Spring is in the air, and rising temperatures naturally lead to thoughts of spending warm evenings in the backyard or out with friends at your favorite watering hole. Wherever it is you’re dreaming of getting together, one thing is for certain: you’ll need something to gather around, and a beautiful outdoor fire pit might just do the trick!
Imagine cozying up to a loved one on a quiet evening under the stars, or staying up for a late night of lively conversation around a roaring bonfire with the whole neighborhood. Maybe you can smell that dry cedar already, or see the flames dancing in glass stones surrounding stylish brass burners. Depending on your personal taste and lifestyle, the specific configuration of materials, finish, and accents will truly make a difference - a custom fire pit is the best way to ensure you’re getting the best results out of this long-term investment.
Luckily, World Coppersmith specializes in one-of-a-kind, handmade outdoor fire pits that are built to last a lifetime, so you can arrange your entire yard, seating area, or gathering space around a unique and practical design element that will draw a crowd and keep them around all night. Such a significant purchase consists of many small decisions that culminate in the fire pit of your dreams; this guide will take you through the process and highlight each aspect to consider every step of the way.
Space and Context
Standing in the doorway looking out over your yard or patio, the first thing to consider is location, location, location. Where would a large fire pit make sense? It’s recommended to place these beauties at least ten feet from any flammable structure. If you’re working with some considerable real estate, you’ve got a little more wiggle room when it comes to the size of the fire pit, and the fuel source you’ll use to get the fire going.
What do you plan on using this space for? Quiet nights may not require a huge fire, and a modest propane-fueled fire pit might be your best bet. If you plan on using the designated spot as a place for diners to have a cocktail while they wait for a table at your classy establishment, they may not want to be surrounded by the smoke from burning wood - a hidden gas line with a convenient ignition switch will make your life easy as cake. But if you’re set on having the neighborhood over for your annual block party, a huge bonfire will definitely make for a memorable evening, and you’ll want that rustic ambiance with crackling in the background, the scent of a good cigar mingling with aged oak that sticks to your guests’ clothes all the way home.
Fire PIt Customization
Now that you’ve got a vision, it’s time to think about the details. The customization process begins with choosing the overall style of your outdoor fire pit, with options including:
- Round Bowl
- Cylindrical
- Square
- Rectangular
- Square Tapered
- Square Semi-tapered
- Rectangular Tapered
Consider the shape that would best fit the space you’re working with. A slim corridor backyard might be complemented by a tall cylindrical form or round fire pit bowl, whereas a patio looking out onto the wide view of a golf course warrants the horizontally-oriented rectangular style fire pit.
Fire Pit Finish Options
Each Coppersmith fire pit is built around a sturdy iron frame, regardless of the finish material you choose. However, the metal sheet surrounding the frame is still a crucial decision as it will be the defining aesthetic feature that you and your guests will notice before anything else.
Aluminum is a popular material for fire pits because it’s economical, relatively lightweight, and durable. It’s also easy to clean, with a natural resistance to corrosion due to a self-protecting oxide layer. With the proper maintenance, aluminum will look good as new ten years after you bought it.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Like aluminum, it’s lightweight and durable, but requires less maintenance if you’re willing to let the surface oxidize over time. This results in no loss of structural integrity, but a slight change in the surface color. Further specified finish options include aged, blackened, burnished, or polished, depending on the look you’re after.
Copper is a real show-stopper due to the natural patina that develops in response to the elements over time. It is more flexible than brass, providing the most durability that can withstand even driving snow and rain if you’d rather not move your fire pit into the garage during colder months. An outdoor copper fire pit will adapt to your specific geographic conditions, resulting in a beautifully unique fixture that is truly one of a kind - a utilitarian sculpture that ages like fine wine. As the name suggests, Coppersmith specializes in this material, using premium recycled copper for a low environmental footprint. Available variations include that classic aged finish, polished, rustic, fire, and red fire style.
Each finish is then hand-hammered to emphasize the craft that goes into each fire pit design. No cookie-cutter stamped metal sheeting, no flimsy tack welds by a robot arm that doesn’t know what it’s doing. Most fire pits are handmade at an artisan factory in Mexico by professionals of the trade. *Factory location is dependent on finish!
