| One of the interesting trends in home and | | | | higher end models, the decoration gets more |
| patio renovations are fire pits; these can be | | | | elaborate, as do the materials. Expensive |
| fairly elaborate set ups, or a couple of | | | | fire pit tables that are made with granite |
| steps up from waste paper burning in a steel | | | | tops and similar can set you back a couple of |
| waste basket. However, as the trend has | | | | grand, so be sure it's something you'll |
| grown, a definite market has grown around | | | | either want, or will improve the resale value |
| people wanting a safe place in their back | | | | of your home...or buy a cheaper one, see how |
| yards to roast marshmallows and socialize, | | | | well and often you actually use it, and then |
| hence the fire pit table. The first and | | | | decide if it's worth doing a permanent |
| primary purpose of a fire pit table is to | | | | installation. Another concern for fire pit |
| take the burning elements off the ground, | | | | tables is durability and weathering. |
| where stray sparks can cause brushfires. By | | | | Particularly if you live in a part of the |
| elevating it, you also gain the benefit of | | | | country that sees a regular freeze/thaw |
| getting to sit around the table, in a | | | | cycle, any kind of porous material will |
| comfortable chair, like a real human being. | | | | eventually crumble due to that. This rules |
| Particularly for those who're a little older, | | | | out a lot of the fancier fire pits, like |
| it's a lot more comfortable than kneeling or | | | | those lined with tile or ceramic overlays - |
| crouching. Fire pit tables also make | | | | the bonding agents generally can't stand up |
| maintenance a lot easier; the burning | | | | to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. In very dry |
| elements are kept off the ground, and are | | | | and arid climates, you may need to get |
| usually removable from the table itself, | | | | special permits to have a fire pit at all. |
| allowing you to fill them with detergent or | | | | While fire pits and fire pit tables add a |
| vinegar to clean them. The basic | | | | certain rustic charm to your home and your |
| configuration of a fire pit table looks a | | | | backyard décor, and are very customizable, |
| little bit like a mobile television stand - | | | | remember that they are a fire hazard. They |
| it's got a sturdy frame, a cooking surface, | | | | may not be appropriate if you have small |
| and a recessed basket, usually with a cover, | | | | children around, and safety is always a must. |
| that you can build the fire in. Construction | | | | Make sure you've got a good class C fire |
| tends to be out of welded steel, or (rarely) | | | | extinguisher handy near your fire pit table. |
| aluminum for the low-end models. For the | | | | |