Fire pits are a great addition to the front and the back yards. Allowing an opportunity to spend a great time around the fire, fire pits bring in warmth and joy to back gardens and outdoor patio areas. Nothing can brighten up the back yard as good as a fire pit. As pointed out by the American Society of Landscape Architects, outdoor fireplaces or fire pits enjoy prime position among requested design features. This is not at all surprising. Adding a fire pit is a fun way to liven up evenings and get the whole family together regardless of the weather.
No doubt, fire pits are a great option for warming up your hands and feet, but they are also a great option for making marshmallows. Moreover, they also act as a decorative item, adding up to the beauty of your garden. Fire pits are portable as well as easy to clean, and mobile fireplaces do not even involve installation hassle.
If you are eager to find a fire pit for your backyard, you need to consider a few aspects. Let us take a look at them.
Pick up Your Preferred Style
Fire pits are available in different styles. You can opt for built-in fire pits or portable pieces with which you can move around the yard. If you opt for the built-in models, there are several finishing materials available like stone, brick and concrete.
The popular models are those featuring bowl- and square-shaped versions. You can also get fire pits that look like low tables.
If you want a portable model, it is better to go for the bowl-shaped ones. They are easier to carry. In case you need a stationary pit, you can opt for the square shaped ones.
Decide on Fuel
Some of the most popular fuel choices are propane, natural gas, and wood. Gas-fueled fire pits are preferred by individuals who want a cleaner as well as brighter fire and don’t intend to get into the hassle of purchasing firewood. Wood burning fire pits, on the other hand, are preferred by those who like the smell of wood and love to sit by a cozy crackling fire. This option is quite cost effective as well compared to propane.
Space will be restricting your option. Wood burning pits need a bigger pit ring as compared to other options. This is essential to ensure safety.
Consider Available Space
Fire pits are available in different sizes. You need to consider the amount of available space before you purchase a fire pit. If you don’t have much space, it is better to go for pits that are shaped like a bowl.
Regardless of whether you are considering the usage of a portable fire pit or planning to install a permanent one, fire investigators point out that positioning them is key to safety.
Here are a few tips to position a fire pit
- Keep the fire pit a minimum of 10 feet away from other structures. This will keep surrounding structures and furniture safe and will also offer you adequate space to move around.
- Avoid putting the fire pit on wooden deck or directly on grass
- Stay away from positioning the fire pit under a covered porch or close to low hanging branches of trees.
- Place fire pits on non-flammable surfaces like patio blocks.
Safety Measures to Undertake While Using A Fire Pit
You must take a few safety measures whenever fire is involved. This is true while you use fire pits as well. Here are a few precautions you must take while using a fire pit.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy
- Don’t leave the pit unattended. Extinguish the fire completely well before you go indoors
- Never light a fire in windy conditions. Stray sparks can lead to a huge fire
- Invest in wire meshes to prevent pets and children from falling into fire
- Never put paper or garbage in the fire
With all necessary tips handy, it’s time to choose a fire pit for your backyard. Make sure to observe safety guidelines to ward off disaster possibilities.
Kent Charlie is associated with a vehicle registration agency that also deals with the personal number plate design. He has also been writing for many online publications on a freelance basis. Kent loves travelling and adventure riding, which he often does alone. Collecting heritage car number plates is one of his favorites and he takes pride of that. He takes inspiration from Plates4Less which sells number plates for vehicles.
