4: Plan a Living Screen
Most homes are close enough to see at least one neighbor, so incorporating a living screen of evergreen trees on one or more sides of the property can increase privacy dramatically. It’s not that you don’t like your neighbors, it is more that you don’t want to host a lovely party and have them peering into your outdoor space. This can make your guests feel more comfortable and at ease.
A brick patio and outdoor fire feature can be the ideal combination since this setup offers convenience and a dramatic focal point.
Related: WHAT FIRE FEATURES DO LANDSCAPE SERVICES OFFER BESIDES A FIRE PIT IN THE MADISON, WI, AREA?
