Water Feature and Fire Pit Ideas
Outdoor living is becoming a greater priority for UK homeowners, with gardens taking on a central role in how we relax and entertain. Thoughtfully chosen features like water bowls or fire pits can bring life and warmth to your space, and in this post, we’ll share ideas to help you incorporate these elements into your garden.
Why Choose Water Features and Fire Pits for Your Garden?
Water features and fire pits each bring unique benefits to a garden, making them popular choices if you’re looking to improve your garden layout.
Water Features for British Gardens
A well-placed water feature adds visual interest, while the gentle sound of flowing water can mask background noise, creating a more peaceful environment – whether you live in a city or a quiet area. Water features also serve as a design focal point, uplifting the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
For Small Spaces
Corten steel water bowls are an excellent choice, offering a modern aesthetic and a striking rusted patina that evolves over time.
4 Maintenance Tips for Water Features
- Regularly clean the surface to remove debris and prevent blockages in pumps or filters.
- For corten steel features, understanding the weathering process is key – expect some initial runoff as the rust patina develops, which eventually stabilises.
- If your water source has a high or low pH level, use a neutralising supplement to avoid prolonged weathering or residue build-up.
- Applying a rust oil, like Owatrol, can seal the finish once the desired look is achieved.
Fire Pits Ready for Summer and Winter
Fire pits, on the other hand, offer practical and social benefits. They create a cosy spot for gathering with friends and family, especially on cooler evenings, and they extend the usability of your garden throughout the year, providing warmth and ambience. Whether roasting marshmallows with children or enjoying drinks with guests, they quickly become a favourite feature.
Multi-functional Options
Fire pit tables serve dual purposes, providing a warm centrepiece for gatherings and a practical surface for food and drinks. BBQ fire pits, on the other hand, add an extra layer of functionality, allowing you to cook alfresco meals without the need for a separate grill. These options are particularly useful for compact gardens.
3 Safety and Usage Tips
- Always position your fire pit on a stable, non-flammable surface, such as stone or gravel, and keep it at least three metres away from buildings, fences, and overhanging trees.
- For families, consider designs with raised edges to keep flames contained and out of reach of children.
- In urban settings, opt for smokeless fuels to reduce smoke and odour, keeping neighbours happy.
Bringing Fire and Water Together
Combined, these elements balance one another beautifully. A water feature softens the boldness of a fire pit, while the fire adds vibrancy to the stillness of water. Together, they create a garden that’s both inviting and dynamic, ready to be enjoyed in all seasons.
Choosing the Right Materials for UK Gardens
Selecting the right materials for your garden features is essential, especially given the UK’s often wet and cold climate.
Corten Steel
Corten steel stands out for its ability to weather gracefully. When exposed to the elements, it develops a protective rust-like patina that adds character and shields the material from further corrosion. This makes it particularly suited to the UK’s damp climate, as it resists damage from rain, frost, and fluctuating temperatures.
Low maintenance is another key benefit – once the patina has stabilised, corten steel requires little upkeep, apart from occasional cleaning to remove debris or residue. Its earthy tones also blend well with garden settings, complementing a variety of outdoor design styles.
Integrating Water and Fire Features Into Your Garden
Complementary Focal Points
Water features and fire pits work best when they serve as distinct yet complementary focal points. For example, a cascading fountain can bring calmness to one area of the garden, while a corten steel fire pit provides warmth and vibrancy in another. Placing them at different ends of a garden can encourage movement through the space, drawing attention to both areas.
Shared Spaces
If space is limited, consider combining water and fire features in a single setting. A small patio can be revamped into a multi-functional area by placing a fire pit table alongside a compact water bowl.
3 Design Tips You Could Consider
- Contrast materials and textures for balance. Pair warm, earthy corten steel with cool stone or reflective water surfaces.
- Use surrounding plants or hardscaping to frame each feature. Grasses or shrubs can soften the edges of a water feature, while fire pits can be highlighted with natural stone or wooden seating.
- Incorporate height variations for visual interest, such as a raised fire column near a ground-level pool.
Find the Right Water Features and Fire Pits for Your Garden
We offer a stunning selection of water features and fire pits to suit every style and space. Our high-quality designs add warmth and character while standing up to harsh weather conditions. Explore our full range of garden features today, or contact our team for expert advice on selecting just the right piece.
