Fire features are among the most requested additions to Long Island backyards, and for good reason. They extend your outdoor season by weeks on either end, create a natural gathering point for family and friends, and add a level of ambiance that no other hardscape element can match. The question most homeowners face is whether to build an outdoor fireplace or install a fire pit. Both deliver warmth and atmosphere, but they differ significantly in cost, layout impact, fuel options, and how they shape the flow of your outdoor space.
Outdoor Fire Pits: Casual, Social, and Versatile
Fire pits are the more popular choice on Long Island and across the country. A fire pit sits at ground level or slightly raised, allowing people to gather in a full circle around the flame. This 360-degree seating arrangement naturally encourages conversation and is ideal for entertaining groups. Fire pits work well in open patio areas, sunken lounge zones, or as a standalone feature in the yard. They come in round, square, and rectangular shapes, and they can be built from paver block, natural stone, or prefabricated steel and concrete.
Fire Pit Cost Range
A custom-built paver or stone fire pit on Long Island typically costs between $2,500 and $6,000 for the fire pit structure alone. Adding a surrounding seating wall increases the total to $5,000 to $12,000. Natural gas fire pits with a buried gas line run slightly higher than wood-burning designs due to the plumbing work involved. Prefabricated fire pit kits from Cambridge and Belgard offer a more affordable option starting around $1,500 to $3,000 installed.
Outdoor Fireplaces: Architectural and Dramatic
An outdoor fireplace is a vertical structure with a firebox, chimney, and often a mantel or hearth. It functions as a focal point and anchor for one end of a patio or outdoor room. Unlike a fire pit, a fireplace directs heat and flame in one direction, which means seating is arranged in front of the structure rather than around it. This layout creates a more intimate, living-room-like feel. Outdoor fireplaces are particularly popular in Huntington, Smithtown, and other communities where homeowners are building complete outdoor living spaces.
Outdoor Fireplace Cost Range
Custom outdoor fireplaces on Long Island range from $8,000 to $25,000 or more depending on size, materials, and complexity. A basic stone veneer fireplace with a concrete block core starts around $8,000 to $12,000. Larger designs with natural stone, an extended hearth, built-in wood storage, and a television niche above the mantel can reach $20,000 to $25,000. The higher cost reflects the masonry labor, structural requirements, and chimney construction involved.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Seating layout: Fire pits allow 360-degree seating. Fireplaces direct heat forward with seating in front.
- Space requirements: Fire pits need an open area with clearance on all sides. Fireplaces anchor to one edge of a patio.
- Cost: Fire pits cost $2,500 to $12,000. Fireplaces cost $8,000 to $25,000.
- Heat distribution: Fire pits radiate heat in all directions. Fireplaces concentrate heat toward the seating area.
- Smoke management: Fireplace chimneys draw smoke upward and away from guests. Fire pits allow smoke to drift with the wind.
- Visual impact: Fireplaces create a strong architectural statement. Fire pits integrate more subtly into the patio.
Wood-Burning vs Natural Gas
Both fire pits and fireplaces can run on wood or natural gas. Wood-burning features deliver the traditional crackle, aroma, and visual appeal of a real fire. Natural gas offers push-button convenience, cleaner operation, and no need to store firewood. On Long Island, many homeowners choose natural gas for its ease of use, though wood-burning remains popular for its authenticity. Propane is a third option for properties without a natural gas connection. Your fuel choice should be decided during the design phase because it affects the construction, gas line routing, and fire feature sizing.
Which One Is Right for Your Yard?
The right choice depends on how you use your outdoor space, your budget, and the layout of your backyard. If you entertain frequently and want a relaxed social atmosphere, a fire pit with surrounding seating is hard to beat. If you are creating a formal outdoor living room with defined zones for cooking, dining, and lounging, a fireplace provides the architectural anchor that pulls the design together. Some homeowners in Massapequa and Babylon with larger backyards opt for both, placing a fireplace on the main patio and a fire pit in a separate lounge area.
Building Codes and Safety Considerations
Long Island municipalities have specific rules about fire features. Most require a minimum setback of 10 to 15 feet from structures and property lines for wood-burning fire pits. Natural gas installations must meet local plumbing codes and typically require a permit. Outdoor fireplaces may need a building permit depending on the height and construction. Brothers Paving & Masonry is familiar with local codes throughout Nassau and Suffolk County and ensures every installation meets all applicable requirements.
Let Us Help You Decide
Whether you lean toward a fire pit, a fireplace, or both, the decision is best made in the context of your full backyard design. Brothers Paving & Masonry builds custom fire features across Massapequa, Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, and all of Long Island. Schedule a free consultation and we will visit your property, discuss your vision, and recommend the fire feature that fits your space, budget, and lifestyle.