Firepits and Other Custom Fire Features

Sitting around a fire with friends or family is magical, mesmerizing, and comforting. But while many people around the country use fire features for warmth, Floridians seek these elements more for ambiance. A firepit on the back deck is the perfect focal point for entertaining or gathering. This article will discuss some of the easiest, safest, and most intriguing ways to use fire features create a cozy atmosphere in your backyard.

Gas fire pits run on propane or natural gas. They are easy to use and offer instant flames with a flick of a switch. A gas fire pit provides controlled, safe heat that doesn’t become overwhelmingly hot – ideal for our warm Florida climate. The risk of sparks is eliminated because they do not require wood to operate. These fire pits can be made of stainless steel, stone, or concrete and are available in table-style, bowl-style, or built-in designs.
Wood-burning fire pits are classic models that use wood logs for a more traditional fire experience. Winter nights in Florida can still get cool, and a wood-burning pit feels cozy and familiar. Homeowners should ensure that the firepit is placed away from any flammable surfaces and that the wood is dry to avoid excessive smoke.
Fire bowls are shallow, bowl-like fire features that can be fueled by either gas or wood.
Fire bowls are very stylish and can add an element of sophistication to your deck without taking up too much space. Although their name suggests a round shape, fire bowls can also be square or made custom. Some fire bowls use lava rocks or fire glass for an elegant look and better heat distribution.
Built-in fireplaces or feature walls resemble a traditional indoor fireplace and are often used as a focal point on the deck. A fire feature wall can also function as a wind barrier, providing comfort on breezy Florida nights, and they create a stunning design piece for the deck. Fireplaces can be masonry, stone, brick, or concrete, and may be designed with integrated seating. These features are fixed structures and not portable.
Fire pit tables combine a firepit with a table, offering dual functions for dining or socializing while providing warmth. These tables often have a cover to hide the fire feature when not in use, making them ideal for Florida’s warm weather when you don’t need a fire. Fire tables are made from glass, metal, stone, or composite materials and are typically designed as elegant outdoor furniture pieces. Homeowners should choose a durable, weather-resistant material to ensure longevity and withstand Florida’s harsh weather conditions.
Tiki torches use a small flame to create a tropical vibe, and they can complement other fire features. Metal, bamboo, or stainless-steel torches are portable and can be used in different areas of the deck.
Be sure to keep the torches secure and away from highly flammable materials to prevent fire hazards.
Bioethanol fireplaces are smokeless fire features that burn bioethanol fuel, which is clean and eco-friendly. There is no need for a chimney or venting, so this glass, steel, or ceramic fireplace is perfect for decks where traditional wood-burning fire features might be restricted. While this fireplace is a smokeless option, it may not provide as much heat as a wood-burning firepit or gas fire feature.
Smokeless fire pits are an innovative option designed to minimize smoke – offering a cleaner, more efficient burn. Since Florida tends to have high humidity and can be breezy, smokeless fire pits ensure a more pleasant experience without smoke drifting onto nearby furniture or guests. These fire pits can be made of stainless steel or cast iron and are available in a wide range of sizes, from small portable versions to large, built-in fire pits.

Important to Note: Florida has specific fire codes and safety regulations for outdoor fire features, so be sure to check with your local municipality before installing any fire feature.

Bruce Williams Home Can Renovate Your Deck

Florida homeowners love to extend their lives outdoors and, therefore, realize the importance of a well-built back deck. If you are looking to add comfortable seating areas, design a gourmet kitchen, or add one or more fire features – call the experts at Bruce Williams Homes.

We have been building custom homes and providing custom renovations for Manatee County residents for over 50 years. You can trust our reputation as one of the Gulf Coast’s most trusted custom builders.

Gas fire pits run on propane or natural gas. They are easy to use and offer instant flames with a flick of a switch. A gas fire pit provides controlled, safe heat that doesn’t become overwhelmingly hot – ideal for our warm Florida climate. The risk of sparks is eliminated because they do not require wood to operate. These fire pits can be made of stainless steel, stone, or concrete and are available in table-style, bowl-style, or built-in designs.
Wood-burning fire pits are classic models that use wood logs for a more traditional fire experience. Winter nights in Florida can still get cool, and a wood-burning pit feels cozy and familiar. Homeowners should ensure that the firepit is placed away from any flammable surfaces and that the wood is dry to avoid excessive smoke.
Fire bowls are shallow, bowl-like fire features that can be fueled by either gas or wood.
Fire bowls are very stylish and can add an element of sophistication to your deck without taking up too much space. Although their name suggests a round shape, fire bowls can also be square or made custom. Some fire bowls use lava rocks or fire glass for an elegant look and better heat distribution.
Built-in fireplaces or feature walls resemble a traditional indoor fireplace and are often used as a focal point on the deck. A fire feature wall can also function as a wind barrier, providing comfort on breezy Florida nights, and they create a stunning design piece for the deck. Fireplaces can be masonry, stone, brick, or concrete, and may be designed with integrated seating. These features are fixed structures and not portable.
Fire pit tables combine a firepit with a table, offering dual functions for dining or socializing while providing warmth. These tables often have a cover to hide the fire feature when not in use, making them ideal for Florida’s warm weather when you don’t need a fire. Fire tables are made from glass, metal, stone, or composite materials and are typically designed as elegant outdoor furniture pieces. Homeowners should choose a durable, weather-resistant material to ensure longevity and withstand Florida’s harsh weather conditions.
Tiki torches use a small flame to create a tropical vibe, and they can complement other fire features. Metal, bamboo, or stainless-steel torches are portable and can be used in different areas of the deck.
Be sure to keep the torches secure and away from highly flammable materials to prevent fire hazards.
Bioethanol fireplaces are smokeless fire features that burn bioethanol fuel, which is clean and eco-friendly. There is no need for a chimney or venting, so this glass, steel, or ceramic fireplace is perfect for decks where traditional wood-burning fire features might be restricted. While this fireplace is a smokeless option, it may not provide as much heat as a wood-burning firepit or gas fire feature.
Smokeless fire pits are an innovative option designed to minimize smoke – offering a cleaner, more efficient burn. Since Florida tends to have high humidity and can be breezy, smokeless fire pits ensure a more pleasant experience without smoke drifting onto nearby furniture or guests. These fire pits can be made of stainless steel or cast iron and are available in a wide range of sizes, from small portable versions to large, built-in fire pits.

Important to Note: Florida has specific fire codes and safety regulations for outdoor fire features, so be sure to check with your local municipality before installing any fire feature.