Even homeowners in sunny Florida have some chilly autumn and winter evenings. Investing in a fire pit for your outdoor living space will allow you to continue enjoying the nighttime air with family and friends.
Today, fire pits are one of the top requested design features for homeowners’ exterior living space. Fire pits offer:
- Ambiance
- Can become the primary feature of your backyard
- Provide an extra space for entertaining guests
When it boils down to selecting your new fire pit, the question lies in which type is best to fit your needs. Take time to assess your budget and consider quality before you choose between a custom fire pit or a prefabricated fire pit for your home. You also need to consider which will enable you to make the most out of your backyard and create timeless memories.
Both prefabricated and custom fire pits are great options, but they both have pros and cons that should be thought through prior to making a final decision.
Comparing Price, Convenience, & Options
A fire pit DIY kit from a local hardware store can run homeowners anywhere from under $100 to around $500 for a basic model. Prefabricated models on the higher end of the spectrum can run homeowners between $1,000-$4,000 total. The convenience with Kits is that they can be purchased in-store or shipped directly to your home giving homeowners the option of immediate installation. Design options and build materials are more limited, however.
Custom fire pits do require more of an investment. You can typically find that custom designs start at $5,000. The price of these reflects the time, labor, and design work a custom fire pit requires. Additionally, custom fire pits offer extensive design options and materials, which give you creative control over the entire project. For a number of people, the additional options available outweigh the extra time required to see the project through from start to finish.
The Quality of Materials Between Custom Fire Pits and Prefabricated Models
Custom fire pits are built to withstand the elements. These permanent structures require more funds initially but result in a sturdy, permanent structure. You are investing in a space that your family can use for years to come. The value lies in the quality structure and the moments you will have around your new custom fire pit.
The quality of a prefabricated fire pit is much lower than that of its custom counterpart. Materials used in prefabricated kits will last for a few seasons but tend to fall apart, fracture or rust eventually.
Typically, prefabricated models will need to be replaced every few years due to weathering and budgeted materials used to make the fire pit.
Gain a Brand New Entertainment Space in a Few Simple Steps, or Be Patient With Extra Steps for Installation
In a few simple steps, you can have a prefabricated fire pit up and running. With a few hundred bucks and a little bit of hard work, your new fire pit can be built within a few hours. Your kit will provide instructions for building it from start to finish. Grab a friend or two and your yard will have a brand new entertainment space in very little time!
If you are looking for a beautiful hardscaping element, you may have to be a little more patient. Custom fire pits take longer to complete, especially because they require several extra steps to even get to the installation phase, including design and materials selection. Working with a reputable company, such as Three Seasons, will have your custom fire pit project fully installed in as little time needed as possible.
Do Research & Keep In Mind Fire Safety
Only you can answer the question of whether a custom or store bought fire pit fits your lifestyle better. Whichever direction you decide to take, make sure to do solid research on your fire pit. Also, remember these fire safety tips for when you get to enjoy your brand new fire pit:
- Build your fire pit at least 10 feet away from any structure or combustible material
- Avoid using your fire pit during windy conditions or during burn ordinances
- Keep a water source nearby for emergencies
Call us for a free estimate on custom fire pits and other hardscaping needs.
When you make the decision to add a custom fire pit to your backyard, you can call Three Seasons at 941-748-4613. We would be happy to provide you with a free estimate on your fire pit or any other custom hardscaping needs!
