Why a Fire Feature Transforms Your Outdoor Space
A fire pit or outdoor fireplace does something no other hardscape element can: it creates a gathering point that draws people together after dark. In Sussex County, where evening temperatures cool down near the coast even in summer, a fire feature extends your outdoor season by months and gives your patio or backyard a natural focal point.
Fire features are also one of the most versatile additions to an outdoor living space. A fire pit surrounded by seating walls becomes the center of a conversation area. An outdoor fireplace anchors a covered patio or poolside lounge. A fire table adds warmth and ambiance to an outdoor dining setup.
At Just Imagine Hardscapes & Pools, we build fire features as part of the overall outdoor design rather than as standalone add-ons. When planned alongside your patio, pool deck, or kitchen, the fire feature integrates with surrounding materials, seating, and traffic flow. Gas lines are run during construction, not trenched through finished surfaces later.
Types of Fire Pits We Build
From simple round pits to custom-shaped structures with integrated seating, we build fire pits in every style and fuel type.
Round & Square Fire Pits
The most popular style for residential patios. Built with matching block or stone that coordinates with your patio material. Available in gas or wood-burning configurations. Standard diameters range from 36 to 60 inches.
Custom-Shaped Fire Pits
Rectangular, oval, and freeform fire pits designed to fit specific patio layouts. Custom shapes work well as the centerpiece of a large seating area or between two parallel seating walls.
Fire Tables
Elevated fire features built at table height, ideal for dining patios and smaller spaces. Gas-powered with decorative fire glass or lava rock. Provides warmth and ambiance without the smoke of a traditional fire pit.
Gas vs. Wood-Burning Fire Features
Both gas and wood-burning fire features have advantages. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, your property setup, and how you plan to use the space.
Gas fire pits ignite instantly with a switch or remote, produce no smoke, require no wood storage or ash cleanup, and provide consistent, adjustable flame. They connect to your home's natural gas line or a concealed propane tank. Gas is the better choice for poolside locations (no embers), covered patios, and homeowners who prioritize convenience.
Wood-burning fire pits deliver the traditional campfire experience with crackling sounds, the smell of burning wood, and a larger, more dynamic flame. They cost less to build since no gas line is required, but they need more clearance from structures and produce smoke that may affect neighbors in tighter Sussex County neighborhoods.
- Gas: Instant on/off, no smoke, adjustable flame, higher install cost
- Wood: Traditional experience, lower build cost, requires clearance and cleanup
- Dual-fuel: Some designs accommodate both gas and wood inserts
Seating Wall Integration
A fire pit without adequate seating wastes its potential as a gathering space. We design seating walls around fire pits at a comfortable 18 to 22 inch height, capped with smooth stone for comfort. The walls match your patio and fire pit materials for a unified look.
Seating walls can be curved to follow the shape of a round fire pit, straight for a contemporary rectangular pit, or a combination that wraps partially around the fire with an open entry point. For larger gathering areas, we add a second tier or integrate the seating wall into a retaining wall that also manages grade.
- 18 to 22 inch seat height with smooth capstone
- Curved, straight, or wrap-around configurations
- Material matching with fire pit and patio surfaces
- Optional pillaster columns with built-in lighting
- Accommodates 6 to 14+ guests depending on layout
Fire Safety & Delaware Fire Code
Outdoor fire features in Delaware must comply with state fire code and local municipal regulations. Minimum clearance distances from structures, property lines, and combustible materials apply to all fire pit and fireplace installations. Here are the key requirements we design around:
- Distance from structures: Wood-burning fire pits must be at least 10 feet from any structure, deck, or overhead combustible material. Gas fire pits may have reduced setback requirements depending on BTU output and design.
- Property line setbacks: Fire features must comply with your municipality's setback requirements, which typically range from 5 to 15 feet from property lines.
- Overhead clearance: Minimum 21 feet of vertical clearance above wood-burning fire pits. Gas fire features under covered structures require specific ventilation and clearance per manufacturer specifications.
- Gas connections: All gas line work must be performed by a licensed plumber and inspected. We coordinate gas line installation and inspection as part of the project.
- Burn bans: Sussex County may implement temporary burn bans during dry conditions. Gas fire features are typically exempt from burn ban restrictions.
We handle all code research, permit applications, and inspections for your fire feature project. You do not need to navigate fire code requirements on your own.
Fire Feature Projects
Recent fire pit and fireplace installations across Sussex County, Delaware.
Fire Feature FAQ
A basic wood-burning fire pit with stone surround typically costs $3,000 to $6,000 installed. Gas fire pits range from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on size, materials, and gas line routing distance. Custom fire pits with integrated seating walls can range from $8,000 to $20,000+. We provide detailed pricing during your free estimate.
Yes, and it is one of the most popular combinations we build. Gas fire pits are the better choice near pools because they produce no embers or ash that could reach the water. We position poolside fire pits to provide ambiance and warmth for the pool deck seating area while maintaining safe clearances from pool equipment and structures.
Gas fire features that involve running a gas line require a plumbing permit and inspection. Simple wood-burning fire pits may not require a permit in unincorporated Sussex County, but municipal regulations vary. We research the specific requirements for your property and handle any necessary permits as part of the project.
Round fire pits work well as the center of a circular or curved seating area. Rectangular fire pits pair naturally with linear seating walls and contemporary patio designs. Square fire pits split the difference and work in both traditional and modern settings. We recommend the shape based on your patio layout and how you plan to arrange seating.
Yes. We regularly install fire pits on existing paver patios, concrete slabs, and pool decks. For gas fire features, we route the gas line beneath or alongside the existing surface. The fire pit is built on a proper footing that ties into or sits on the existing patio surface, and we match materials to blend with your current hardscape.
Let's Add a Fire Feature to Your Outdoor Space
Tell us about your patio, pool area, or backyard and what you have in mind. We will walk your property, discuss the best fire feature options for your space, and provide a detailed estimate.