10 Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

There is nothing like a live fire to make a gathering come alive. Here, top landscape designers use fire pits and outdoor fireplaces for a brilliant — and blazing — effect.

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November 25, 2014

By: Susan Kleinman

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Wooded Surroundings

Landscape architect Gregory Lombardi referenced Scottish masonry designs in this design, to honor his client’s Scottish heritage. The wood-burning fire pit designed is perfectly sited at the woodland’s edge, allowing guests to enjoy the colorful surroundings.

Elements of Nature

Fire and water coexist happily in this space by landscape designer Debora Carl. Movable chairs allow the guests to shift their focus between the gas-fueled fire and the glorious views beyond the property.

Warm Welcome

Fire features aren’t only for backyards. On this property by Debora Carl Landscape Design, a gas fire pit provides a warm welcome (quite literally) at the front door.

Warmth With a View

The design of the fireplace by Archaeo Architects is based on the traditional kiva fireplaces popular in the southwest. “The kiva fireplace is normally set in the corner of a room,” says Archaeo’s Jon Dick. “In this instance, we brought the fireplace to the exterior, so what would have been walls is now a view to the red rock landscape.”

Party Central

Installed on the covered portion of the patio, this gas-burning fireplace designed by Gary Kernick is the perfect place to warm up after a dip in the adjacent pool. The chimney facing and hearth surround lend a European feeling to the space.

Custom Seating

A deep hearth with an array of pillows creates extra seating for guests around this outdoor fireplace of Montana ledge stone. Pedersen Associates Landscape Architecture custom designed the door, andirons and copper-backed bench.

Perfect Pavillion

On a large property like this one by The Simpson Design Group, a pavilion over the fire pit draws attention and invites guests in. Because the fire pit is fueled by gas, there’s no need to lug firewood across the vast lawn.

Luxurious Living

This wood-burning fireplace is the centerpiece of a veranda designed by The Simpson Design Group. Trying to decide between wood and gas? Consider the benefits of each. Wood-burning fireplaces provide a rustic look and an inviting aroma and don’t require a costly gas-line hookup. Gas elements are easy to keep burning and are less likely to create eye-irritating smoke.

Inside Out

Designed by Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture, this wood-burning fireplace was cast in place of concrete with a board-form finish. Its covered position protects it from the summer winds in its Vermont setting.

From: Wagner Hodgson

Center of Attention

This fire pit, designed by Voula Goutsos, acts as the center focus of the small deck. Glass terrace walls allow guests to enjoy an unobstructed view of Vancouver’s Coal Harbour while enjoying the gas-fueled flames.

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Photo By: Eric Roth,

Photo By: Bob Wigand,

Photo By: Robert Reck,

Photo By: Gary Kernick,

Photo By: Bernard Andre,

Photo By: Westphalen Photography

Photo By: John Bentley,

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10 Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Related To:

Wooded Surroundings

Elements of Nature

Warm Welcome

Warmth With a View

Party Central

Custom Seating

Perfect Pavillion

Luxurious Living

Inside Out

Center of Attention

Shop This Look

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