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Fire Pit Installation in Leawood: Crackling Logs & Sparkling Talks

Did you forget to make the most out of autumn? Winter is on the way, and that lovely fall weather is fading fast. To avoid missing out on autumn next time it rolls around, you need a place to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of fall—you need a fire pit. We’re GD Services, we perform fire pit installation in Leawood.

If you’ve been debating whether to install a wood-burning or gas fire pit, what type of material to choose, or if you should install one at all, you’ve come to the right place.

Different Types of Fire Pits

The first decision of fire pit installation is choosing between a wood-burning or gas fire pit. One is not better than the other, each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s an age-old battle between traditional charm and modern convenience. Selecting a type of fire pit is all about your priorities.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

It’s hard to beat the rustic appeal of a wood-burning fire pit. From a relaxing crackle to roaring flames, wood-burning fire pits can do it all. If you love the ritual of arranging logs and the smell of burning wood, your choice is simple.

Wood-burning fire pits offer many opportunities for activity and entertainment. While tending to a fire can be time consuming, many people discover that adding logs and stoking the flames is something they relish.

Speaking of relish, wood-burning pits are more conducive to cooking than gas pits. So if you’re installing a wood-burning fire pit, be sure to stock up on hot dogs and marshmallows!

Considerations

With a wood-burning fire pit installation in Leawood, there are a few extra things to consider:

  • Some fire codes prevent wood-burning fires. Be sure to confirm that your area allows wood burning before installation.
  • You’ll need to purchase and store your wood for burning, which means you need to account for that in your budget and layout.
  • Wood comes in a variety of qualities. Using high-quality, cured wood is an important aspect of an enjoyable fire.
  • Wood-burning fire pits create coals and ash which require disposal and demand regular cleaning.
  • Wood-burning fire pits reach much higher temperatures than gas pits and need close attention to ensure safety.

Gas Fire Pits

Gas fire pits exemplify modern convenience. With simple controls and little mess, if you appreciate saving time, a gas fire pit could become your prized possession. They’re also compact, allowing for easy integration into your patio space. Not to mention, the mature look and feel of a gas pit adds sophistication to any space.

Gas fire pits have adjustable flame and heat settings, making them easy to modify for the weather or occasion. For example, when you’re visiting with a few friends on a summer night, you might like a smaller flame. When you’re hosting a large group in late fall, you might enjoy a larger fire.

If you’re worried about a higher price, remember that wood-burning pits have extra expenses for wood and storage, which often balances out the costs. When you’re dying for the comfort of burning wood, we recommend placing a log on top of the flames. Do not add more logs, as gas fire pits cannot withstand the heat of a wood fire.

To learn more about gas fire pit installation in Leawood, read our blog, Gas Fire Pit Installation: Convenient & Stylish

Considerations

  • We recommend natural gas over propane, as propane doesn’t flow as well and is less readily available.
  • A natural gas fixture will not produce the large, roaring fires that burning wood can.

Smokeless Fire Pits

Smokeless fire pits are a subset of wood-burning fire pits, as gas fire pits are already relatively smokeless. Keep in mind, no fire is truly without smoke, including fire pits branded as smokeless.

These devices super heat air and inject it into the flames for a cleaner, more efficient burn. This can be nice, but there are many disadvantages, including:

  • Less flame visibility and vibrance
  • Less cozy and atmospheric
  • Less heat output

If smoke is a concern for you, we have several methods of reducing smoke and enhancing your fire pit experience. We can arrange fire glass or lava rocks to control the air flow, educate you on the correct wood or fuel to use, and use stainless steel to cut down on smoke.

The Dangers of DIY Fire Pits

With the growth of online platforms has come the do it yourself (DIY) movement. While this cost-cutting approach can be great for home decor and furnishings, it can be dangerous for certain projects. As George, our founder and operator, would say, “anything can be a fire pit once.”

Professional vs. DIY Installation

The details that go into professional fire pit installation in Leawood are often overlooked. Many people assume it’s just leveling the dirt, stacking blocks, and building a fire. If you want a fire pit that is a genuine element of your backyard, there are many more steps that go into the installation.

