Working with a Unilock Authorized Contractor is working with the best of the best. Our UACs possess the knowledge and expertise to bring your dream project to life, and deliver stunning results that will exceed your expectations.
Fire Pit Contractors
Hire a fire pit contractor to create a stunning focal point that brings friends and family together year-round. Elevate your outdoor patio with the warmth and charm of a fire pit.
What is a Fire Pit Contractor?
Fire pit contractors specialize in designing and installing fire features that enhance outdoor spaces with warmth and ambiance. They bring expertise in selecting the right materials, ensuring safety, and incorporating the fire element in a way that complements the overall design of your outdoor living space. These professionals understand how to create a focal point that’s both functional and visually appealing, seamlessly integrating fire pits into patios, decks, or landscaped areas.
Find a ContractorWhat to Look for When Hiring Fire Pit Contractors
If you are looking to hire fire pit contractors for your next project, here are some tips to consider when looking for the right candidate:
1. Workmanship
Review Past Projects: Ask to see projects completed over the past two years to see how the quality of their work has held up over time.
Warranty and Claims: Inquire about the length of their work guarantee and do your research to find out if they’ve had any warranty claims filed against their company in the past two years.
2. Sub-Contracting
Sub-Contractor Management: If your contractor is hiring sub-contractors to install gas or propane lines for your fire pit, it's important to understand how they will be selected and managed. Make sure you're clear on the vetting process to ensure quality and consistency across your project.
3. Experience
Installation Expertise: Does your contractor have extensive experience with installing fire pits? View past projects they’ve completed to ensure they are the right fit for your project.
4. Preparation
Base Preparation Methods: What methods and materials do they use for base preparation? Ensure your fire pit contractor can customize their approach to meet your project’s specific needs.
5. Schedule
Project Timeline: Your project’s timeline can vary depending on certain conditions, such as weather, and coordination with other sub-contractors, such as gas technicians. These factors may extend the duration of your project, so it’s a good idea to ask your contractor about their booking schedule, the expected length of each phase, and whether an upfront deposit is required to secure the timing of your project.
6. Documentation
Licensing and Insurance: Verify that the contractor's licensing, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage are up to date. If permits are needed, confirm with your contractor as to who will be responsible for obtaining them.
7. Compatibility
Communication and Trust: It’s important to establish effective communication and trust with your contractor. Confirm if they will be on-site throughout the project, or if someone else from their team will be your main point of contact.
References: Contact your contractor’s references to learn about their project management and work style.
8. Design
Design Services: Does your contractor offer design services? Ask about the costs involved, and if they provide hand-drawn or 3D-rendered concept designs. Ensure their design style aligns with your vision. Request a Design Catalog
Benefits of Hiring a Unilock Authorized Contractor to Install Your Fire Pit
If you’re looking to work with Unilock pavers or walls to build your fire pit, consider hiring a Unilock Authorized Contractor (UAC) to guide your project to the finish line. Our UACs are trusted experts in site preparation, grading, base materials, and compaction, ensuring your outdoor spaces are built to last. Here are some additional benefits to consider:
· Enjoy a minimum two-year Workmanship Guarantee, backed by Unilock, when Unilock pavers and walls are installed on your project.
· UACs follow Unilock Installation Standards to ensure every project meets the highest quality benchmarks.
· They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, ensuring professionalism and integrity in every job.
· UACs keep their skills sharp with continuing education courses.
Let us connect you with a local Unilock Authorized Contractor for a free estimate on your project.
How to Stay on Budget When Planning Your Fire Pit Project
Keeping your fire pit project on budget requires careful planning and communication. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Prioritize Key Features: Focus your budget on the most important elements of your fire pit design, like size, shape, or material.
Get Detailed Estimates: Request quotes from multiple contractors with itemized costs for transparency on pricing and services.
Consider Material Options: Work with your fire pit contractor to find materials that fit your vision and budget without sacrificing quality.
Budget for the Unexpected: Set aside extra funds for any unforeseen costs or last-minute design tweaks.
Keep Communication Open: Ensure clear, ongoing communication with your contractor so that budget and timeline expectations are consistently met.
Which Fire Pit Matches Your Home’s Style?
