Firepits

The al fresco season is nearly upon us, but we’re not quite ready to embrace The Great Outdoors for another few weeks. This trans-seasonal weather (just like that of the early autumn) is perfect for some outdoor heating, and that’s where firepits come into their own.

A decade or so ago we’d all have huddled around a chiminea on chilly evenings, but they’re increasingly being flung onto the same retro scrapheap as VHS recorders and fax machines. Yes, the firepit has well and truly established itself as the heating feature for the most en vogue gardens.

Firepits are a seriously impressive way to toast marshmallows and create a cosy vibe as the sun goes down – that warm convivial glow is ideal for post-dinner chatter with friends (and perfect for those all-important Insta moments).

They tend to take two formats - a steel bowl shape, or a brick-built version – and are usually on a terrace or decked area of the garden. You can create your own bespoke design, or purchase a plug and play version – whichever best suits your outdoor space. While it was previously recommended that firepits be at least 10 metres from your house, with more biofuel versions coming onto the market this is no longer a concern. And because they are built on ceramic tiles, it really isn’t a problem for them to sit on wooden decking as the tiles reflect the heat, meaning it’s perfectly safe.

We’ve built a good number of firepits in recent years, and – especially when they’re created as part of a total landscaping overhaul – they can be created to blend perfectly with the other stone and brick materials used in the rest of the garden, forming a seamless and stunning look for your seasonal sunny sitting room.