Dana-firepit-12x1212' x 12' Pergola Kit Assembled over Fire Pit

To the Celtics a The Hearth Is The Heart of the Home; British soldiers sang Keep the Home Fires Burning; Romans said, Look After the Hearth and idioms such as Home is Where the Hearth is expresses deeply felt emotions centered around fire as a symbol of the heart of the home. There is something about fire that intrigues us, creating a symbol of hospitality, a welcome atmosphere that invites us to feel safe and warm.

In early Colonial America, first President, President George Washington would stand in front the hearth in the living room as dignitaries were introduced to him and afterwards form into a large circle to converse around the fireplace. Since the beginnings of America the fireplace has been a social place where the household read books, discussed news, played games, gathered for events and received guests.

Fire has been viewed as more than just a means of warmth and cooking food. Hebrews, Chinese and Christians view fire as being a symbol of divinity. The ancient Hebrew word for fire is "אש" pronounced as esh, which is the parent root of "איש" pronounced as iysh, meaning man. Fire and man in the ancient Hebrew perspective are related. Genesis tells of God forming man in the same fashion a fire was created.

Before lighters or matches were invented fire was ignited using tinder and bow drill consisting of a bow, string, rod, handle and fire board. In a short synopsis, basically as friction is caused from moving the bow back and forth, the fire maker blows on the dust to create more heat and it ignites into flames.

In Genesis 2:7 it says, And the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living soul.

Vuona1_12x1612' x 16' Pergola Kit with Fireplace & Seating Area

Whether it is winter or on a chili summer evening the hearth enclosed blaze of a fire or glowing fire pit adds warmth and ambience to an outdoor room or backyard landscape.

The purpose of a pergola is not to block out the sun, but to give relief from the direct sunlight and allows the air to circulate freely. A pergola creates a perfect setting for an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.

A pergola covering the outdoor fireplace or fire pit in the backyard offers freedom from the normal routine and the delight of a camping atmosphere while enjoying the conveniences and cleanliness of home.

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There are sizes for various entertainment needs discussed below of standard combinations or custom designs of Western Timber Frame DIY pergola kits and can be installed easily and quickly in just a few short hours. A strong, durable timber frame pergola is aesthetically pleasing and will suit almost any outdoor setting. There are a few things to consider if you do not already have an existing fireplace or fire pit before deciding on the size of DIY pergola kit best suited to your needs. With a pergola or overhead enclosed porch you may not need as large a fireplace as a pergola will help to retain some of the heat.

FInley-fireplace-14x1614' x 16' Pergola Kit with Fireplace

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Outdoor fireplaces today are not all fueled by traditional firewood as in times past; some run on natural gas or propane. A nice feature with this is the ability to turn a knob and shut it off when you are finished. The regulations vary with different areas. In some places burning firewood is prohibited due to emission concerns while gas fueled fireplaces are allowed. Homeowner associations can also have similar restrictions to visible fire impeding upon the sight line of another property. DIY outdoor fireplace kits are an option and can help in keeping within a budget. A fireplace or fire pit is a safety issue and should be installed according to local building and safety regulations and of course a fire should never be left unsupervised.

If you already have an existing fireplace or fire pit you are already well on your way to an even better outdoor living area. Pergolas are offered in many different materials and designs. Timber frame is the strongest most durable material, giving the most human friendly comfort in temperatures of any pergola available.

Of the four elements, earth, air fire and water; fire is the only element than man is able to produce, which is why ancient Egyptian cultures believed fire to be a connection between the gods and mortal man. Ancient Chinese physics names five elements; water, wood, earth, fire and metal. In alchemical symbolism, metal was incubated in the womb of the earth by fire.

Atkinson12;15x32Installed 12' x 15' Pergola Kit over Fire Pit

The oldest Chinese classical text known as Feng shui describes their ancient philosophy of generation as: Wood feeds Fire; Fire creates Earth; (as in ashes) Earth bears Metal; Metal collects Water; Water nourishes Wood.

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pergola-outdoor-kitchen-2Installed 14' x 17 Pergola Kit with Fireplace

All Western Timber Frame DIY Pergola Kits are technically custom but do come in standard sizes. They are easy and fast to install but can be installed for you if you prefer. Here are some size choices for various entertainment needs.

Lounge Size: A standard size of 10'x10' up to 12'x12' is more conducive to smaller areas as a place to enjoy a romantic evening or share company with a friend. Family Size The 12’ x 14’ on up to a 14’ x 16’ is ideal for years of gatherings with family and friends for barbecues and outdoor entertainment. Entertainment Size A 16’ x 16’ + size is optimal for really large outdoor gatherings, outdoor kitchens, bars and multiple outdoor living accessories.

Designing with timber frame makes it easy to use smaller pergolas together implementing a variety of styles that can break up and enhance the landscape. Landscaping can also be done in phases, defining for future landscape amenities as well.

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Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. --William Butler Yeats

Throughout the world's various languages and literature, there seems to be common thread of a fascination with fire, referring to it in terms of life, love or a passion.

The flickering dance of a fire is mesmeric, its glowing warmth with the savoring flavors of fire-baked food is regenerating. We may not totally understand fire in all its flaming beauty but fire is an element of that draws us together for intimate exchange of communication, comfort and acceptance.

A timber frame pergola kit installed over or next to an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is an awesome backyard focal point to draw the family and friends together.

Get the Free Ultimate Pergola and Pavilion Guide

Get the Free Ultimate Pergola and Pavilion Guide