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Sanctuary School & Studio
Welcome to our School & Studio! Where you can Learn "how It's Done" and pick out options via our studio below within the sub service you have selected to view:
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School: Knowledge on how the sub-service is done.
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Studio: Options on all materials/colors for selected sub-service.
Outdoor Amenities
Firepits
What are Firepits?
- Firepits are a popular addition to Orange County backyards, providing a cozy gathering spot for warmth, ambiance, and outdoor entertainment. At Sanctuary Design & Build, we offer three main types of firepits to suit your preferences and needs. Our custom-built firepits are constructed with CMU blocks and can be finished with a variety of materials, such as stucco, stone veneer, or tile, to complement your landscape design. For a more streamlined approach, we also offer firepit kits from reputable manufacturers like Angelus and Belgard, which provide a pre-designed structure ready for installation. And for those seeking a quick and easy solution, we offer prefabricated firepits in various styles and sizes. Whether you envision a cozy firepit nestled in your garden in Yorba Linda or a grand firepit as the centerpiece of your patio in Newport Beach, we can help you create the perfect outdoor gathering space in your Orange County home.
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School
Our official "How It's Done" section to help educate our clients to understand our industry leading installation process!​​
Course: HOW ARE CUSTOM & PRE-FAB/KITS FIREPITS INSTALLED?
Process - Firepit Installation Process
Discover our step by step guide on how we bring your Outdoor projects to life. Unless otherwise stated in your contract, all installations pertaining to Pre-fab/Kits & Custom Firepits are performed in the exact outlined method!
Let's Learn About Our 3 Options
1. Custom Firepits ($$$)
Custom firepits, on the other hand, are designed and built to the homeowner's specific preferences and needs. They offer greater creative control over size, shape, materials, and features. Custom firepits can be seamlessly integrated into the landscape design, incorporating elements like built-in seating, stonework, and unique finishes. While custom firepits generally require a larger investment and longer lead time, they provide a truly unique and personalized focal point for the outdoor living space.
Quick Comparison
Pros:
- Better design cohesion with the rest of the landscape due to ability to customize firepit to match surroundings and add lighting etc...
- Better flexibility of dimensions allowing firepit to match your needs.
- Warranty coverage by Sanctuary Care.
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Cons:
- Higher cost compared to prefabricated counterparts.
- Longer installation & lead time compared to prefabricated firepits.
2. Firepit Kits ($$)
Firepit kits offer a compelling middle ground between fully custom and prefabricated options. They provide the core components like fire-rated blocks and coping (and often metal inserts for the center), allowing for easier and faster assembly than custom firepits. While kits may offer less design flexibility than a fully custom build, they provide more options that match existing aesthetics if the kit uses a material that is used elsewhere in the landscape. Kits strike a balance between convenience and personalization.
Quick Comparison
Pros:
- More affordable than custom firepits.
- Faster installation than custom firepits.
- Warranty Coverage by Sanctuary Care.
- Long lasting materials.
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Cons:
- Limited flexibility of sizes, styles, and materials. Although the materials allow easy matching to market hardscapes they are hard to match otherwise.
- Maximum height per manufacturer specs.
- Less modern options available.
3. Prefabricated Firepits ($)
Prefabricated firepits are mass-produced and readily available at home improvement stores and online retailers. They offer convenience and affordability, coming in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials, such as steel, cast iron, and concrete. Prefabricated firepits are typically easier and quicker to install, often requiring minimal assembly. However, they may offer limited design flexibility and customization options.
Quick Comparison
Pros:
- Affordable cost due to mass produced materials & pre-assembly along with easier installation.
- Quick installation and turn-around.
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Cons:
- Limited flexibility of sizes, styles, and materials.
- Warranty is limited to the manufacturer warranty offered.
- Typically shorter lifespan of materials and firepit in general.
How Are The 3 Options Installed?
Option 1: Custom Firepit Options
Phase 1: Foundation & Base
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The ideal location for the fire pit is carefully selected, considering factors like level ground, proximity to the home/gas line, and prevailing winds.
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The area is excavated, and a sturdy concrete footing is constructed, extending beyond the fire pit's perimeter (typically per code 1/2 times the height of the firepit) to ensure a stable and long-lasting foundation.
Phase 2: Building the Walls
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CMU blocks are meticulously laid to create the desired shape and height of your fire pit. Precision and expertise are employed to ensure the walls are level, plumb, and structurally sound.
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For added strength and stability, the structure is reinforced with steel rebar, particularly for taller fire pits, guaranteeing a safe and durable fire pit for years to come.
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CMU blocks are grouted and sealed after 24" rebar is installed as needed.
Phase 3: Finishing Touches
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A chosen finish is applied to the exterior of the fire pit. This could include a smooth plaster finish, a vibrant paint color, or a natural stone veneer to seamlessly integrate with your existing landscape.
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A wall cap is installed to top off the fire pit, providing a clean, finished look and protecting the gas insert.
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By standard this process involves a gas firepit.
You will find our School & Studio on:
Option 2: Firepit Kits
Phase 1: Foundation & Base
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The ideal location for the fire pit is carefully selected, considering factors like level ground, proximity to the home/gas line, and prevailing winds.
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The area is excavated, and a sturdy concrete footing is constructed, extending beyond the fire pit's perimeter (typically per code 1/2 times the height of the firepit) to ensure a stable and long-lasting foundation.
