Comparing Custom Built Fire Pits vs. Store Bought Fire Pits - Three Seasons Outdoor Living & Landscapes (2024)

Comparing Custom Built Fire Pits vs. Store Bought Fire Pits - Three Seasons Outdoor Living & Landscapes (1)

Even homeowners in sunny Florida have some chilly autumn and winter evenings. Investing in a fire pit for your outdoor living space will allow you to continue enjoying the nighttime air with family and friends.

Today, fire pits are one of the top requested design features for homeowners’ exterior living space. Fire pits offer:

  • Ambiance
  • Can become the primary feature of your backyard
  • Provide an extra space for entertaining guests

When it boils down to selecting your new fire pit, the question lies in which type is best to fit your needs. Take time to assess your budget and consider quality before youchoose between a custom fire pit or a prefabricated fire pitfor your home. You also need to consider which will enable you to make the most out of your backyard and create timeless memories.

Both prefabricated and custom fire pits are great options, but they both have pros and cons that should be thought through prior to making a final decision.

Comparing Price, Convenience, & Options

A fire pit DIY kit from a local hardware store can run homeowners anywhere fromunder $100 to around $500 for a basic model. Prefabricated models on the higher end of the spectrum can run homeownersbetween $1,000-$4,000total. The convenience with Kits is that they can be purchased in-store or shipped directly to your home giving homeowners the option of immediate installation. Design options and build materials are more limited, however.

Custom fire pits do require more of an investment. You can typically find thatcustom designs start at $5,000.The price of these reflects the time, labor, and design work a custom fire pit requires. Additionally, custom fire pits offer extensive design options and materials, which give you creative control over the entire project. For a number of people, the additional options available outweigh the extra time required to see the project through from start to finish.

The Quality of Materials Between Custom Fire Pits and Prefabricated Models

Custom fire pits are built to withstand the elements. These permanent structures require more funds initially but result in a sturdy, permanent structure. You areinvesting in a space that your family can usefor years to come. The value lies in the quality structure and the moments you will have around your new custom fire pit.

The quality of a prefabricated fire pit is much lower than that of its custom counterpart. Materials used in prefabricated kits will last for a few seasons but tend to fall apart, fracture or rust eventually.

Typically, prefabricated models will need to be replaced every few years due to weathering and budgeted materials used to make the fire pit.

Gain a Brand New Entertainment Space in a Few Simple Steps, or Be Patient With Extra Steps for Installation

In a few simple steps, you can have a prefabricated fire pit up and running. With a few hundred bucks and a little bit of hard work,your new fire pit can be built within a few hours. Your kit will provide instructions for building it from start to finish. Grab a friend or two and your yard will have a brand new entertainment space in very little time!

If you are looking for a beautiful hardscaping element, you may have to be a little more patient.Custom fire pits take longer to complete, especially because theyrequire several extra steps to even get to the installation phase, including design and materials selection. Working with a reputable company, such as Three Seasons, will have your custom fire pit project fully installed in as little time needed as possible.

Comparing Custom Built Fire Pits vs. Store Bought Fire Pits - Three Seasons Outdoor Living & Landscapes (2)

Do Research & Keep In Mind Fire Safety

Only you can answer the question of whether a custom or store bought fire pit fits your lifestyle better. Whichever direction you decide to take, make sure todo solid researchon your fire pit. Also, remember thesefire safety tipsfor when you get to enjoy your brand new fire pit:

  • Build your fire pitat least 10 feet awayfrom any structure or combustible material
  • Avoid using your fire pit during windy conditions or during burn ordinances
  • Keep a water source nearby for emergencies

Call us for a free estimate on custom fire pits and other hardscaping needs.

When you make the decision to add a custom fire pit to your backyard, you can call Three Seasons at 941-748-4613. We would be happy to provide you with a free estimate on your fire pit or any other custom hardscaping needs!

Comparing Custom Built Fire Pits vs. Store Bought Fire Pits - Three Seasons Outdoor Living & Landscapes (2024)

FAQs

Comparing Custom Built Fire Pits vs. Store Bought Fire Pits - Three Seasons Outdoor Living & Landscapes? ›

The Level of Quality Between Prefabricated & Custom Outdoor Fire Pits. A prefabricated model will cost less because the quality is much lower than a custom-built fire pit option. Most prefabricated models need to be replaced every few years due to weathering and lower-end materials.

