Crafting the ideal backyard space for your home is an exciting process that covers a spectrum of landscaping elements. From inground pools and seasonal flower arrangements to pergolas and porches, there is no shortage of factors to consider on your way to backyard paradise.

When it comes to landscape design in the Capital Region, few things elevate an outdoor space like a fireplace in the backyard. Not only do outdoor living spaces with fire pits tend to be beautiful, but they also add functionality to your backyard even as the weather turns cold.

Choosing a fireplace or fire pit can completely transform your property, making it an essential decision as you plan your backyard space. The fire pit vs. fireplace debate can set the tone for the entirety of your idyllic outdoor space. After all, either option is sure to be a focal point that people notice and gather around. Discover the key differences between these heating options and how choosing the right option really comes down to your personal preferences.

How to Heat a Backyard: Fire Pit vs. Fireplace

There are several factors to consider when choosing how to heat a backyard. From the way in which you plan to use a fireplace or fire pit to your aesthetic preferences, many of the things to think about are deeply personal. However, the space you have to work with could also influence your decision, which is why you may want to employ the help of a local landscape design company to help answer your questions.

Key Differences Between Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Before you can make an informed decision, it’s important to understand the key differences between your two backyard heating options. These distinctions can help clear up any confusion and guide your decision-making process each step of the way, ensuring that your backyard oasis is everything you dreamed it would be.

Structural Differences Between Fireplaces and Fire Pits

One of the key differences between your two backyard fire options is the physical structure of the two. This affects both appearance and the construction process, making it a serious part of your consideration.

Fireplaces require a more involved construction process. They are almost always built into another structure or a wall. This facilitates the use of a chimney so that the smoke from the fire can ventilate safely.

Fire pits, on the other hand, tend to be open and standalone. This 360-degree access allows smoke to escape in any direction, leaving it largely up to the wind. The standalone nature of a fire pit also means that installation is far easier than a fireplace.

Fuel Sources for Fire Pits and Fireplaces

There are multiple fire pit options available for your backyard, giving you a number of fuels to choose from. Depending on what you choose, your fire pit may use real wood, propane, gel fuels, or natural gas. The versatility of fire pits is unmatched in this particular area.

While some other fuel sources (like gas logs) might be available when building your fireplace, the most popular is good old-fashioned wood.

Portability vs. Permanence

A huge benefit of fire pits is that most of them can be moved around. This mobility allows you to reposition your fire pit to fit the occasion, store it during seasons of non-use, and otherwise put it in the perfect place, no matter where that is on any given day.

Fireplaces in backyards lack this mobility. Instead, they are permanent structures that integrate into your landscape. There are advantages to this approach, too, such as built-in seating and aesthetic design.

The Cost of Outdoor Fireplaces vs. Fire Pits (as of June 2025)

Allocating part of your budget to an outdoor heat source is a big deal. It can transform the appearance of your outdoor space, give people something to gather around, facilitate lifelong memories, and serve as a centerpiece of your backyard paradise for years to come.

When it comes to the cost of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, there’s no question that fire pits are the more affordable option. Most fire pits, whether they are concrete or steel, cost a few hundred dollars. If you opt for a custom fire pit rather than one that is prefabricated, you will most likely cost between $1,500 and $5,000. Other factors, such as the fuel source you choose, will also affect the final cost.

Fireplaces require a more strategic and involved approach. They are legitimate structures that must be designed and installed carefully by professionals, sometimes even requiring permits. The materials also tend to be more expensive, with brick and stone being the most common options. You can expect to pay between $15,000 and $20,000 for an outdoor fireplace, with some exceeding $30,000.

How to Choose a Fireplace or Fire Pit

Outdoor living spaces with a fire pit can be magical, and the benefits of a fireplace in your backyard can’t be understated. So, how do you choose between fire pit options and an outdoor fireplace?

