Fire pits and outdoor living spaces
Tri-Cities evenings cool off fast, even in summer. A fire pit and a seating area make the patio usable long after sunset.
Outdoor living work goes beyond a flat patio: a built-in fire pit with a ring of seating, a grill counter close to the back door, or a pad sized for a pergola or covered area. Most of these are built from the same segmental block and pavers as the patio, so everything matches.
What are the common features?
- Wood-burning fire pits built from block with a steel liner
- Gas fire pits and fire tables, which need a gas line run by a qualified installer
- Seat walls curving around the fire area
- Grill islands and counters with space for a built-in grill
- Pergola and shade pads with footings set for the structure
- Lighting in steps, walls and paths
What about fire safety and burn bans?
The Tri-Cities is dry, windy shrub-steppe country, and outdoor burning rules can tighten in summer and fall. Before you plan a wood-burning pit, check current rules with your city, fire district and local clean air agency, and consider gas if you want to use it during dry spells. Place any fire feature well away from the house, fences, overhangs and trees, and ask the contractor about the manufacturer's clearance requirements.
Shade comes first
An outdoor kitchen nobody uses at 4 p.m. in July isn't much of an upgrade. Planning shade early, with a pergola, a covered patio or careful placement on the shady side of the house, makes the whole space more useful. Covered structures and pergolas may need a building permit and footings deep enough for the local frost line, so ask who will handle that.
Wind
Strong winds are common in the Tri-Cities. Seat walls and a sheltered location help keep a fire manageable and make the area more comfortable, and shade structures need to be anchored for wind.
The contractor prices the job after seeing the site, measuring the area and talking through the pattern and materials you want. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Can I have a wood fire pit in Kennewick?
Rules depend on your city, fire district and current burn restrictions. Check before you build, and consider gas if you want to use it during dry periods.
Do I need a permit for a pergola or covered patio?
Often, yes, depending on size and design. Ask your contractor or check with your city's building department.
Related services
More background: Tri-Cities paver patio guide.
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