Most people now opt to entertain their guests outdoors. A large part of residential living has also shifted to the outdoors. The outdoor living trend has been primarily influenced by the realization of the health benefits of exposure to environmental elements such as stress reduction and healthy bones. With indoor spaces getting smaller, it also makes sense to expand your living to the outdoors, so you do not cramp your interiors. Outdoor living does not, however, mean plopping a chair and table in your outdoors under an umbrella.
Professional landscaping services by a Minneapolis-based company are essential to get an exceptional look. Landscaping involves more than greenery nowadays. It also includes water features, bars, outdoor kitchens and of late, fire features. Fire features add warmth to your outdoors in cold weather and can also be used to light the outdoors. Here are some fire feature types that are worth considering for an exceptional look.
Fire Pits
These are the most common fire features in backyards. Most pits are built above ground and surrounded by stones placed in circles to generate a campfire-like look. You can alternatively opt for an in-ground pit. This is a hole in your outdoor area’s paving with a fire. Most traditional fire pits used wood as their fire source, but modern ones use natural gas, ethanol, electricity, or propane.
Fire Bowls
These, unlike pits, have legs holding a container that can be moved from place to place. Fire bowls are also lighter and smaller compared to fire pits and will suffice for those with small outdoor spaces. They are also ideal for areas that have frequent weather changes since they can be stored in hot months and only used in winter and cold nights. The bowls are self-contained and thus ideal for shared properties where landlords and regulations restrict the use of fire pits. Like fire pits, they can be used for cooking and grilling in addition to the heating.
Fire Columns
These work much like fire bowls and are also powered using propane or natural gas. The primary difference between the bowl and column is its shape. Columns are long circular or square pieces with fires at their tops. Though portable, they are often heavier than fire bowls and occupy less floor space than the latter. Most fire columns are made of wood or stone and thus lend an authentic look for your outdoors. They are only used for heating.
Fire Tables
These combine the benefits of a regular table with those of a fire pit. The centers of a fire table have small pits that are electric or gas-powered, where small fires are lit. There is a lot of space around the table to set utensils for the people around the fire. Fire tables suffice for small outdoor areas and big ones where you want to create multiple conversation spots.
The above fire features can be used to delineate the zones of outdoors. They are ordinarily used to create conversation spots in different sections. Thankfully, there are many sizes and styles available for fire features, and you are sure to find one that suits your property and budget.
