Warmth That Lets You Stay Outside Longer
Custom fire pits and outdoor fireplaces built for homes in Wilkesboro, Elkin, Mount Airy, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
When the temperature drops in Winston Salem, a permanent fire feature lets you use your patio or deck without retreating indoors the moment it gets cool. You can sit outside on fall evenings or early spring nights because the heat source is built into the space, not dragged out of storage or set up each time. A fire pit or fireplace becomes a fixed part of your outdoor area that you can use whenever the weather allows.
Walker and Sons Building constructs fire pits and outdoor fireplaces using stone, brick, or concrete, and we install them with either wood-burning or gas fuel systems depending on your preference and local regulations. Gas systems connect to your home's natural gas line or a dedicated propane tank, giving you instant ignition and adjustable flame control. Wood-burning units require a firebox, proper ventilation, and clearance from structures, and we ensure all installations meet North Carolina fire and building codes.
If you want to add a fire feature to your Winston Salem property, contact us to discuss placement, fuel type, and design options that fit your yard.
Choosing Between Fire Pits and Fireplaces
A fire pit is typically built at ground level or slightly raised, surrounded by seating on multiple sides, which works well for circular gathering areas in Winston Salem backyards. A fireplace is vertical, often integrated into a patio wall or freestanding structure, and directs heat in one direction while providing a backdrop for seating. The choice depends on your lot layout, how you entertain, and whether you want the fire feature to anchor a seating area or serve as a focal point.
After installation, you will notice the fire feature radiates steady heat in a defined area, allowing you to sit outside comfortably when the air temperature would otherwise send you inside. Gas units light with a switch or remote and can be adjusted for flame height, while wood-burning setups produce more heat and a traditional fire experience but require fuel storage and ash removal.
We also account for wind direction, proximity to structures, and clearance from overhangs or trees when placing the feature. Fire pits often include a surrounding stone ledge or seating wall, and fireplaces can incorporate mantels, storage for firewood, or built-in seating. Safety measures include spark screens for wood-burning units, shut-off valves for gas systems, and non-combustible materials within the required clearance zones.
What Homeowners Want to Know First
People in Winston Salem usually ask about fuel options, safety requirements, and whether a fire feature will work on their existing patio before moving forward with the project.
What is the difference between gas and wood-burning fire features?
Gas systems ignite instantly, require no fuel storage, and produce adjustable flames, but they need a gas line or propane tank. Wood-burning units create more heat and a traditional fire but require you to supply and store firewood and remove ash after each use.
How far does a fire pit or fireplace need to be from my house?
Most codes require at least ten feet of clearance from structures, but the exact distance depends on the fuel type, size of the fire feature, and local regulations. We confirm the placement meets all safety and code requirements before construction begins.
Can you add a fire feature to an existing patio?
Yes, we can build a fire pit or fireplace on or adjacent to an existing patio in Winston Salem as long as the surface can support the weight and clearance requirements are met. If the patio is too close to your house, we may suggest relocating the feature or adding a separate pad.
How do you connect a gas fire feature to my home?
We run a gas line from your home's natural gas supply or install a dedicated propane tank near the fire feature, then connect it with underground piping that meets code. The system includes a shut-off valve and is tested for leaks before use.
What materials do you use to build fire pits and fireplaces?
We use stone, brick, concrete block, and other non-combustible materials rated for high heat. The interior firebox is lined with firebrick if wood-burning, and the exterior finish matches your patio or landscape design.
Walker and Sons Building installs fire pits and outdoor fireplaces throughout Winston Salem, handling fuel line connections, structural construction, and code compliance. If you are ready to add outdoor heating to your property, get in touch to review options and schedule a site visit.
