Fire Pits & Outdoor Fireplaces: Create Warmth That Lasts
Jason Thomas • August 13, 2025
Design inspiration, safety tips, and practical considerations for adding fire features to your Wisconsin outdoor living space.
When the summer days in Wisconsin start getting shorter and the evenings turn cool, there’s nothing like gathering around a warm fire with friends and family. Whether you choose a rustic stone fire pit or an elegant outdoor fireplace, a well-designed fire feature adds more than just warmth—it creates an inviting focal point and extends the usability of your outdoor living space well into fall.
At Promethean Artisans, we help Wausau homeowners design and install fire features that blend seamlessly with their hardscapes, meet local safety codes, and stand up to Wisconsin’s seasons.
Choosing Between a Fire Pit and an Outdoor Fireplace
Both fire pits and fireplaces create atmosphere, but they offer different benefits:
Fire Pit – Offers a 360-degree gathering space, ideal for casual get-togethers and roasting marshmallows. Often lower in cost and fits well into patios or open areas.
Outdoor Fireplace – Provides a more formal focal point, blocks wind, and can anchor a seating or dining area. Can be integrated into larger outdoor kitchens or covered spaces.
We work with materials like natural stone, pavers, and brick veneers to match your existing hardscape, ensuring the design looks intentional rather than added on.
Safety & Local Regulations
In Wausau and surrounding areas, certain fire safety codes and burn restrictions may apply—especially during dry conditions. Before construction, it’s important to:
Check municipal codes for clearance requirements and permitted fuel types.
Maintain proper distance from structures, trees, and overhanging branches.
Use spark guards or screens for wood-burning setups.
Our team ensures every design meets or exceeds local requirements so you can enjoy your fire worry-free.
Fuel Options: Wood, Gas, or Hybrid
Wood-Burning – Classic campfire feel, lower installation cost, but requires regular ash cleanup.
Gas-Burning – Instant on/off convenience, cleaner burn, and adjustable flame control.
Hybrid Designs – Offer the charm of wood-burning with the option for gas starters for easier lighting.
Design Integration Tips
To make your fire feature feel like a natural extension of your outdoor living area:
Incorporate matching pavers or stone from your patio.
Add built-in seating walls or benches to define the space.
Use landscape lighting to highlight the fire feature at night.
Consider overhead cover for year-round use (with proper venting).
Why Now is the Perfect Time
Late summer and early fall are ideal for installing fire features—cooler working conditions for construction, plus plenty of time to enjoy your investment before winter arrives.
Let’s Build Your Perfect Fire Feature
If you’re ready to bring warmth, style, and year-round enjoyment to your outdoor space, Promethean Artisans can help design and build the perfect fire pit or outdoor fireplace for your Wausau home.