Pool and Spa News Insider - Masters Of Design Tip - July 12, 2007

Scott Cohen

Q: "What great design concept are you working on?"

A: "Fire pit vs. fireplace is often a big debate. Fireplaces are more desired as a higher-end feature. But there’s not always room in the budget. A fire pit is a lot less expensive to build. We don’t have anywhere near the amount of permit issues, setback requirements, engineering or soils reports. So I came up with something that resolves this question: a fire hearth."

How does it work?
"We pour a nice, cast mantle concrete cap on the wall, and add a couple of decorative corbels. This acts like a mantle. On the face of the wall, we create an arch with stone to simulate a fire box. To make it look like a fireplace, we build a portion of the wall with 8-inch block and a portion with 6-inch block, so the arch is recessed, and then veneer it with authentic firebrick. Then we build a fire pit in front of it. It has the function of a fire pit, but the look and feel of an outdoor fireplace — without the expense."