Are you looking to extend your outdoor living space? Adding a soft burning element is a must! So, what should you add? Fireplace or a fire pit? That's a burning question!

While both options offer the warmth of an open flame, it might confuse you more about what you'd want to choose for slow, warm and intimate nights!

There are various factors you should consider when deciding on a fireplace and a fire pit. This includes lifestyle, budget, and design preferences. Even choosing materials like Granite tiles to pave the structure is a part of it. So, how do you make an informed decision?

With varying factors at play, it is crucial to make an informed choice. Let's discuss this in detail!

What is an Outdoor Fireplace?

An outdoor fireplace is a building structure with a form and function in outdoor living spaces like a courtyard or verandah. Featuring a chimney and a firebox, it can be custom-built or bought as a prefabricated unit. Most of the design is accompanied by a hearth and mantel, burning wood or gas. A fireplace is the most romanticised space in an outdoor living space, especially on frosty days.

What is a Fire Pit?

The fire pit is a reverse structure of an outdoor fireplace. They are for informal gatherings built on open bowls and depressions. It is either gas-fueled or wood-burning. You can accompany fire pits with rustic design patterns and adjust seating spaces with tables and windshields. It creates a welcoming atmosphere for people to gather and enjoy each other's company and roast marshmallows!

Firepit vs. Outdoor Fireplace 

Now that you know about firepits and outdoor fireplaces, the question is what to choose between the two. Let's evaluate the factors before we reach any conclusion!

·        Functionality & Purpose

Fireplaces offer a very intimate environment, providing warmth during chilly weather conditions. Here, the seating is mostly towards the hearth, comforting the breezy storms. Fireplaces require more spacing since they are mounted to the walls.

Firepits also condition cold weather. However, they are good for mildly cold weather conditions with breezy evenings. The ambience is such that it offers a gala time with friends and family seated all around it. Firepits require less space when compared to fireplaces and have an edge and pit walling!

·        Aesthetic Appeal and Customisation

Whether it is a fireplace or a fire pit, it has immense significance in adding an aesthetic appeal to the space. Fireplaces add a very romantic appeal to the outdoor space. You can include a built-in seating space, a mantel and a pizza oven.

Fire pits have a more laid-back atmosphere to offer. You can go for a simplistic or elaborate table design. You can also build your custom fire pits on the patio.

The material you choose to build the wall of your fireplace or the table of the firepits has significance in adding aesthetic value. Granite pavers and tiles are the best-chosen option for fireplaces and firepits[AD1] .

·        Safety Considerations

Safety becomes a bigger concern when you have kids at home who love to sit around the fire to rejoice in the warm ambience. Fireplaces are enclosed spaces and are a much safer option to sit around with kids. Even in general, if you are extra cautious around fire, fireplaces offer better safety.

Firepits are mostly open spaces, and the flame can be explosive during strong breezes. However, you can add a windshield to make it safer to sit around during windy evenings.

Choosing the right coping material for a sturdy and non-combustible base is the most important factor. We recommend picking Granite pavers and tiles is safer as they offer high resistance against heat.

·        Resale Value

Adding a fireplace to your property will naturally enhance its value. Most seemingly, it is viewed as a luxury addition to the property. Fireplaces, when built, become a key feature of any property and add a prominent value due to their grandeur and permanence. It is always regarded as a luxury addition.

Firepits also make the property valuable, especially when integrated seemingly with a patio.

When you choose to build your fireplaces and firepits with natural stones and not bricks, you can add to the value. After all, options in Granite tiles in itself are a luxury.

Conclusion - Making the Right Choice: Outdoor Fireplace Vs. Fire Pit

Whether to choose a fireplace or a firepit is your decision. For this, you will have to examine multiple factors like space, cost, need and more.

However, one suggestion which is common for both is for the material. As discussed, Granite pavers and tiles feature great durability and high aesthetics. Further, its non-combustible nature makes it a safer option too.

But remember, to ensure quality work, you must find quality materials too. Reach out to reputed suppliers of Granite tiles and pavers in Sydney to enquire about quality stones.