Should I Invest in an Outdoor Fire Feature?

Many homeowners spend nearly every summer night relaxing in their backyard. However, once the temperatures drop, that little slice of heaven becomes a little too frigid. 

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Rather than abandoning their backyard for three quarters of the year, some homeowners are installing the perfect solution: an outdoor fire feature. 

The Benefits of an Outdoor Fire Feature

Why are homeowners choosing to invest in an outdoor hearth?

Extended Living Space

For outdoor-loving homeowners, the backyard acts as an extension of the home. They want to cook, eat, play, relax, and spend time together outside — and they design their backyard to fit these needs. 

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They may have a pool to cool off on hot days or an outdoor kitchen for grilling up dinner. An outdoor fire feature complements these elements perfectly, creating a warm, comfortable area to gather. 

Added Home Value

An outdoor fire feature is considered a premium feature in a backyard. This makes it extremely desirable for home buyers when the time comes to sell your house. 

Weather-Proof & Technology-Safe

The beauty of an outdoor fire feature is that it can be installed near a covered patio or in open air. This means you can sit by your fire while watching the game on your lanai without worrying about embers jumping out and damaging your TV. 

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And if it’s rainy or windy? No problem. Your outdoor kitchen builders will consider wind direction when installing your fire feature, ensuring the flames are undisturbed even in gusty weather. 

More Opportunities to Spend Time/Entertain at Home

When you install an outdoor fire feature, you’ll notice how many friends suggest coming over to your house on a cool evening. Your place will become the go-to place for hangouts (or your refuge away from others when you need a relaxing evening to yourself.)

Types of Outdoor Fire Features

There are two main types of outdoor hearths: gas or wood-burning. Both offer a cozy ambiance, but there are some notable differences between the two. 

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Wood-burning fire features tend to be less expensive upfront. However, they are more labor-intensive, as you’ll need to monitor the flame levels, add firewood, and regularly clean out the hearth. But for the people whose favorite aspect of a fire feature is that signature, wood-burning smell, that effort is a small price to pay. 

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Gas fire features, on the other hand, are incredibly easy to use. Simply flip a switch and enjoy a roaring fire. The heat output from gas fire features is also very consistent compared to the ebb and flow of flames in a wood-burning fire feature. This ease does often come at a higher price point than traditional wood-burning fire features.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Fire Feature for Your Home

There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the ideal outdoor fire feature for your home. If you’d like an expert’s opinion, reach out to our knowledgeable Fleet-Plummer team online or stop by our fireplace store to see live-burning displays. 

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As Greensboro’s largest showroom, we’re happy to offer our recommendations for the best outdoor fire feature for your lifestyle and backyard.

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