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what is right for you, your lifestyle, and your property. By asking yourself the following questions, you can begin to find answers and determine whether a fire pit or fireplace should be the centerpiece of your backyard.

How Do You Plan to Use a Fire Pit or Fireplace?

While both fire pits and fireplaces provide heat, look great, and are wonderful to gather around, they vary in how they facilitate your outdoor lifestyle. In fact, having a clear vision of how you intend to use your backyard is essential to making the right selection.

Fire pits are more casual, allowing people to gather all the way around them. This makes them excellent for larger gatherings and establishing a campfire ambiance.

Outdoor fireplaces are slightly more formal, creating an intimate environment where you can cozy up and enjoy some peace and quiet. Fireplaces can also act as dividers, helping you establish defined spaces in your backyard, enjoy some privacy, and even shelter from the wind or sun.

What is Your Outdoor Fireplace Budget?

Choosing a fire pit vs. a fireplace can be heavily influenced by how much of your budget you’re willing to spend. Fire pits tend to be much more affordable, especially if you opt for a prefabricated one. Fireplaces are custom jobs and involve construction, making them more expensive – potentially by a significant amount.

Fire Pit vs. Fireplace: Which Aesthetic Do You Prefer?

The design and aesthetic of fire pits and fireplaces can vary wildly. For example, fire pits have almost unlimited size and shape options. They can be round and perfect for social gatherings, trendy like fire tables, or completely custom and finished in block, stone, stucco, tile, or another material.

Fireplaces are taller and more substantial than firepits, in part because of their chimneys. However, they are just as customizable (if not more so). They can be traditional and stately with brick or stone finishes, sleek and modern with glass, decorative or minimalist, massive or modest – you get the picture.

Ultimately, the aesthetic element of the fire pit vs. fireplace is totally up to you and your preferences!

How Much Heat Output Do You Need?

Because they are open to the elements, fire pits are more likely to dissipate heat. This means that they won’t feel as warm as a fireplace, especially if the wind is blowing. This makes them great for mild nights, but a little less desirable when the weather turns legitimately cold.

Thanks to their self-contained nature and structural elements, fireplaces both retain and direct heat more effectively. This keeps your space warmer (and less smoky, if you are using wood logs) - ideal for cold nights and cozy vibes.

Is Safety a Primary Concern?

Both fireplaces and fire pits can be dangerous, especially if they use wood as a fuel source. Sparks and embers can cause burns and start unintended fires. If you are intent on using wood as a fuel source for either option, you may want to invest in a screen or grate to help reduce the risk of injury and fire.

You can also opt for an alternative fuel source, like gas, which will not cause sparks or embers. However, a mesh screen is still a good idea, as it helps keep kids and pets out of harm’s way.

Which Fire Pit Options Fit Your Space?

Sometimes, the decision between a fireplace in the backyard and a fire pit is made for you by the outdoor living space you have available. Both fireplaces and fire pits have a unique set of requirements that, if not met by your property, all but eliminate them from contention.

At least 10 feet of space should be between a fire pit and your home or any other flammable structure. This is because of its open flame design. In other words, you need a decent amount of space that is free of structures to safely install and use a fire pit.

Fireplaces are built to contain flames, meaning that they can be built much closer to structures. This means that they can be constructed in close proximity to decks, patios, and other structures if they are built according to code.

Fire Pit vs. Fireplace for Your Outdoor Spaces in the Capital Region

With the potential to transform your backyard in the Capital Region and cities such as Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Clifton Park into a cozy, atmospheric wonderland, investing in a fire pit or fireplace is a big deal. That’s why partnering with an expert you can trust from consultation and design to execution and installation is a must.

At Gallivan, we guide clients through the design process to craft the ultimate outdoor space for you. Our team of in-house designers works with you to help your dream come to fruition and guides you through each step to ensure your vision leads the way.

Reach out to us today to discuss your backyard dream, schedule a consultation, and begin the process of unlocking your property’s full potential.