How We Build Your Dream Home - Part 14

Although it has been a few months, there is still some work to do on our “How We Build Your Dream Home” series!  So here we go with Part 14 – BBQs, Fire Pits, & Fire Bowls!

Since its invention, there isn’t anything much cooler to man than fire.  Fire has always been a source of gathering and camaraderie for friends and families.  Many of our homeowners add BBQs and fire bowls or fire pits to their backyard to increase the enjoyment and functionality of outdoor patios and backyards. 

Most of our BBQs are built-in masonry barbeques with 12-16 lineal feet for an L-shaped stone structure with stone veneer (usually matching the house veneer) and often a rough concrete countertop. 

The standard BBQ is 4’ stainless steel, natural gas grill with rotisserie.  Many BBQs also include drawers and exhaust hoods, or you can turn your BBQ area into an entire outdoor kitchen by adding a sink and mini fridge. 

Our BBQ areas are often plumbed in advance for gas and electric lines and built by either our masonry team or our pool company.

Besides the rough concrete countertop, optional countertops include smooth colored concrete with seal...

or flagstone travertine tile.

 

Fire pits and fire bowls are the perfect addition to outdoor spaces to give warmth, light and ambiance.  Fire pits are usually a compilation of stone, brick and metal designed to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading.

Fire pits can be built in all shapes and sizes. The fire pit pictured below next to the spa is 4’ in diameter and 18” high made of polished color concrete cap and stone veneer sides.  It also has 25 linear feet of an 18” bench wall with cap and veneer to match veneer on the BBQ and fire pit.

Fire bowls are large bowls used to light and contain a fire, the bowl itself is usually made of stainless steel or fiberglass with an outer diameter that ranges from 2 to 3 feet and is usually supported by a strong metal stand, which elevates it off the ground. 

Fire bowls can warm up your outdoor spaces and are often added as decoration and a light source near a water source - such as a pool, spa or water feature.  Fire bowls can use different fuels depending on the bowl including wood, charcoal, gel fuel, propane tank or gas lines. When used with clean-burning gel fuel or gas line, they produce a crisp and controlled flame that greatly enhances the ambiance of an outdoor patio.

Both fire pits and fire bowls can provide a 360 degree fire that an entire group can sit around to have a family campfire experience in your own backyard.   Both pits and bowls range from wood or gel fuel to natural gas with electronic ignition.  Often clients choose fire glass, gas logs or large lava rock for easier upkeep and less mess.  

For more information on building a custom home in San Diego with McCullough Design Development, visit our website at www.mddhomes.com or stop by our model home at Gables Crossing in Del Sur on the corner of Artesian Road and Camino Del Sur.