A fire feature is the fastest way to turn a patio into the place everyone wants to be on a cool Carolina evening. The first decision is the big one: a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace? Both are beautiful, and we build both, but they create very different spaces. Here is how we help clients in Reidsville and Greensboro decide.

Custom stacked stone outdoor fireplace with built-in pizza oven on a stone patio
A custom stacked stone outdoor fireplace with a built-in pizza oven on a stone patio.

The Case for a Fire Pit

  • Everyone faces each other. A round fire pit with seating all the way around is the most social layout there is.
  • It fits almost any patio. A fire pit needs less space and works in the middle of an open patio or at the end of a walkway.
  • Open views. Nothing blocks the yard, the woods or the water beyond.
  • Flexible fuel. Wood-burning for the crackle and smell, or gas for instant, smoke-free flames.
Round paver fire pit patio with a curved stone seating wall, cedar pergola and string lights
A round paver fire pit patio wrapped by a curved seating wall under a cedar pergola with string lights.

The Case for an Outdoor Fireplace

  • A true focal point. A stone fireplace anchors the patio and gives it the feel of an outdoor room.
  • Smoke goes up, not around. The chimney carries smoke away from your guests, which matters if you use it often.
  • Privacy and wind block. The mass of the fireplace screens a neighbor’s view and blocks a cold breeze.
  • Extras built in. Wood boxes, a hearth for seating, a TV niche, or a pizza oven can all be part of the design.

Space, Seating and Sight Lines

Think about how many people you usually host. A fire pit surrounded by a curved seating wall comfortably seats a crowd without dragging chairs around. A fireplace works best with furniture arranged in front of it, like a living room, so it suits a patio that is deeper than it is wide. We also look at where you sit inside the house. A fireplace can either frame a view or block one, so placement matters.

Circular paver patio with a stone fire pit, lounge chairs and lanterns in a fenced backyard
A circular paver patio with a stone fire pit, lounge chairs and lanterns in a fenced backyard.

Wood or Gas?

Wood gives you the classic campfire experience and works with either feature. Gas lights with the turn of a key, produces no smoke or ash, and is easy to shut off when the kids head to bed. Gas requires a line run during construction, so it is best decided early. Many clients choose gas fire pits and wood-burning fireplaces, but there is no wrong answer.

Why Not Both?

On larger patios we often build a fireplace at one end for cooler months and formal entertaining, with a fire pit in a more casual seating area. When the whole space is designed together, the two features complement each other instead of competing.

Stone outdoor kitchen with grill, Big Green Egg and raised bar on a brick paver patio with a gas fire pit
A stone outdoor kitchen with a raised bar beside a gas fire pit on a brick paver patio.

Built to Last, Built for Safety

Whichever you choose, the details underneath matter: a properly compacted base so nothing settles, fire-rated materials where the heat is, correct clearances from the house and overhead structures, and gas work done to code. Our team handles all of it, and we design the fire feature together with the patio, seating walls and lighting so everything fits.

Let’s Plan Your Fire Feature

Explore our fire pits and outdoor fireplaces pages, or browse the gallery for ideas. Request a free estimate online (it takes about two minutes), or call (336) 552-7764.