Fire pits are among the most popular hardscape features when it comes to an outdoor living item that brings people together. Whether you’re hanging out with friends enjoying each other’s company or celebrating an event with s’mores and hot dogs, a warm fire in the pit has a way of bonding us. Humans have had a long relationship with fire, and the creation of the firepit symbolizes ancient man’s ability to harness it. It has been difficult to nail down when the first one was made, although scientists theorize that it was more than likely made by our prehistoric cousins Homo Erectus up to one million years ago.
Prehistoric fire pits were little more than holes dug in the ground to conceal the flames from potential predators or rival tribes that may have been in the area. Modern ones are raised aboveground to increase airflow and reduce the chance of the fire accidentally creeping outside the pit. They can be made simple or luxurious and statement-making, and benefit from being made with better materials than our ancestors used. Today, most are typically built out of stone, metal, brick, or some combination of the three. While wood was the fuel of choice for centuries, today’s pits can burn wood and wood pellets, propane, natural gas, or bioethanol. There are benefits to the specific type of pit, and deciding what look, feel, and fuel you want is part of the fun.
The whole family can enjoy sitting around it, especially during the cold winter months, no matter what kind you choose. And if that’s not enough for you, homes with fire pits in their description have been known to go for almost 3% more than expected when put on the market. Whether it is the centerpiece of a deck or patio or tucked away in the limited space of urban homes, Kenney Landscaping can make the best use of the space you have.
The benefits of a fire pit don’t stop at food and warmth. Humans have been sitting around the fire in social circles since the Stone Age, and the practice was once an important part of participating in tribal life. Looking into flames can lower our blood pressure and promote relaxation. Watching them dance has been known to lure people into an almost trancelike sense of calm. During the buggy season, wood fires are also good for keeping insects away, as the flying annoyances, especially mosquitoes, can’t stand the smell of the burning wood.
Installing a fire pit might sound like a big to-do for the average homeowner, but it doesn’t have to be. Kenney Landscaping is here to make it easy for you. We’ll work with you to take your vision and create the fire pit of your dreams and something that can bring you joy for years to come. Residents of Metropolitan Detroit and Oakland Counties, contact us today for an estimate and let’s put a plan together for your new and improved outdoor living space. We are the top-rated outdoor living space contractor in the region.