For homeowners who love spending time outside, yes. An inground fire pit creates a permanent focal point that feels built with your yard rather than dropped into it. The flush, low-profile design radiates heat evenly and gives your seating area an intentional, designed feel that a portable fire pit can’t replicate. Gas models offer push-button convenience with minimal cleanup; wood-burning pits deliver the classic crackling experience. Either way, it’s one of the best investments in year-round backyard enjoyment you can make.

A fire pit is a dedicated fire feature, usually circular or square, designed specifically for gathering around a flame. A fire table combines a fire element with a functional table surface, so it doubles as outdoor dining or lounge furniture with heat built in. Fire pits tend to make a bolder visual statement and work well as a backyard focal point, while fire tables are a great fit for covered patios or spaces where you want both ambiance and utility from one piece.

General guidelines recommend keeping open fire features at least 10 feet from any structure, including your home, fence, pergola, or pool equipment. That said, exact setback requirements vary by municipality and feature type, and gas fire features with enclosed burners are often treated differently than open wood-burning pits. We account for all of this during the design process so your fire feature is positioned correctly from the start.

It depends on the feature and your specific municipality. Permanent built-in fire pits and fireplaces, particularly those connected to a gas line, typically require a permit. Freestanding or portable fire features generally do not. Requirements vary across St. Louis city, county, and surrounding municipalities, so it’s important to check local codes and your homeowners association guidelines before installation. 

Absolutely, and that’s one of the biggest reasons to invest in one. Missouri winters are cold enough that a fire feature becomes the main reason to step outside from October through March. A crackling fire pit or outdoor fireplace turns a frigid November evening into a perfectly comfortable gathering spot. Gas features are especially convenient in colder months since there’s no wood to haul or fire to tend. Many of our clients tell us their fire feature gets more use in fall and winter than at any other time of year.

Start with your seating area. A good general rule is to leave 6 to 8 feet of clearance around a fire pit for comfortable seating, so your total dedicated fire zone is roughly 18 to 20 feet across for a standard setup. Smaller yards or covered patios are often better suited to a fire table or fire bowl, which deliver ambiance without requiring as much surrounding space. The style of your entertaining matters, too. A large open fire pit fits a crowd, while an intimate fire table is better for smaller groups. We’ll help you find the right fit during your consultation!