Phase 2: Building the Firepit
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A Stone firepit kit is selected and professionally installed and stacked. This creates a stunning and structurally sound fire pit that will enhance your outdoor living space and come at a lower cost than a fully custom firepit with finishes such as Method 1.
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A gas fire pit insert is seamlessly incorporated and connected to a gas line for a hassle-free fire experience.
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A wall cap matching the stacking stones you have chosen is used to finish the top of the wall off properly as chosen.
Option 3: Prefabricated Firepits
Phase 1: Preparation & Installation
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A suitable location is selected, taking into account factors such as level ground, proximity to seating areas, and safe distances from structures and flammable materials.
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The area is cleared and leveled to provide a stable foundation for the fire pit.
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The prefabricated fire pit is positioned and assembled according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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For gas fire pits, a qualified technician connects the unit to the existing gas line, ensuring a safe and efficient installation.
Phase 2: Finishing Touches
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If included in the prefabricated package, decorative elements such as lava rocks or fire glass are added to enhance the fire pit's appearance.
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If additionally included in the prefabricated package; Safety screens or covers may be installed to protect against accidental contact with the flames or embers.
Diagram of a Gas Firepit
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Studio
Our Official Studio will guide you through all options we carry within the selected category to expertly guide you in your decision making process!
Studio Display: Our Options on Firepits!
Let's Design Your Firepit!
Below you will find 3 options same as in the sections above with detailed breakdowns of our options available within the respective section. These options are:
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1. Custom Firepits
2. Firepit Kits
3. Pre-fabricated Firepits
1. Custom Firepit Options
To design your new custom firepit we must take the following simple steps!
I. Pick Your Build
Square
Rectangular
Circular
Diameter / Width​
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Small: 3'x3'
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Medium: 4-5'x4-5'
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Large: 6'x6' +
Height
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Small: 14"
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Medium: 18"
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Large: 20" +
Our firepits are constructed with CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) blocks, if you are interested to learn more about CMU please click the image below to be taken to our MASONRY - CMU MASONRY School & Studio page:
First pick a shape above then a size. Sizes are customizable however you can use the guide below as a general widely used rule of thumb in regards to the average diameter/width & height of firepits.​​
Textured Stucco
II. Pick Your Wall Finish
Tile
Smooth Stucco
Veneer Stone
Click here to learn more about what a Firepit Finish is through Sanctuary School & Studio.
Sanctuary Schematics PDF
Next we will need to pick a finish for our firepit wall, the exterior portion of the height of the firepit. Above are the options for the finish.
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(You can select the schematic to the left to understand better what a wall finish is)
You'll need to lock in an exact color (or style if veneer is selected) for your new finish, for that you can visit our Finishes section via the button below.
Click the button above to learn more about our options of stucco, paint colors, & stone veneers!
III. Pick Your Cap Stone
Natural Stone
Porcelain
Precast Concrete
Click here to learn more about what a Wall Cap is through Sanctuary School & Studio.
Sanctuary Schematics PDF
Next we will need to pick a wall cap for our firepit wall. Above are the options for wall caps in terms of category.
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(You can select the schematic to the left to understand better what a wall cap is)
You'll need to lock in an exact color or style for your new wall cap, for that you can visit our Masonry - Wall Cap section via the button below.
Click the button above to learn more about our options of Wall Caps!
IV. Pick Final Touches
Infill Glass or Rocks
Infill rocks for a firepit are decorative materials used to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the fire feature. Options like lava glass, lava rocks, and glass pebbles not only provide a beautiful backdrop for the flames but also help with heat retention and distribution. Lava glass offers a unique shimmer and is available in various colors, while lava rocks are durable and provide a rustic look. Glass pebbles add a modern touch with their smooth, polished finish, making a popular choice for contemporary outdoor spaces.
Click here to learn more about what a Infill Glass is through Sanctuary School & Studio.
Sanctuary Schematics PDF
​(You can select the schematic to the top to understand better what we mean by Infill Glass)
Mini Rocks
Gray Mini Pebbles
Lava Glass
Lava Beads
(OPTIONAL)
Firepit Wind Guards
We carry Circular, Rectangular, & Square sized wind guards shaped and ordered to size of your new firepit!
2. Firepit Kit Options
To see up-to-date Information on the WESTON FIRE PIT please visit Belgard Directly at:
https://www.belgard.com/products/fire-pit-kits/weston-stone-fire-pit/
Belgard Weston Firepit Kit
Available In 2 Colors
Victorian
Toscana
3. Prefabricated Firepit Options
In this section you will find our selection of prefabricated firepits with links to the origination of the firepit.
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We are able to install any prefabricated firepit per request however the listed ones below have been tested and we can assure they work well and look good! You are also able to use the links to our partner websites to view other selections or options.
There's a whole world of em' out there!
Mist Grey
Pottery Barn - Burrows
Steel Rectangular Fire Pit
(Available in 50" & 70") (Propane)
Light Grey
Wayfair - FEN
Concrete Round Fire Pit
(Available in 39.5") (Propane)
Fog
West Elm - XIA
Round Glass Fiber Concrete Firepit
(Available in 38" & 48") (Propane & Gas)
Natural Concrete
Wayfair - Rashid
Concrete Rectangular Firepit
(Available in 56") (Propane)