It always fun for the family to gather together and relax outside on warm summer evenings but what do you do in the spring or fall when evenings are chilly but you still want to be outside? You could build a backyard fireplace this can be quite a big project and you can’t take it with you if you move. One answer could be to use an outdoor fire pit. Fire pits bring the look and warmth of a campfire to your patio or backyard but in a very controlled and safe way. In addition many fire pits are portable, so you can take them on camping trips or if you move house or move them around on your patio or backyard to a more suitable place.
Fire Pit Styles and Designs
Fire pits come in a variety of different styles including a fire bowl design, camping rings, chimney style or tabletop fire pits. they also come in a variety of sizes from very small at about 20 inches in diameter, medium up to 35 inches, and very large up to 45 inches which are almost as big a patio table.! Of course your budget and the area where you are going to place your fire pit will decide which size you should buy. Cheap fire pits for around $99 are available but they may not last very long, two or three seasons and the most. Metal in these cheap models tends to be thin and prone to rusting and screens are not very sturdy and can fall apart. At the other extreme there are fire pits powered by gas from around $500 to more than $2000 which will last you for many years.
Fire Pit accessories
In addition to your outdoor fire pit you may also want to buy some accessories. Most fire pits are supplied with a screen to stop sparks from being a hazard but they often become bent and broken through use. Another accessory that is useful is a grill so you can cook on your fire pit! If you are going to leave it outside then you really should have a fire pit cover to protect it from the elements. Some also come with tables.
Fire Pit Safety
Always read the manufacturers instructions before you use your fire pit. it is not a good idea to use an outside fire pit on a wooden deck, a cement or tile floor or outside on the ground is much safer. You should also make sure you don’t use it close to anything that is flammable such as fences, trees or other wooden objects. Piled up dry grass or other dry plant material is also inflammable so be careful if you have just mowed the lawn!
Fire Pit Portability
When you decide on the type of outdoor firepit to buy consider if you want it to be portable. Some of the outdoor gas fire pits are heavy and not really easy to move. Smaller, lighter firepits can be moved around or taken on camping trips or to the beach.