Choosing the Best Firepit Design for Your Outdoor Space

A well-designed firepit adds more than just warmth to your outdoor living space—it creates a natural gathering spot for friends and family, extends your backyard’s usability through the cooler months, and increases the value and enjoyment of your home. Whether you're planning a new outdoor area or enhancing an existing patio, choosing the right firepit design can make a big difference in both function and aesthetics.

At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we help homeowners across Ozark and surrounding Missouri communities design and build custom firepits that match their needs, style, and budget.

Gas vs. wood-burning firepits: what’s right for you?

Before you dive into the design details, it’s important to choose the right type of firepit for your needs. The two primary fuel types—wood-burning and gas—each offer a different experience in terms of aesthetics, function, cost, and maintenance. Deciding between the two comes down to how you plan to use the firepit, the layout of your backyard, and what kind of atmosphere you want to create.

Wood-burning firepits

Wood-burning firepits deliver that classic campfire experience. The sound of crackling logs, the smell of burning wood, and the natural flames make these firepits ideal for those who want a rustic, hands-on feel.

Benefits of wood-burning firepits:

• • Create a traditional, cozy ambiance perfect for outdoor gatherings
  • Produce a larger, more natural flame that radiates significant heat
  • Can be placed almost anywhere, since they don’t require utilities
  • Great for roasting marshmallows, cooking over an open flame, or simply relaxing by the fire

What to keep in mind:
Wood-burning firepits require a steady supply of firewood and consistent cleaning to remove ash and debris. They also produce smoke, which may not be ideal in tightly spaced neighborhoods. In some areas, especially during dry seasons, burn bans or fire safety restrictions may limit when you can use them.

If you have a spacious backyard in places like Fair Grove or Kimberling City, where air circulation is less of a concern, a wood-burning firepit can be a great choice.

Gas firepits (natural gas or propane)

Gas firepits offer a cleaner, more convenient alternative. They’re easy to light, quick to extinguish, and require far less ongoing maintenance than wood-burning versions.

Benefits of gas firepits:

• • Instant ignition with adjustable flame control
  • No smoke, sparks, or ash—making them safer and more comfortable in small or enclosed spaces
  • Minimal upkeep—no need to haul wood or clean out ashes
  • Modern, streamlined appearance that fits well with contemporary patio designs

What to keep in mind:
Gas firepits need either a propane tank or a natural gas line, which may involve additional planning and cost. If your home already has a gas hookup, integrating the line is typically straightforward. For homes in more urban or densely developed parts of Springfield or Nixa, gas firepits are often the more practical and neighbor-friendly option.

By understanding the key differences between wood-burning and gas firepits, you can make a confident decision that aligns with your space, lifestyle, and long-term goals. If you’re unsure which option works best for your yard, the team at Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor is happy to guide you through the pros and cons during your consultation.

Firepit shapes and layouts that work

The shape and layout of your firepit play a big role in how the space looks, feels, and functions. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we help our clients select firepit designs that not only reflect their personal style but also make the best use of their yard or patio. Whether you're working with a wide-open lawn or a smaller backyard in town, choosing the right firepit shape is key to creating a space that’s inviting and practical.

Round firepits

Round firepits are the most classic shape and for good reason—they're naturally social and symmetrical.

Advantages of round firepits:

• • Encourage conversation and connection by allowing seating in a full circle
  • Distribute heat evenly to everyone gathered around
  • Ideal for open lawn areas, curved patios, or landscapes with soft, flowing lines
  • Complement rounded design elements like circular seating walls or curved garden beds

This shape is perfect if you frequently host larger gatherings or want a firepit that feels like the natural centerpiece of your backyard.

Square or rectangular firepits

For a more structured and contemporary look, square and rectangular firepits are increasingly popular with homeowners across places like Nixa, Republic, and Springfield.

Advantages of square/rectangular firepits:

• • Fit well in modern landscape designs with clean lines and geometric layouts
  • Pair naturally with rectangular patios, walkways, or retaining wall seating
  • Can be built taller and used as a coffee table or footrest when not in use
  • Great choice for smaller spaces where layout efficiency matters

This design also allows for customization with features like extended ledges for drinks or decorative inlays that complement surrounding pavers.

Built-in vs. freestanding firepits

Beyond the shape, you’ll also need to choose between a built-in or freestanding installation.

Built-in firepits

Built-in firepits are permanently installed as part of your hardscape. They offer a cohesive, high-end appearance and are the best choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting, custom solution.

Benefits of built-in firepits:

• • Seamlessly integrate with paver patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens
  • Add value and visual impact to your backyard
  • Built to withstand weather and wear for years to come
  • Can include custom features like lighting, coping, or matching stonework

Homeowners in Ozark and surrounding areas often choose built-in firepits as part of a full outdoor living space upgrade.

Freestanding firepits

Freestanding firepits are portable and usually made from metal, composite materials, or lightweight masonry. While they’re a budget-friendly and flexible option, they may not provide the same level of visual appeal or durability.

Things to consider about freestanding firepits:

• • Can be moved or stored during off-seasons
  • Easy to set up without permanent construction
  • Tend to have shorter lifespans and offer fewer customization options
  • Don’t add as much value to your property as a built-in feature

If you’re looking for a quick upgrade or are renting your home, a freestanding firepit might work. But if you want a long-term solution that elevates your landscape, a built-in design is the way to go.

Material options that match your landscape

Your firepit should feel like a natural extension of your outdoor space—not an afterthought. That’s why material selection is so important. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we guide clients through the process of choosing firepit materials that complement their home’s exterior, match nearby hardscaping features, and hold up to Missouri’s seasonal changes.

We consider factors like color, texture, heat resistance, and long-term durability. Whether your style leans rustic, modern, or somewhere in between, there’s a material that will bring your vision to life.

Here are some of the most popular options:

• • Concrete block – A cost-effective and highly customizable material that comes in a wide range of shapes and colors. It’s durable, easy to install, and works well in both modern and traditional settings.
  • Natural stone – Ideal for homeowners who want a rustic, organic look. Stone blends beautifully with wooded lots or natural landscapes and offers unique texture and variation that makes every firepit one-of-a-kind.
  • Brick – A timeless option that works particularly well with older homes or classic architectural styles. Brick creates a neat, uniform appearance and retains heat effectively, making it a great choice for functional and attractive firepits.
  • Paver kits – These modular systems are designed to match popular patio pavers and are a great choice when you want your firepit to blend seamlessly with an existing or new paver patio. They’re especially useful for creating a cohesive, professionally finished look.

If you're unsure which material is best for your home, our team can show you samples, walk you through pros and cons, and help you select an option that fits your style, function, and budget.

Case study: Firepit and patio combo in Nixa

We recently completed a firepit and paver patio installation for a family in Nixa, Missouri. Their backyard had an underused lawn area with no real gathering space. After a consultation, we designed a square, gas-burning firepit with built-in seating and lighting, all surrounded by a Belgard paver patio. The project not only added a stunning feature to the yard—it gave the family a four-season space to enjoy year-round.

Service areas

Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor proudly provides custom firepit construction, hardscaping, and outdoor living solutions in:

• • Ozark
  • Springfield
  • Nixa
  • Republic
  • Rogersville
  • Willard
  • Branson
  • Branson West
  • Fair Grove
  • Kimberling City

Ready to build your perfect firepit?

If you're ready to enhance your outdoor space with a custom firepit, Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor is here to help. We’ll guide you through the design and material selection process and build a feature that suits your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation or request an estimate. We proudly serve Ozark and surrounding areas with expert firepit construction, paver patios, retaining walls, and complete landscape design solutions.