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Fire Pits and Home Value: Here’s the Data

August 19, 2020 6:18 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Does a fire pit increase home value? In general, yes! Depending on how it adds to your yard, it will increase the desirability of your home. That in turn makes it more likely that you’ll sell your home for your asking price and perhaps stay on the market for a shorter period of time. Read on to learn more about how outdoor fire pits improve land value in Seattle, WA, and what to consider before you install one. High appeal According to a survey of 6,000 realtors, a 10-foot stone and gas fire pit yields 67 percent return on investment on average. It depends on how much you put into the project and whether your fire pit is permanent or portable, but this improvement seems to pay off most of the time. However, fire pits are among the most popular outdoor improvements, and currently outrank outdoor dining areas. Even in hot climates, fire pits are a favorite among homeowners for their atmospheric qualities and ability to chase away flying insects. When combined with an outdoor kitchen or swimming pool, it can feel like you brought summer camp to your backyard. There is no doubt of the appeal there! The most... View Article

Wood Burning vs. Gas Fireplaces

August 1, 2020 12:09 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Installing a fireplace or upgrading your current one is a fantastic way to add value to your home while creating a gathering space for your friends and family. However, installing a fireplace isn’t always an easy decision. Choosing between gas and wood-burning fireplaces can be tricky for some homeowners! The good news is that our team at Custom Fire Art is here to help you make that decision. Continue reading to learn about a few of the main gas fireplace pros in Seattle, WA. Safety The first advantage gas fireplaces have over wood-burning models has to do with safety. Failure to clean wood-burning fireplaces can lead to devastating chimney fires that can destroy an entire house. Additionally, lighting a wood-burning fireplace isn’t always easy and could lead to burns. Gas fireplaces don’t pose a risk of creating a chimney fire, and you turn them on with the flip of a switch. Maintenance The fires mentioned above are often caused by failing to remove all of the creosote buildup in the chimney of a wood-burning fireplace. Homeowners with a wood-burning fireplace are advised to hire a chimney cleaning company once a year to remove that hazardous material. Since gas fireplaces don’t... View Article

Things to Consider When Purchasing a New Fire Pit

July 18, 2020 12:09 am Published by Leave your thoughts

If your family spends a lot of time in your backyard, having a fire pit is a must! Fire pits are great for gathering with the whole family and making s’mores, telling campfire stories and generally just having a good time in the great outdoors regardless of the season. Fire pits can add a ton of value to your home—that is, if you build the fire pit the right way. Keep reading to learn a few backyard fire pit tips in Seattle, WA and to get some advice on how to choose the best fire pit for your home. Permanent vs. portable Your first big decision is choosing between a permanent or a portable fire pit. While they both provide warmth and a focal point for your backyard, a permanent fire pit is your best bet. A custom-designed permanent fire pit can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value. You also won’t have to worry about storing your permanent fire pit after using it. Even though they’re more expensive than portable ones, a permanent fire pit is well-worth the investment. Wood burning vs. gas Now that you know you want a permanent fire pit, you’ll need to choose between... View Article

Starting a Wood Fire in a Fire Pit

July 2, 2020 11:52 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

There are few things more satisfying than a backyard bonfire in a wood fire pit on a pleasant summer evening. But if you’re new to owning a fire pit, you may or may not know how to properly start a fire. The good news is the process is quite simple. You only need four items to get a fire going: a lighter, tinder, kindling and firewood. Let’s take a look at the process you should follow for burning wood in your fire pit in Seattle, WA: Tinder: Tinder is any kind of dry material that will light quickly, burn hot and fast and get your kindling to start burning as well. Usually this will be dry leaves, paper or wood shavings. This is the base of your fire, and thus should be placed first. Kindling: Kindling is the smaller sticks and twigs you’ll use, which will keep the fire burning long and hot enough for your wood to start on fire. You should lay the kindling out in a teepee formation, leaving a small opening at the top to allow for good airflow so the fire will burn well. The smallest kindling should be at the center, with larger pieces... View Article

What Does Fire Glass Do to a Fire Pit?

June 18, 2020 11:52 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Fire glass comes in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes, and is a great way to customize your fire pit to exude style and blend well with your outdoor décor and landscaping. However, fire pit glass in Seattle, WA isn’t just meant to be decorative—there are practical benefits that come with using it as well. To understand the benefits of fire glass, it is important to first understand what exactly fire glass is. This type of decorative glass option is designed to be used specifically with fireplaces and fire pits. It has gone through a tempering process that makes it safe to use in high-temperature environments. As such, it will never melt, smoke or give off toxic odors or emissions in the way standard, untempered glass might when exposed to such conditions. Standard glass might even explode when put next to fire for an extended period of time. If fire glass breaks, its shards are tumbled to ensure there are no sharp or dangerous edges, making it safe to use. How is all this beneficial for use in a fire pit? Let’s take a look: Aesthetics: We’ll start with aesthetics. Obviously, fire glass can add a lot of... View Article