LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation May/June 2015 23
their home, and nothing says 'home' like a cozy fire. And design-
ers like the flexibility of tying together the entire design by either
creating a custom fire feature using our coordinated pavers and
retaining wall products or by choosing from one of the modu-
lar factory-built fireplaces or fire pits from our Belgard Elements
Collection."
SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
Whether designing with a site-built or factory-built fire feature,
there are several safety issues that must be considered. Before
getting started, check with local municipalities regarding safety
codes to avoid costly design mistakes. Never underestimate the
value of a professional plumber when running and installing gas
lines. And always remember that with fire comes heat.
"Belgard Elements fire features are all UL listed and engi-
neered with a special heat lining," said Joe Raboine, who helped
create the Belgard Elements Collection, which includes modular
fireplaces and brick ovens. "But if you're designing a custom fire-
place, be sure the contractor uses only non-combustible materi-
als. I've spoken with many fire chiefs who've told me a number
of horror stories."
Raboine also recommends including a fire-resistant liner
when building a site-built fire pit over existing hardscapes.
"This is especially important if the fire pit is on top of granite
or limestone, which can retain water and explode when over-
heated," he said.
FINDING THE IDEAL SPOT
A fire feature will be the visual anchor of the design. When de-
termining the best placement, it's best to check for building code
restrictions before getting started.
"Although it varies by municipality, gas-burning fire features
This outdoor kitchen — which utilizes the new Belgard Elements Collection Bordeaux Series grill station and brick oven — faces toward the house to act as
destination area and focal point of the space. The rustic limestone-trimmed stacked-stone look blends effortlessly into the wooded landscape. Dublin Cobble
is trimmed with a double sailors course of Old World to delineate the kitchen area from the Mega-Arbel patio.
One emerging trend in outdoor
cooking is the brick oven, which
can often double as both a fire
feature and a cooking appliance.
