If you aren’t installing fire features you could be missing out on a hot source of revenue!
Fire pits and fireplaces are in demand, as people look for more ways to enhance and enjoy their outdoor spaces. Fire features even ranked as the top most wanted outdoor design element in 2018, according to an ASLA survey.
Luckily there are fire features you can easily learn how to build to meet a variety of clients’ tastes, needs and budgets.
Outdoor fire features are typically built to use one fuel source: wood, natural gas or liquid propane. They each offer different advantages and disadvantages.
While liquid propane is an easy fuel source to purchase, it must be stored in fuel tanks which can be a challenge to conceal next to your fire feature.
Wood burning fire pits provide the traditional roaring fire but can also produce a lot of smoke. In some areas, wood fires are even prohibited or restricted on no burn days, limiting their use.
Alternatively, natural gas fire features provide a smokeless fire without bothersome tanks, since its attached to a gas line from the home.
Wood burning fire features are still very popular, but natural gas offers more convenience, said Ready-to-Finish (RTF) System’s Kim Sheppard.
“It’s always ready with just the push of a button,” she said.
Fire pit and fireplace kits can give you the ability to build an impressive fire feature in as a little as a few hours or days, without the need for concrete masonry or block cutting.
For the most budget-conscious clients, a paver-based kit could be the best option. Paver fire pits come in various colors and sizes, are easy to assemble and can burn wood, propane or natural gas. Options from Rockwood, Pavestone and Basalite are available from your local Ewing.
Another great option is a fire pit or fireplace kit from RTF Systems for a more customizable look and finish. These kits include precut magnesium oxide boards and steel frames that are used to assemble your fire feature base. Then the base is finished with a veneer of your client’s choice, like brick, tile, stone or stucco.
RTF kits come in a variety of fire pit and fireplace shapes and options, and custom fire feature designs are also available. RTF can take detailed design drawing to create a 3-D model of a custom design, which can be ordered from Ewing, said Sheppard.
If you’re interested in learning more about fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor fire accessories talk to your local Ewing. Classes or training may be available.
Installers can also get certified by National Fireplace Institute (NFI) which provides professional training on all facets of hearth, patio and barbecue products, including gas and woodburning specialist certification.