If you're thinking winter means the end of backyard enjoyment, think again. Adding a fire pit can make a cold, dreary yard magical, especially when lit in the crisp, winter months. While many consider fire pits more of a summer feature, they can be quite excellent, providing both light and warmth. Just imagine... Sitting outside with a mug of hot chocolate, watching the beauty of a fire from the comfort of your own yard, enjoying the company of family and friends... Doesn't that sound nice?

Well, if you don't already have a fire pit, we can help! Now is the time to plan having one built so you can enjoy it in the spring, summer, fall, and winter! Our design team can work with you to design a fire pit to best complement your yard and work within your budget.

Here are things you'll want to keep in mind for planning the fire pit of your dreams:

1. Clearance -- Will there be enough clearance for your fire pit so that flames don't pose a hazard to nearby structures, plants, or overhanging branches. You'll want to make sure there is plenty of room so there is no risk of charring or inadvertent damage.
2. Seating -- How much seating do you want around your fire pit? Do you want permanent seating, like a wall, or do you just want space so you can use your own chairs? There are lots of creative solutions you can consider for your seating.
3. Walkways -- What does the path look like between where the fire pit will be located and your house? When using the fire pit in the dark, your eyes will adjust to the brightness of the flames and may take time to adjust to the darkness once you look away. A great solution for this is placing low-voltage lighting along your walkway so you and your guests can safely walk to and from your house.
4. Counter space -- Will you want to cook over your open flame? Smores anyone? If so, you may want to incorporate designated counter space along your fire pit or nearby so you can safely place your ingredients within easy reach.

To start your fire pit planning, please give our design team a call at 541-729-8029 or email us. Big or small, we'll help design and build a fire pit you can enjoy for seasons and years to come.

We recently had the pleasure of working with homeowners living just north of Vida, along the McKenzie River. They wanted to transform their backyard into a riverfront oasis. Together, we worked with the family to design a beautiful paver patio, complete with an outdoor built-in BBQ, fire pit, seating wall, viewing bench overlooking the river, and natural stone pathway.

If you are a homeowner living in the Eugene-Springfield area (or nearby areas), give the Graham Landscape & Design team a call. We love to create outdoor living spaces your family can enjoy. 541-729-8029

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and installed this custom paver patio and walkway plan along with a very special Oregon State Beavers fan fire pit and cover. Even though Eugene is home to the Oregon Ducks, we can still support our Beavers brothers and sisters.

Graham Landscape & Design designed and installed this paver patio, fire pit and seating wall to provide these homeowners years of enjoyment and better use of their yard.

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designs and builds interlocking paver patios, pathways and driveways for residential and commercial properties throughout Eugene, Springfield, and the rest of the Willamette Valley.