Design philosophy
A fire feature should be part of the landscape—not an afterthought
A well-designed outdoor fire feature is more than a source of flame. It can establish a gathering point, organize a patio, influence where furniture belongs, preserve or frame views, and turn an underused portion of the yard into a destination.
Black Diamond designs fire elements as part of the complete outdoor environment. Gas routing, hardscape, drainage, lighting, clearances, seating, circulation and surrounding materials are considered during the design process, before finished surfaces are installed. The result is a feature that feels architecturally intentional because it was designed into the space from the beginning.
What we build
Custom fire features we design and build
Custom gas fire pits
Black Diamond primarily installs permanent natural-gas fire pits connected to the property's primary gas service, creating a lasting gathering point without firewood storage, ash removal, or repeated cleanup. Configurations range from compact circular gathering spaces to larger rectangular installations positioned within a patio, retaining-wall system, or entertainment area. Propane-compatible options may be available for certain systems.
Fire tables and linear fire features
Fire tables combine flame with usable horizontal surface area and clean architectural geometry. They work especially well in contemporary landscapes and outdoor rooms where the fire feature must complement pavers, large-format slabs, concrete, outdoor kitchens or modern architecture. Black Diamond can develop square, rectangular, linear and custom-proportioned fire features around the scale of the surrounding space.
Outdoor fireplaces
An outdoor fireplace creates a stronger architectural element than an open fire pit. Depending on the property, it can define the edge of an outdoor room, establish a visual terminus, create privacy or serve as a focal point viewed from both inside and outside the home. Freestanding and see-through configurations can be coordinated with patios, seat walls, retaining systems and outdoor-living structures.
Fire features integrated with retaining walls
Sloped Utah properties can create opportunities to integrate fire into larger retaining-wall and terrace systems. Rather than isolating the feature at the center of a patio, the fire element can become part of a multi-level composition incorporating retaining walls, steps, lighting, water features and planting. This approach can be especially effective where grade changes already define separate outdoor rooms.
Fire and water features
Fire and moving water create distinct focal effects within the same landscape. Carefully planned fire-and-water compositions can provide visual energy when the flame is operating and motion and sound when it is not. At dusk, the combination of flame, water and landscape lighting can change the character of a backyard without overwhelming the overall design.
Materials
Materials tailored to the project
Block and masonry
Segmental wall systems and masonry construction can create substantial permanent fire features that coordinate directly with patios, retaining walls and seat walls. The material can continue the visual language established elsewhere in the landscape.
Architectural concrete
Custom concrete allows a fire feature to be proportioned around a specific geometry. It can become an architectural element rather than a standard manufactured unit, especially in modern landscapes and large patios where simple form and material continuity matter.
Steel
Steel allows clean forms, slim profiles and contemporary proportions. Custom fabricated fire features can range from understated dark finishes to weathering-steel surfaces that develop a distinctive patina over time.
Aluminum
Aluminum can be appropriate for selected fabricated architectural surrounds because it offers a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material option while allowing the finish and form to be developed around a particular patio or outdoor room.
Final material, burner, fuel, clearances, utility routing and construction details are confirmed for each property through the approved design, equipment and installation requirements.
How people use them
Built for gathering, entertaining and family time
A fire feature is both a visual focal point and a functional destination. Depending on the layout, it can support family evenings, entertaining guests, conversation, casual dining, outdoor viewing areas and extended patio use. The strongest installations are positioned so that the feature strengthens the complete outdoor-living plan rather than consuming valuable patio space or interrupting circulation.
A six-person conversation area needs a different layout than a large entertainment patio. A fire table next to an outdoor kitchen has different circulation requirements than a fire pit beneath a pergola. A mountain-view property may require a low profile that preserves sightlines, while a hillside site may benefit from integrating fire into a retaining-wall terrace. These are design decisions made before construction begins.
Ownership
Low routine maintenance. High use.
A properly designed gas fire feature is generally one of the lowest-routine-maintenance outdoor-living elements Black Diamond builds. It eliminates firewood storage and ash removal associated with wood-burning fires; however, it is not maintenance-free.
Routine ownership generally includes keeping burners and decorative media clear, maintaining drainage around the feature, following the manufacturer's care requirements, and periodically inspecting fuel-system components. Permanent natural-gas systems provide controllable flame on demand and can be shut down when the evening is over.
Enjoyment beyond the warmest months
Utah homeowners may enjoy a properly designed gas fire feature through much of the year, including colder months when system, site and weather conditions permit. Spring and fall evenings are common outdoor-living opportunities, while cold-weather use depends on the specific equipment, snow and ice conditions, wind, manufacturer requirements and applicable local restrictions.
How it works
Built into the project from the beginning
1. Site and lifestyle review
How the property is used today and how the finished outdoor space should function.
2. Location and scale
Relationship to seating, circulation, views, home access and surrounding features.