Fire Pit Size Guide
Each style of fire pit is available in a range of dimensions, from 18” x 36” all the way up to 24” x 72”. The average fire pit lands somewhere between 36” and 44” wide, but who says you have to be average? Consider how many people you’re planning to entertain and the size of your outdoor area. You might opt for one large fire pit in the middle of the lawn, or multiple smaller ones scattered throughout the dining patio or courtyard.
Fire Pit Fuel Source
In terms of how your outdoor copper fire pit will function, the fuel source is a crucial decision in the design process. Coppersmith offers the tried and true, no-frills wood burning option, as well as gas-powered models fueled by a permanent gas line or portable propane tank. All gas burners are expertly crafted in collaboration with Warming Trends, whose CROSSFIRE technology produces a tall, bright flame that resembles a wood burning fire. Find out more about this self-proclaimed “Venturi Effect” here.
Wood burning fire pits are simple and economical from a design standpoint. Just add wood and a little patience, and you’ve got yourself a good time. These models are noticeably lighter than those with the extra housing to accommodate gas fuel systems, making them a bit more portable if you plan on moving your fire pit around. A spark shield is recommended to keep flying ashes contained, and every use comes with that classic bonfire scent.
Gas burning fire pits offer a reliable simplicity that won’t have you running to the store for a few cords of firewood every time you want to have people over. This convenience would be a game changer for anyone that plans to have a fire going for an extended period of time, or on a consistent basis. A permanent gas line can be installed directly to the fire pit, eliminating the need for propane tanks - which can offer valuable flexibility if you anticipate moving your fire pit around, or an unwelcome nuisance if your pit is staying put. These models are naturally heavier than wood burning options due to the additional hardware, but can be custom fitted with electric ignition switches for the ultimate ease of use.
Accents and Accessories
If you choose to go with a gas-powered fuel source, the next step is choosing rolled or black lava rock to accent those beautiful brass burners. A range of colored fire glass is available to further enhance the decorative nature of your custom fire pit.
The final decision you’ll make is between a plate or table top style for your copper fire pit lid. Plate style covers are made of aluminum for lightweight durability and easy maintenance, and fit inside the opening of your fire pit. Table top covers are made to complement the finish of your fire pit, and will match the footprint of its upper face. Plate style would lend itself to short-term storage and protection, while the table top design makes more sense as a long-term element that looks good and offers protection for weeks or even months at a time. You can be sure that either style will prove to be an excellent choice for your copper fire pit cover.
Fire Pit Design Process
As you can see, the design process at Coppersmith is incredibly user-friendly. You’ll be able to toggle between all available materials and finishes, in order to compare the difference in real time 3D rendering. Downloadable reference sheets are yours to consult, so that you know the exact dimensions of each size and model you’re considering. You can even request custom specifications with a single click, or contact World Coppersmith via Live Chat, phone or email. The online team’s responsiveness combined with the custom nature of every product they offer ensures customer satisfaction at every stage of the process, whether you’re just browsing or ready to pull the trigger on your very own outdoor fire pit or range hood.
Light the fire of a lifetime
There you have it - the ultimate guide to planning and designing a Coppersmith custom fire pit that will transform any outdoor space into the place to be. The world is your oyster with so many combinations to choose from, and seemingly limitless applications for such a classy and utilitarian fixture.
You might be the hard working owner of a successful restaurant, looking for that special something on your summer patio. Set the mood across a large area with the traditional wood burning commercial fire pit, or opt for a more subtle ambiance with the gas fuel models.
Maybe you’re in charge of community development at the local recreation center, or summer programming for the downtown entertainment attraction. An impressive copper fire pit would fit right in at even the most prestigious country club, providing central areas for guests to relax, or focal points to socialize around.
Install one of these fire pits in your own backyard, and get ready to enjoy a front row seat to quiet evenings with a glass of wine under star-studded skies. Dinner parties? Of course. Family gatherings? You’ll never get them to leave (just hit the off switch). Neighborhood cookouts, community meetings? Your house will be the go-to spot if you so choose. You may even want to consider pairing your outdoor fire pit with a matching copper bathtub not only ignite your social, but create a in home spa experience.
No matter how you plan to use your outdoor fire pit, the only thing between a dream and reality is making the first move: square, tapered, or both? Start the process and light your own one-of-a-kind fire by working with Coppersmith.