A fire pit can keep you and your family warm when the nights get cold. Gathering around a fire pit is an elemental experience that can make you feel close to nature. Enjoy one of the best features of camping without leaving your home. An outdoor fire pit contractor can help you install this fire feature in your yard. First, you'll need to decide which fire pit elements are right for you. Here are four questions you'll need to answer during the design and installation process:

1. How large will the fire pit be?

First, you will need to decide what size fire pit you want. People with large backyards may enjoy expansive fire fixtures. If you have a smaller space to work with, rest assured that a fire pit contractor can still create a beautiful, functional fire pit in a limited area.

2. What fuel source do you want to use?

All fire requires fuel. When working with an outdoor fire pit contractor, you must decide what type of fuel source you plan to use. If you prefer the ultimate rustic experience, you can choose to use wood fuel. A wood-burning fire pit requires no gas hookups, so it is the most inexpensive variety. However, purchasing wood can grow costly over time. If you plan to light fires often, you might want to consider a propane or natural gas fire pit.

3. What style of fire pit do you prefer?

Fire pits are available in many different styles. Some clients enjoy the look of an inlaid fire pit, which won't disrupt the line of sight to your backyard. Inlaid fire pits require some excavation. Some preliminary research must be done to ensure your fire pit won't disturb underlying plumbing lines. Above-ground fire pits can be installed without disturbing the soil of your backyard. They can be created from many natural materials, including stone, brick, and metal.

4. Would you like additional features?

Some people enjoy smart homes made possible by technological advancements. By connecting various parts of your house to the internet via smart devices, you can automate many everyday features. If you're a tech-savvy person, you might be happy to know that a smart fire pit is an option. You can ask your fire pit contractor to install a Bluetooth adapter in your fire pit, which will allow you to turn it on using a timer and even control it remotely.