3. Material coordination
Fire-feature finish selected alongside patios, walls, architecture and the landscape palette.
4. Utility planning
Natural-gas service, electrical, or other required infrastructure coordinated before finished surfaces.
5. Construction
Fire feature built as part of the broader hardscape and outdoor-living scope.
6. Final integration
Lighting, planting, furniture zones and surrounding landscape elements complete the outdoor room.
Related services
Fire features work best as part of a complete outdoor environment
Fire feature + landscape lighting
Fire creates a focal point; landscape lighting allows the rest of the property to remain part of the experience after dark. Many successful installations coordinate step lights, wall lighting, tree lighting, path lights and architectural illumination around a fire-feature space. The purpose is not simply more light. It is visual hierarchy: the flame remains the focal point while the surrounding landscape, circulation and architectural elements remain legible.
Landscape lightingFire feature + outdoor kitchen
A fire feature and an outdoor kitchen can serve different functions in one entertainment space. The kitchen supports preparation and dining; the fire feature creates the destination people move toward afterward. Planning them together helps the patio function as a connected outdoor room.
Outdoor kitchensFire feature + pergola
A pergola and fire feature can create a strongly defined outdoor-room experience. The structure contributes enclosure and scale while the fire feature becomes the center of a conversation area. When the relationship between structure, furniture, flame and circulation is planned early, the outdoor space feels cohesive rather than assembled over time.
Pergolas & pavilionsService area
Designed for Utah properties
Black Diamond serves homeowners throughout Salt Lake County, Davis County, Utah County and Summit County. In Salt Lake County, this includes communities such as Salt Lake City, Murray, Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, West Jordan, Riverton, Herriman and Bluffdale. In Davis County, the service area includes Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, Kaysville and Layton. In Utah County, it includes Lehi, Highland, Alpine, American Fork and Pleasant Grove. Summit County projects may require additional design consideration for grade, snow, wind exposure and seasonal conditions.
Common questions
Common questions about custom outdoor fire features
Are gas fire pits low maintenance?
Compared with wood-burning fire pits, permanent natural-gas fire features generally involve lower routine maintenance because there is no firewood, ash, or ember cleanup. Burners, decorative media, drainage, and fuel-system components should still be kept clean and periodically inspected according to applicable requirements.
Can a fire feature be used during winter in Utah?
Many permanently installed gas fire features may be used during cold weather when system requirements and local conditions allow. Snow, ice, wind, local restrictions and manufacturer requirements must still be considered.
Does Black Diamond install natural-gas or propane fire features?
Black Diamond primarily installs permanent natural-gas fire features connected to the property's primary natural-gas meter. This provides continuous fuel without tank replacement or seasonal setup. Propane-compatible options may be available for certain systems, but our built-in fire features are typically designed around permanent natural-gas service. The fuel system is confirmed during the design process based on the specific property.
Can Black Diamond build a custom fire feature instead of using a standard kit?
Yes. Black Diamond can design custom fire elements in masonry, concrete and fabricated materials where a standard configuration does not suit the scale, geometry or material palette of the outdoor space.
Can a fire feature be added to an existing patio?
Sometimes. Existing hardscape, utilities, clearances, drainage and construction conditions need to be evaluated first. In many cases, fire features are easiest to integrate during the original outdoor-living design or a larger renovation.
Can a fire feature be combined with a pergola?
Yes, where the proposed configuration can meet equipment requirements and appropriate clearances. The relationship between the pergola and fire feature should be designed intentionally rather than improvised after construction.
Do local fire restrictions apply to permanent gas fire features?
They can. Requirements can vary by jurisdiction, season and restriction level. Property owners should follow applicable municipal, fire-district and state restrictions as well as manufacturer requirements.
Belgard Fire Feature Inspiration
Explore Belgard paver patios, seat walls, and integrated fire features from the manufacturer's design library. Product availability and project suitability are confirmed during Black Diamond's design process.
Showing 6 inspiration images(53 total in collection)
Dimensions 6 / Belair Wall
Antique
Belgard manufacturer inspiration · Product availability confirmed during design.
Brisa Wall / Origins 12 / Brooklyn Paver
Belgard manufacturer inspiration · Product availability confirmed during design.
Brisa Wall / Origins 12 / Brooklyn Paver
Belgard manufacturer inspiration · Product availability confirmed during design.
Dimensions 18 / Anchor Diamond Pro Smooth / Artforms
Belgard manufacturer inspiration · Product availability confirmed during design.
Dimensions 12 / Dimensions 6x9 / MegaArbel / Weston Stone / Marina Coping
Belgard manufacturer inspiration · Product availability confirmed during design.
Dimensions 12 / Brooklyn Paver / Weston Stone Fire Pit / Esplanade Cap / Ashlar Tandem
Belgard manufacturer inspiration · Product availability confirmed during design.