Do I need a permit for a fire pit?

It depends on your specific municipality. In many local areas like Niles and South Bend, recreational fires are permitted if they are in an approved container (like our masonry pits) and meet specific setback requirements—typically 15 to 25 feet from a structure. We handle all code compliance checks to ensure your project is legal and safe.

Which is warmer: Gas or Wood?

Generally, wood burns hotter and radiates more heat, making it ideal for extending the season into late autumn. However, gas provides instant convenience. If you want maximum warmth with the ease of a switch, we can install high-BTU brass burners (like Crossfire) that produce a massive, full flame rivaling real wood.

Will a stone fire pit crack in winter?

Not if built to our standards. We use high-PSI concrete wall units and dense natural stones that have low water absorption rates. Combined with our deep drainage engineering, our fire pits are built to handle the freeze-thaw cycle without issue.

Can you reduce the smoke from a wood fire?

Yes. We highly recommend installing a smokeless insert system. These stainless steel liners superheat the air to burn off smoke particles, making the experience much more enjoyable for you and your neighbors.

Outdoor natural fire pit installed with pea stone sitting area

Custom Fire Pits

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The Hearth of the Home. Built for Connection. Engineered for Winters.

There is a magnetic quality to fire. It pulls people together. It turns a dark, chilly backyard into a warm, inviting destination. In an era of digital distraction, a custom fire feature acts as the original social network—a place where phones are put away, stories are shared, and memories are forged.

At Salzman Services LLC, we don't just stack blocks; we architect social sanctuaries. Whether you are roasting marshmallows with the grandkids or hosting an autumn game-day party, our fire features are designed to be the social heart of your outdoor lifestyle.

Outdoor natural fire pit installed in Berrien County MI

The Technical Standard

We refuse to build "disposable" hardscapes. A Salzman fire feature is built with the same rigorous standards as our structural walls, ensuring it remains the centerpiece of your patio for decades.

Heavy-Gauge Steel Infrastructure

Cheap fire rings rust and warp after a few intense fires. We install only heavy-gauge, 304 stainless steel or Corten steel inserts. These commercial-grade liners act as a structural shield, absorbing the intense heat of the fire so your decorative masonry is never exposed to direct thermal shock, preventing the structural cracks common in lesser builds.

Smokeless Technology Integration

The number one complaint about backyard fires is the smoke. We specialize in integrating advanced smokeless units (like Breeo) directly into our custom masonry. By utilizing a double-wall convection system, these units re-burn smoke before it leaves the pit, giving you maximum warmth without the "campfire tears."

Engineered Concrete Capstones

The top ledge of a fire pit (the coping) takes the most abuse from weather and wear. While natural stone can delaminate or be uncomfortable to sit on, we prefer premium engineered concrete coping (such as Unilock Brussels Fullnose). These units are manufactured to be virtually non-porous, making them immune to freeze-thaw cracking while providing a smooth, uniform seat that won't snag your clothes

The most common mistake in DIY fire pits is a lack of seating. Flimsy lawn chairs often get blown over or sink into the mud.

Permanent Seating: We recommend integrating permanent seat walls into your design. A circular seat wall creates a non-hierarchical gathering space where everyone is equidistant from the warmth.
Wind & Heat Management: A curved "C-Shape" bench acts as a windbreak, blocking the chilly October breeze while reflecting the fire's radiant heat back toward your guests, effectively extending your outdoor hosting season by months.

The Social Benefit

Your backyard should be your "Third Place"—a sanctuary separate from the stress of the office and the chores inside the house. We design fire features to facilitate this psychological shift.