Fire Features
Fire Pit vs. Outdoor Fireplace — How to Choose
Fire pits are social and cheaper. Fireplaces are dramatic and quiet. The decision is about how you use the space.
Dylan, AE Outdoor Living · January 18, 2026
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Fire pit
Circular or square, 360° seating, eye-to-eye conversation. Best for groups of 4–10. Cost: $3K–$15K depending on materials and gas vs. wood.
Fireplace
One-directional view, anchors a wall or ramada. Quieter and more intimate (couples, families of 4). Cost: $12K–$45K — the chimney and footing are most of it.
Both
Many of our larger projects do both — fireplace as architectural anchor on the patio, fire pit in a separate lounge zone by the pool. Different rooms for different moods.
Code & safety in AZ
- 10 ft clearance from any structure.
- Permitted as a gas appliance — natural gas needs a shutoff within sight.
- HOA almost always restricts wood-burning (smoke).
- Never put a fire feature directly on turf — heat melts the fibers.
