There are many ways to improve your Strongsville, OH, landscape, and one way is to add a fire pit and pavilion for a complete outdoor living space. Should these structures be separated, or is it possible for the fire pit to be constructed under the pavilion? It depends.
Related: 4 Tips for Adding a Pergola or Pavilion to Your Hudson, OH, Paver Patio
Type of Fire Pit
When answering the question of whether your landscape contractor can build a fire pit underneath a pavilion for you, the conclusion really depends on what type of fire pit will be added to the property and the ventilation. The airiness created by a pergola would offer a safer environment for a wood-burning fire pit, for example, compared to some pavilions. Either way, you would want such a fire pit to have a fire screen to contain embers, and you would want to consider any effects that soot would have on nearby structures. A proper amount of air flow is also needed for a gas fire feature, but this tends to be considered a more viable option for underneath a pavilion. A reputable landscape contractor would only allow for a safe fire feature, no matter where it will be located in your landscape, so all of these issues would be discussed ahead of time, even before the landscape design is completed.
Height of Pavilion
Another consideration to keep in mind is the height of the pavilion. The pavilion ceiling must be of a certain height in order for a gas fire pit to be used underneath it. If a pavilion ceiling is too low, this could be a fire hazard. The exact height will be determined by the type of fire pit and local fire regulations.
Amount of Air Flow
You always want there to be adequate air flow when using a fire pit. When your landscape contractor builds your fire pit, it should be placed in a location that gets a nice breeze and the air keeps flowing. Most pavilions are open on all sides, so this could be an appropriate option, depending on the factors discussed in this article.
A Safe Surface
If your landscape builder is constructing the pavilion and fire pit at the same time, thought will be given to the surface on which the fire pit will sit and the surrounding area, whether that area will be crafted of pavers or stone.
Location of the Fire Pit
Other considerations are the location of the entire outdoor living space, whether it makes sense to be close to your home or set apart as if it is its own special “room.”
Other Options
As you go through the thought process of where you want your fire pit to be, and whether you are committed to a wood-burning fire feature or a gas-fueled one, you may want to reconsider whether it is in your pavilion or simply nearby, and whether an outdoor fireplace would be a better option for your pavilion. A gas-fueled fireplace can offer a modern touch to this outdoor living space and be incredibly easy to use when you are forced under the pavilion because of rain or you want to watch the TV mounted above the fireplace.
Related: Could Your Westlake and Bay Village, OH, Backyard Benefit From a Pavilion? Here Are Some Advantages
