How a Fire Pit and Outdoor Fireplace in Forest Hills, TN, Creates a More Comfortable Backyard
A comfortable backyard feels usable for more months of the year and supports how you like to relax or host. An outdoor fireplace and fire pit in Forest Hills, TN, can help you achieve that by adding warmth, structure, and a natural gathering point that makes outdoor living feel more inviting. When these features are planned correctly, they do more than add a flame. They shape the layout, define seating zones, and create a space that feels finished and easy to enjoy.
Related: Fire Pit & Outdoor Fireplace Designs That Warm Evenings in Forest Hills, TN
Why Fire Features Change How You Use the Backyard
Many homeowners spend less time outside as evenings grow cooler. A fire feature changes that. It creates warmth where people naturally gather and makes the backyard feel more comfortable for casual weeknights and weekend hosting. It also gives the outdoor space a focal point. Instead of spreading seating across a patio with no center, the fire feature draws people in and makes the space feel organized.
A fire feature also supports atmosphere. The flicker of a flame creates a softer feel than overhead lighting alone. It makes the backyard feel more welcoming and encourages conversation without needing a major event to justify going outside.
Outdoor Fireplace vs Fire Pit: How to Choose the Right Feature
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits both create warmth, but they serve different purposes. The right choice depends on how you use your backyard and how you want the space to feel.
An outdoor fireplace creates a strong visual anchor. It often works well in structured outdoor living layouts where the fireplace helps define a lounge area or sits near a dining patio. It can provide more directional warmth and create a sense of enclosure, making seating areas feel cozy and defined. Outdoor fireplaces also pair well with natural stone patios and seating walls because they look like a permanent part of the landscape design.
A fire pit creates a more open gathering space. It invites seating from all sides and works especially well when you host groups or want a flexible layout. Fire pits can feel more casual and can be easier to place in different parts of the backyard, including secondary seating areas away from the main patio.
Our team helps you choose the best option based on your space, your home style, and how you want the backyard to function. We handle the design decisions so your fire feature feels intentional and balanced.
Related: A Franklin, TN Paver Patio isn’t Complete Without an All-Season Fire Pit
Placement and Layout Are What Make the Feature Comfortable
The comfort of a fire feature depends heavily on where it is placed. A fire pit placed too far from the house may not be used often. A fireplace that is too close to the main walkways can create a cramped layout. The surrounding seating also matters. If there is not enough circulation room, guests feel crowded, and the space becomes harder to use.
Our professionals evaluate your backyard and plan the placement based on how you move through the space. We consider where you enter the backyard, where you want the gathering zone, and how routes connect to patios, walkways, and other outdoor living features. This ensures the fire feature supports better flow instead of interrupting it.
Seating Design Creates a Better Gathering Experience
A fire feature is only as enjoyable as the seating around it. Comfortable gathering spaces require enough room for seating and enough space between seats and the flame. Seating should also be arranged so people can talk easily without having to turn awkwardly.
Some homeowners prefer movable seating that allows flexibility for different group sizes. Others prefer built-in seating walls that define the gathering area and create a structured look. Built-in seating can also help shape the space and make the backyard feel more organized.
Our professionals design the seating layout and handle all spacing and material decisions so the gathering area feels comfortable and intentional.
Related: Cozy, Custom, and Creative Fire Pit Ideas for Outdoor Spaces
About the Author
In 1990, at just 14 years old, Jayme Niedergeses took the first step in starting his own company when he started mowing lawns around his hometown. From that one-man lawn-mowing operation grew a reliable, full-service landscaping company that serves the entire Middle Tennessee Area. Niedergeses landscapers are fully licensed, insured, highly trained, and extensively experienced. Every full-time and seasonal member of our crew is dedicated to providing excellent customer service as they create and care for beautiful landscapes.