Adding a fire pit can transform your outdoor space into a cozy, inviting retreat. At Unilock, we offer a variety of paver products in different sizes, textures, shapes, and colors to help you create a custom fire pit that reflects your style. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, traditional, or modern look, we have the materials to complement both your outdoor space and your home’s architecture. For those seeking a quicker solution, we also offer prebuilt fire pit kits for easy installation. Here’s how to design a fire pit that suits your space:
Rustic Fire Pit
A rustic fire pit brings a natural, cozy charm to your outdoor area. Earthy tones, rough textures, and weathered finishes create a laid-back, cabin-like feel. Unilock Rivercrest® Wall, with its stacked flagstone appearance, and Brussels Dimensional System®, known for its tumbled, aged look, are perfect for this style. These blocks blend beautifully with rustic landscapes, especially when paired with greenery or wood accents. Finish with Ledgestone™ coping for a rugged, seamless edge. Another way to achieve this aesthetic is with our Sunset® Fire Pit Kit, which includes a metal insert and grill, offering a prebuilt, antiqued fire pit that seamlessly fits into any rustic landscape.
Traditional Fire Pit
A traditional fire pit offers a timeless, classic look that fits a range of home styles. Clean lines, soft colors, and familiar shapes create a welcoming focal point. Unilock Pisa™ combines old-world charm with modern durability, making it ideal for traditional settings. The Sunset Fire Pit® is another great choice, adding warmth and elegance that suits nearly any home and landscape.
Modern Fire Pit
For a contemporary home, a modern fire pit enhances sleek lines and minimalist design. Focus on clean shapes, neutral tones, and smooth finishes for a sophisticated aesthetic. Unilock Lineo™ Dimensional Stone provides the sharp lines and refined look that modern spaces demand, while U-Cara® Multi-Face Wall System allows for endless customization opportunities, allowing you to mix and match various fascia panels to create a one-of-a-kind fire pit design. View Fire Pit Products
Safety and Design Considerations When Building Your Fire Pit
Safety Considerations
Safety is a key part of maintaining your stone fire pit. The first thing to think about is your fuel source. If you’re opting for a wood-burning fire pit, make sure to use seasoned hardwoods like oak or maple—avoid softwoods like pine or cedar that can spark or pop unexpectedly. Also, be mindful not to overload your fire pit with too much wood, which can lead to an uncontrollable fire.
To protect the structure of your fire pit, it’s a good idea to use a metal insert or heat-rated fire brick for lining. Always have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby, just in case. If you prefer a gas-powered fire pit, work with your fire pit contractor to ensure the gas line is safely installed and the fuel is easily accessible. Regardless of the type, keep your fire pit clean by removing debris and ashes after each use. Use a stiff brush or shovel to clear it out, and inspect your fire pit for cracks or signs of wear before starting the next fire. Finally, make sure to check your local bylaws and obtain any necessary fire permits to ensure that you can safely enjoy outdoor fires at your home.
Design Considerations
When it comes to design, you have plenty of options to make your fire pit both functional and beautiful. Unilock offers products like U-Cara®, Brussels®, and Lineo™ Dimensional Stone that give you flexibility in style and appearance. If you want to add a unique touch, consider incorporating an accent band with products like Copthorne® or Mattoni™ to make the fire pit truly stand out.
Don’t forget to think about what surrounds your fire pit, too. Seating options are an important part of creating a welcoming space. You can opt for built-in seat walls for a permanent setup or go with foldable chairs or wooden Adirondack chairs for a more rustic feel. Adding cozy touches like cushions, throw pillows, or blankets will make the space inviting for long evenings spent by the fire. Get Fire Pit Design Inspiration
Fire Pit Contractors FAQs
Are Unilock wall products safe to use for a fire pit?
Yes, you can use our wall products to build a fire pit, but keep in mind that our stones aren't fire-rated. To protect them from the intense heat, you'll need to line the inside with fire brick, which is specifically designed to handle higher temperatures.
Is it cheaper to purchase a fire pit kit or build a fire pit from scratch using pavers or wall products?
A fire pit kit is generally more cost-efficient because it includes everything you need, like a metal insert and grill. The insert is key—it protects the structure of your fire pit, preventing the walls from drying out or cracking due to prolonged heat. However, if you'd rather build a fire pit from scratch, you can use our wall products. Just be sure to pick materials suited for that purpose.
Can fire pit contractors install paver lighting into the coping on my fire pit?
Absolutely! It’s a great idea to discuss any landscape lighting concepts with your fire pit contractor early in the design process. Paver lighting can beautifully illuminate your fire pit and highlight specific features in your landscape. You might also consider integrating paver lighting into nearby seat walls or hanging string lights or LED fixtures to create a cozy ambiance and improve visibility for navigating your outdoor space at night. Request a Design Catalog
