Haute, Haute, Haute

Temperatures may be soaring, but valley residents are still fans of the flame when it comes to accessorizing their homes.

"Fire is the hottest thing, pun intended," said Bruce Spangrud, president of Galaxy Outdoor, a Las Vegas-based manufacturer of outdoor fire features, including tables, pits, barbecues and kitchens.

A fire feature adds ambiance to virtually any location. Additionally, depending on the type and size of the feature, it can have practical applications, such as heating a space or cooking.

Spangrud said his company can customize a fire feature to virtually any size or shape. Especially popular are tables with a fire feature in the middle and space around the perimeter for eating.

In addition to selecting the basic shape of a fire feature, people can choose the media directly above the burners. Choices include lava rocks, fire logs and fire glass, which comes in about 40 colors and sizes that range from one-quarter inch to 2 inches.

Depending on your space and preference, the flames can be fueled by natural gas, propane or butane. Spangrud said his personal preference is natural gas because it can be on for an unlimited amount of time.

"When I turn on my gas, I want to just turn on the gas. I don't want to have to change (a propane or butane tank) in the middle of a party," he said.

For that same reason, he doesn't recommend gel. Additionally, it only produces a small flame and is easily extinguished by wind.

"In Las Vegas, with our winds, they wouldn't last 30 seconds."

Often, the location where the fire feature will be placed will determine what type of fuel to use. Spangrud said running a natural gas line can cost as much as $50 per linear foot.

Spangrud cautions local residents to be aware of government regulations and permit requirements before they begin any project, especially those involving fire. He said Clark County has a ban on wood-burning fire features and any permanent features have to be properly permitted.

Even though many of his outdoor fire features look permanent, all can be taken apart and reassembled so that no permits are necessary. A natural gas line running to the fire feature, however, does have to be permitted.

Spangrud said fire pits, tables and barbecues can be placed on practically any surface including concrete and flagstones. "I have even put them on sand," he added.

Galaxy Outdoor sells both finished and unfinished pieces, allowing a homeowner to customize the exterior to match the residence or save money by completing the unit. An unfinished piece lacks the exterior coating and top; the bases, made of Schedule 160 galvanized steel tubing, steel studs and cement board, also include the necessary burners and hoses.

He said unfinished fire features average between $495 and $3,000, while finished pieces sell for between $995 and $6,000. The choice about which type to purchase depends on your abilities.

When it comes to selecting an outdoor fire feature, Spangrud said more and more people are selecting a fire pit or a fire table versus a traditional fireplace.

A fireplace is more limited in where it can be placed and also can be viewed and enjoyed from just one side.

"With a fire pit or a fire table, you can sit all the way around it," he said.

Although outdoor fireplaces have been waning in popularity, they are still a much-in-demand feature for inside the home.

An indoor fireplace can be easily added without having to perform a major remodel. Just as you would plug in a toaster on your kitchen counter, you can plug in a fireplace in your living or family room, said Brian Brigham, marketing director for Twin Star International, a Florida-based manufacturer of electric fireplaces and furnishings.

"They go into a standard plug and sit right against the wall. They look just like a built-in," Brigham said.

Although plug-in fireplaces do not have a real flame, technology has allowed Twin Star to use energy-efficient LED lights to create lifelike flames.

"There are so many different styles and different finishes. Some are very contemporary, and they go all the way to transitional and classic. You can customize it right down to the fireplace screens and glass doors," he said.

At the upcoming Las Vegas Market, set to begin July 30 at World Market Center Las Vegas, Twin Star plans to debut several new models including the Astoria, which has a marble top and a decorative metal grate in front.

Plug-in fireplaces also offer an alternative to heating the entire home, Brigham said.

"They are capable of heating a 1,000-square-foot room and raising the temperature by 10 degrees," he said, noting the company's claim was verified by Intertek, an independent firm.

Depending on how you normally heat and use your home, a fireplace with an infrared system can help you reduce heating costs considerably, he said.

"You save money because you are not heating the rest of your house," Brigham said.

The amount you save also depends on the cost of natural gas versus electricity.

And if space is at a premium, you can get entertainment consoles with built-in fireplaces and/or wine chillers, Brigham said. Twin Star's Classic Flame brand offers are variety of multifunctional pieces in styles that range from contemporary to traditional.

Prices start at a few hundred dollars and go to several thousand, depending on style and features.