Safety Precautions

Hiring an experienced expert like GD Services ensures quality, safety, and compliance with local regulations. We’ve been in the outdoor installation business for well over a decade and have refined our process.

Material

The most common mistake we see from DIYers is choosing materials that aren’t compatible with fire. This can quickly become dangerous if the structure deteriorates while a fire is burning. Some stones absorb water and will explode when they reach high temperatures, shooting stone shrapnel everywhere.

Gas Line

Natural gas is a high-risk substance, and laying the pipe for it is an over-ambitious—and possibly fatal—project for inexperienced individuals. GD Services can determine the best location for your gas line, if you need a backup line, and much more.

Local Regulations

It’s challenging to be fully aware of local installation protocols and fire safety rules. As long-time residents of this community, we’re knowledgeable and can take that burden off your shoulders.

Key Considerations for Fire Pit Installation

You might know exactly what you want for your fire pit, you might have no clue where to start. Either way, you can benefit from looking at the key considerations of fire pit installation.

Location

Picking the perfect spot for your fire pit takes a bit of deliberation. You need to consider the look, flow, and safety of your outdoor space. A fire pit makes a great focal point, so consider how a fire pit might light up the center of your patio.

You’ll want it to be easy to access with plenty of space for guests. Be sure there aren’t any structures, trees, or furnishings blocking an entry point to the fire pit area. For safety, you’ll also want your fire pit installation in Leawood to avoid plantings, flammable materials, and electrical components that could interact poorly with heat.

Materials & Durability

We’ve mentioned that choosing the appropriate materials is critical for your safety, but it also contributes to the look and feel of your outdoor space. Consider the aesthetic you’re going for, whether that’s modern, rustic, or traditional, you’ll want to match the materials to that design style.

Design

The exterior of your fire pit is the most customizable element. Essentially, we can achieve whatever look you like. Even if our manufacturers don’t carry exactly what you’re dreaming of, we can cut pieces to personalize the design. In the past, we’ve used stones to resemble sports emblems, nature scenes, and more, so get creative!

When designing a fire pit exterior, keep 2 things in mind.

  1. The pit should be wide enough for a nice size fire. Too small a pit will be very restricting.
  2. The pit should be tall enough to prevent the fire from spreading while still allowing for a superb view of the colorful flames.

To learn more about fire pit design, read our blog, Fire Pit Design in Overland Park: Expert Input.

Maintenance

Keep in mind, a fire pit requires a bit of maintenance. Here are our tips:

  • Don’t burn trash in your fire pit
  • Use good quality fuel or wood
  • Don’t overfill your wood-burning fire pit (you can always add more if needed)
  • Use water to extinguish your fire once you’re finished with it
  • Keep it clean

The Benefits of a Fire Pit

There are countless benefits of fire pit installation in Leawood. Here are our favorites:

Ambiance & Relaxation

Most of us are busy and stressed, so it’s important to have areas designated for relaxation. The warmth and comfort of crackling logs is an ideal place to kick back.

Outdoor Social Space

People have been sitting around fires to share stories and cement bonds since the prehistoric era. It’s human nature to gather around a fire for a heartwarming, communal experience.

Boost in Home Value

A professional fire pit can increase the attractiveness and marketability of your home.

Why Choose GD Services

Local Expertise

GD Services has been serving this community for over a decade. Our knowledge of Leawood’s weather, regulations, and landscaping trends enhances our fire pit installations.

Custom Solutions

We offer complete customization for fire pit designs that vary in style and cost. You won’t find any cookie cutter plans here!

Quality Craftsmanship

Our entire team is experienced and reliable, our vendors supply the highest quality materials, and we care about this community. We ensure that your fire pit will be a long-lasting, safe installation.

Enjoy Crackling Logs & Sparkling Talks with Our Help

There’s nothing quite like cozying up to a crackling fire to spend an evening relaxing, snacking on s’mores, and telling ghost stories. But a fire isn’t only pleasant in the fall; your annual summer cookout, a morning full of snow and hot cocoa, a springtime evening after a long day—they can all benefit from the charm of a fire pit.

Schedule a consultation with GD Services for professional fire pit installation in Leawood, and start enjoying a cozier life.

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