Cool evenings, mountain views, and clear skies — Salt Lake City is built for outdoor living. And nothing makes your backyard more inviting than a warm fire feature. But should you go with a backyard fire pit or a built-in outdoor fireplace?
Both are great options, and both bring warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space. But depending on your yard size, lifestyle, and design preferences, one may suit your needs better than the other.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each so you can make the best choice for your Utah landscaping goals.
Backyard Fire Pit: Casual, Flexible, and Social
A fire pit offers a 360-degree gathering space that invites conversation and connection. It’s a favorite among Salt Lake City homeowners who love casual entertaining and flexible design.
Benefits of a backyard fire pit:
- Perfect for groups and open seating
- Typically lower cost to install
- Works in small or medium-sized yards
- Can be wood-burning, propane, or natural gas
- Easy to pair with gravel or paver patios
Fire pits create a relaxed, campfire-like experience. If you love roasting marshmallows with the kids or hosting laid-back get-togethers, this is your go-to option.
Design Tip: A custom-built stone or concrete fire pit integrated with your patio and seating area instantly elevates the look and feel of your outdoor space.
Outdoor Fireplace: Elegant, Cozy, and Built-In
For those who want a touch of luxury and structure in their outdoor living space, an outdoor fireplace offers a more formal and visually impactful option.
Benefits of an outdoor fireplace:
- Creates a stunning design focal point
- Provides warmth and wind protection
- Defines a specific outdoor “room”
- Adds resale value in upscale neighborhoods
- Pairs well with covered patios or pergolas
Outdoor fireplaces are ideal for Salt Lake City homeowners who enjoy cozy evenings, quiet dinners, or a bit of architectural drama in their landscape.
Design Tip: Frame the fireplace with custom stonework, mounted lighting, or built-in seating to complete the look of an elegant outdoor lounge.
Which One’s Right for Your Salt Lake City Yard?
Ask yourself:
- How do you plan to use the space?
Fire pits = casual & social. Fireplaces = cozy & contained. - What’s your available space?
Fire pits take less room and are more flexible. Fireplaces require more vertical space and structural integration. - What’s your design style?
Rustic, naturalistic yards often favor fire pits. Formal or modern landscapes pair well with fireplaces.
At Millburn Lawn & Landscape, we design fire features that align with your lifestyle, home architecture, and climate needs.
View our full landscape design services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is a fire pit or fireplace better for Utah’s climate?
A: Both work well. Fireplaces offer wind protection and hold heat longer, while fire pits allow more airflow. We design around your yard’s exposure and elevation.
Q: Are permits required to build fire features in Salt Lake City?
A: Typically, yes—especially for gas lines or masonry fireplaces. Our team handles permits and safety requirements for you.
Q: Can fire features be added to existing patios?
A: Absolutely. We can retrofit most patios with custom fire pits or build a new structure that complements your current layout.
Let’s bring the heat. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard fire pit or a custom outdoor fireplace, our team at Millburn Lawn & Landscape will design it to match your home and your life.
