Stone Fire Pits: Increase Your Relaxation Value

There are certain wonderful smells that define summer and good times. Camp fires and roasted marshmallows have to be on the top of that list. There is something almost magical about sitting around a crackling fire with friends and family on a cool summer night. Now many homeowners are increasing the value of their homes and improving the relaxation potential of their backyards with permanent fire pits. Now a backyard in Rhode Island can be as warm and inviting as a New York campground, but you don't have to burn gas to get there.

Concrete and stone fire pits have inspired artists and designers. There are dozens of different styles to consider for almost any landscape. You'll want to check on local fire codes for regulations - then let your imagination soar.

There are many designs and materials to consider. Let's take a look at some of your choices

Shape - Although the round concrete campfire may be the most popular, don't limit yourself. They can be round, square or rectangular. The long, flat fire hearth design creates an organic feel that blends with other landscape elements.

Size - The size of your outdoor fireplace can include the pit itself, the ledge around the fire area, and the ground area around the stone structure. Do you want this area to be intimate or a social center?

If you are planning on having a wide edge, don't build it too high. If you plan to put up your feet, keep the edge low enough to optimize circulation in the legs. This will prevent your legs from getting drowsy and overheated.

Placement - A fire adds charm to almost any setting, but some locations can also create drama and extra visual dimensions. A fire pit at the edge of a pool or lake will be reflected on the water's surface and create dramatic effects. Consider placing the fire near other landscape elements such as a pond or water fall to enhance existing features.

Water and Fire - If you are in search of a landscape centerpiece, consider combining water and fire with a fountain fire pit.

Materials - As you page through magazines or surf the web, you'll discover many different looks for these concrete campfires achieved by using various materials. Stone masons are stone experts, so use their expertise to choose the best combination of stone for your project.

The base of the pit may be prepared with sand and gravel then filled with concrete. Square sandstone or other stone bricks may build up the walls or a smooth even basin can be built with concrete.

You can change the color and intensity of the flame by adding different material into the pit. Lava rock will create a yellow hot flame. Crushed glass on the other hand will produce a cooler blue flame. Ask your stonemason about the advantages of incorporating a metal fire bowl or stainless steel ring into the design.

Don't forget the ground around the fire pit. You can go for a natural or patterned design using gravel or patio stones.

The Value Of Using Man Made Stone Veneer

Architecturally engineered stone veneer provides the crafted finish at a fraction of the cost of natural stone material. The speed of construction is greatly increased because pre-engineered techniques provide material to the job site that requires no extra time for cutting and fitting the stones for proper fit. The cultured, or man made stone, is a very dependable product. Colors are mixed evenly and this prevents fade or color change due to heating and cooling cycles.

Many producers have developed man made material from recycled materials. The waste from stone quarries and brick recycling are pulverized, heated and dried then mixed with the required colorant. The liquid mixture is then poured into molds and cast into shapes that can be set together for a stunning wall finish. Your builder and building materials provider have the resources to design and deliver stone veneer for any size job.

If your project is a remodel, manufactured stone can save thousands of dollars because it can be placed on any structurally sound wall. It has the ability to change the appearance of a cinder block wall and give it the look of custom stone work. Many times, by using fabricated stone, large amounts of costly and time consuming labor are greatly reduced, not to mention the frustration factor.

Pre-cast stone veneer has the same heat and cold values of natural material. No sacrifice is made for using cultured materials. Large jobs such as resurfacing wall sections of a hundred feet or more in length can be done for thousands of dollars less than any other wall finishing process. If you have a commercial situation this is the answer to that problem.

Products are available in any stone material design and finish that occurs in nature. The selection in color closely rivals their natural cousins. Shipping and handling is more efficient because waste is reduced. Any time a pre-designed system can be used in any part of the project the owner would be well-advised to investigate the options. Most applications for man made stone are designed to work in conjunction with other wall construction and finish techniques, and provide an overall project that when completed will give a lifetime of service and value.

Owners of older homes that require an indoor project material will be rewarded by using brick and fabricated stone in the desired style selection. When new counter tops are being installed, brick veneer can be used instead of granite or marble for the back splash and side finishing material to give the appearance of a solid brick construction. This motif has all the ambiance and charm that a cozy kitchen generates when the materials come together for a comfortable and serviceable surface.

Though stone veneer is not designed for structural uses, it is sturdy enough to take the every day use and abuse that today's growing families can dish out. Any time a project can be done using a man made stone or brick veneer the outcome will be successful and add beauty and charm to the home or office for a life time.