If you know you want to do something different in your Madison, WI, backyard, but nothing specific comes to mind, landscape services experts may suggest building a fire pit. You would be able to warm up your backyard and your life—you’d always have a reason to entice your friends to come over if you had a custom-made outdoor fire pit.
Fire pits have quickly become one of the most popular landscape features. Whether gas-powered or wood-burning, a backyard fire pit can illuminate the night and offer blissful warmth.
Square Fire Pit
Fire pits seem to be typically round, but a square fire pit could also be an excellent choice in a contemporary landscape that has quite a few geometric shapes in the overall design. Echoing another shape from your home or landscape plan can be a great way to create a harmonious integration of a fire pit.
A square fire pit can allow you to prop up your feet to enjoy the warmth of the fire and encourage quiet conversation. You might want to pair your fire pit with a pea gravel base for a natural aesthetic, or you could have your landscaper add onto the existing patio for a fire pit base.
Round Bluestone Fire Pit
If you love the look of bluestone and have used it in the landscape for other applications, having a pale brick paver fire pit with a bluestone coping can be a classic addition. Bluestone gives elegance and classic beauty to the fire pit space. Brick and bluestone can look amazing when contrasted with bright green foliage nearby.
Modern Rectangular Fire Pit
A modern rectangular fire pit can be especially eye-catching when enhanced by an extra wide top ledge where you can place drinks and snacks, and safely prop your feet. When elevated on a square base, the modern rectangular fire pit can look perfect alongside wispy ornamental grass and evergreen shrubs.
Pavilion and Fire Pit
A pavilion is a covered area similar to a pergola but with a full roof. Having a roof over the fire pit can keep you protected from weather issues, so you can still enjoy your fire pit even when it is raining. Built of wood posts and topped with a custom roof, a pavilion can use the same stone for the bases of the posts as you have chosen for your fire pit. This can be a great way to create a uniform look.
When the pavilion is large, one side can house the fire pit while the other is simply for lounging. Comfortable furniture and overhead ceiling fans can let you use this space even when you don’t want a fire. The opposite side with the fire can be surrounded with movable chairs to allow you to get close or stay back from the fire pit.
Warming up your backyard might be the ultimate goal of adding a fire pit, but you will likely find that it also makes for a great conversation space, end-of-night space, and entertaining spot.
Related: FITTING A FIRE PIT INTO A SMALL OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE IN MADISON, WI
