Outdoor Fireplace vs. Fire Pit: Which Fits Your Myrtle Beach Backyard?
Myrtle Beach winters are short and mild, but those 45-degree evenings still send most people indoors. The right fire feature changes that. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit lets you use your patio all year , and it is one of the most requested upgrades we build along the Grand Strand. So which one is right for you? It comes down to how you entertain, how much space you have and the look you want.
What Is the Difference Between an Outdoor Fireplace and a Fire Pit?
A fire pit is a low, open ring of stone, block, or pavers. Guests sit all the way around it, so it works best for conversation, s’mores, and casual gatherings.
An outdoor fireplace is a vertical structure with a firebox and a chimney. It sends smoke up and away, throws heat in one direction, and becomes the focal point of an outdoor room, much like the fireplace in your living room.
How Do They Compare?
| Factor | Fire Pit | Outdoor Fireplace |
| Seating | 360 degrees, social | One side, lounge-style |
| Smoke control | Shifts with the wind | Chimney draws it up |
| Space needed | Smaller footprint | Larger, needs a back wall |
| Cost | Lower | Higher, more materials and labor |
| Privacy | Open | Doubles as a privacy wall |
| Fuel options | Wood or gas | Wood or gas |
When a Fire Pit Makes More Sense
Choose a fire pit if you love a circle-of-friends feel or have a smaller backyard. Fire pits fit easily into an existing paver patio and cost less to build. Gas fire pits are especially popular with Myrtle Beach homeowners because they light with a switch and leave no ash to clean up.
When an Outdoor Fireplace Is W orth It
An outdoor fireplace is the better pick if you want a true outdoor living room. It pairs naturally with a covered patio, pergola or outdoor kitchen. Because the chimney controls smoke, it is also easier on guests when coastal breezes shift direction. A tall fireplace can block a neighbor’s view, too, which is a big plus in tighter subdivisions.
Safety and Coastal Considerations
Whatever you choose, placement matters. Keep the fire feature well away from your house, overhanging branches and vinyl siding, and never build it under a low roofline. The Chimney Safety Institute of America’s fire pit safety tips are a great checklist before your first fire. Check your HOA rules and local burn regulations too, especially during dry spells.
On the coast, materials matter as much as design. Salt air and humidity break down cheap blocks and metal fast. We build with high-quality concrete pavers and natural stone rated for outdoor use, and we design proper drainage so rainwater never pools inside the firebox.
Build Your Fire Feature with Elite Coastal Landscaping
Family and veteran-owned with more than 35 years of experience, Elite Coastal Landscaping designs and builds custom fire pits and outdoor fireplaces across Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. We’ll show you your project in 3D before we break ground. Learn more about how we can help or give us a call at (843) 712-1814 for a free consultation.
