Fire Pits vs. Chimneys

Fire Pit

• From a structural standpoint, a fire pit is like a fireplace with walls on every side. A pit is an open fireplace that has 360 degree visibility. The firebox area (where you build the fire) is typically recessed about 8 inches or more below a sitting ledge that simulates a hearth. Outdoor fire pits are permanent structures made of masonry materials, such as brick, concrete, cinder blocks and stone. An indoor fire pit is more of a design style for a fireplace. These pit fireplaces are custom made and usually found in high-end, upscale homes and in sunken living rooms. Some owners even use glass beads set aflame with gas or propane to create exotic fires in the pit. Heat-tolerant materials are necessary for fire pits because of the intense heat that can build up, which will easily reach over 500 degrees F, especially if you build the fire with wood logs. Gas, propane and charcoal are additional ways to fuel a fire pit's fire.

Chimney

• Chimneys are used for indoor and outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and for indoor wood-burning fire pits. Chimneys are necessary for any wood-burning appliance to direct smoke upward so that it dissipates into the air. Otherwise, the smoke would fill an indoor room and vent out of the opening of an outdoor fireplace. Gas-fueled indoor fire pits do not need a chimney, because gas does not emit smoke. Chimineas are prefabricated, free-standing outdoor fireplace units that already have a chimney attached.

Selection and Style Considerations

• If you are focusing on an outdoor unit, give thought to how much space you have to work in, how many people you want a unit to warm and what type of fuel you want to use. For example, if you do a lot of outdoor entertaining, an outdoor fireplace with a chimney will provide warmth for more people than a chiminea. However, if you have a small yard and just need enough heat for one or two people, a chiminea will work fine. On the other hand, if you have DIY skills, building an outdoor fire pit with cinder blocks is an easy project that you can take on yourself.

Building Regulations and Safety Considerations

• It is extremely important to check with your local building and zoning code agencies on rules and regulations regarding indoor and outdoor fireplace appliances and chimney requirements. They will inform you of what is and what is not allowed, the types of materials the fireplace or fire pit must be made of; and required heights, materials and construction regulations for chimneys. For example, in most municipalities, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are allowed only in back yards, never in front yards, and must have a concrete foundation or base underneath; and chimneys have to be at least 3 feet tall. If you have a neighborhood homeowner's association, check with them first. They will know about local ordinances as well as additional regulations that may apply to your neighborhood.