Does a built in fire pit add value to your home? ›

Patio extension ideas like fire pits are a great way to add value to your home. So, can adding a fire pit increase your home's value? Yes, a fire pit is an excellent addition to any backyard because it adds value to your home. Also, it creates a beautiful and functional area of your home.

Is it better to build or buy a fire pit? ›

The convenience with Kits is that they can be purchased in-store or shipped directly to your home giving homeowners the option of immediate installation. Design options and build materials are more limited, however. Custom fire pits do require more of an investment.

What kind of fire pit is best for the environment? ›

Ethanol fire pits

Ethanol is an environmentally-friendly fuel source for outdoor and indoor fireplaces.

What style of fire pit is best? ›

Shape and Style

A round fire pit is the most common shape, especially for wood-burning models. Like a campfire, this shape emits heat evenly around the perimeter to help ensure a warm seat for every guest.

How much value does an outdoor living space add? ›

That said, it's estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%. A better option for most homeowners, however, would be to refinish or repair an existing patio, as repair estimates average around $1,400. This can provide an ROI of nearly 500%.

What to look for when buying a fire pit? ›

top tips
  1. Size The scale of your alfresco area should inform the fire pit's size.
  2. Design A bowl is more portable and won't get too hot.
  3. Fuel choice Make sure your timber is dry and untreated.
  4. Safety Set your fire pit on a non-combustible surface.
  5. Ambience Burn herbs or dried fruit to enhance the experience.
Aug 24, 2020

How do I choose a good fire pit? ›

The fire pit you choose should strike a balance between quality and cost. Better quality will cost more, so size, style, fuel, and materials will influence the price tag. However, if you plan to use your fire pit often and for years to come, a solid design with durable materials will eventually pay for itself.

What time of year is best to buy fire pit? ›

Key Takeaways. The 4 best times of year for fire pit sales are January/February (winter clearances), March/April (spring sales), August/September (end of summer sales), and November (Black Friday/Cyber Monday).

What are the disadvantages of a fire pit? ›

Disadvantages of an Outdoor Fire Pit

If the fire pit is wood burning, the smoke could potentially bother you and clothes may smell like a campfire. Fire pits do not provide the height to a landscape as a fireplace would.

What is the easiest fire pit to use? ›

Outland Living Mega Fire Pit

The Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega is a great pick, striking the right balance of performance, budget, size, and looks, which is why it's our top pick for the best fire pit. We love how incredibly easy this fire pit is to set up and use.

Where should a fire pit be placed in the backyard? ›

Keep fire pits at least 10 feet from buildings and trees. Install on a non-flammable surface and away from overhead structures. Check wind patterns to prevent smoke issues. Use services like 811 to locate underground utilities before digging. ]

What is the longest lasting material for a fire pit? ›

Concrete fire pits are not only attractive, but they're also incredibly durable and don't chip, patina, or peel over time. Concrete is typically best suited for natural gas and liquid propane fuel systems.

What is the best floor for a fire pit? ›

Pea gravel is great to add to a fire pit area because you don't have to be precise, it's comfortable to walk on, and it doesn't cost much per bag.

What is the best bottom for a fire pit? ›

The best materials to put in the bottom of your fire pit are gravel, paver base or fire bricks.

Are backyard fire pits worth it? ›

Are fire pits worth the money? In short - yes, absolutely. The main reason they're worth the investment is that they've got multiple uses and they make your patio a multi-season space.

Does a fire pit increase homeowners insurance? ›

Types Of Fire Pits And How They Affect Your Home Insurance:

However, generally, a permanent firepit tends to attract a higher premium than a portable one. Alternatively, some insurance companies might require that you have a separate liability plan to cover any liabilities your permanent fireplace may cause.

What kind of fireplace adds value to home? ›

Wood-burning fireplaces hold a timeless charm and are appreciated by buyers who enjoy the traditional crackling sound and aroma of burning wood — especially during the holidays. Homes with well-maintained wood-burning fireplaces may see an increase in resale value, particularly in colder areas.

What is the average return on investment for a fire pit? ›

In terms of return on investment (ROI), fire features like fire pits recoup roughly half their costs — 56 percent, to be precise, according to the National Association of Home Realtors/National Association of Landscape Professionals' “2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features.”

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