| How many times have you looked at those | | | | versatility. That is the portable option. |
| spectacular stone or masonry fireplaces and | | | | This is one of my favorites. They come in a |
| thought how wonderful it would be to have one | | | | variety of styles models and price ranges. |
| sitting at the end of your own patio? Then | | | | Many are simply a metal fire bowel made of |
| reality sets in and you realize the expense | | | | copper suitable for burning wood or charcoal. |
| of adding such fireplace is prohibitive. Or | | | | Equipped with a grill they are perfect for |
| maybe you just don't have the space handle a | | | | cookouts. Being portable they can go just |
| large structure like that. Well all certainly | | | | about anywhere. Those family outings to the |
| is not lost. You still can have that outdoor | | | | beach will never be the same. If you want |
| fireplace that will fit any space and budget. | | | | something a little more formal, there are |
| The solution lies in one of the many types of | | | | many alternatives to choose from. Models come |
| fire pits or fire tables as they are often | | | | in many different designs. Some of my |
| called. The extremely popular chiminea was | | | | favorites are made from glass fiber |
| one of the first of this category to appear | | | | reinforced concrete. The come in a wide |
| some years ago. Made of clay, cast iron or | | | | variety of styles and models. Choose you |
| steel they are characterized by their large | | | | preferred color such as grey, white, |
| round fire chamber and tall thin chimney. | | | | terracotta, etc. and you will have a |
| They bring a piece of the old world charm to | | | | spectacular addition to your patio. Another |
| the patio or deck area. And now you have | | | | common material is granite. With the weight |
| available many varieties of these smaller | | | | of granite these won't be as portable so you |
| outdoor fire pits that can bring the warmth | | | | want to decide where they are going to go |
| and ambiance of an outdoor fireplace at a | | | | ahead of time. Once in place they will be |
| fraction of the cost. The fire pit can be | | | | spectacular. The fire pit is a perfect |
| permanently installed in your backyard, but | | | | addition as our outdoor environments are |
| the portable models available can meet almost | | | | transformed into truly outdoor entertainment |
| any situation and budget requirement. Most | | | | centers. The fire pit is small enough to fit |
| will burn wood, natural gas or propane. | | | | into anyone's budget yet dramatic enough to |
| Whether you choose a built in or portable | | | | be an outdoor focal point. If you have enough |
| fire pit they are much smaller, easier to | | | | space, consider adding more than one. With |
| install and far less expensive than an | | | | variety of styles and functional designs, |
| elaborate outdoor stone fireplace. Now if you | | | | they can create vastly different settings |
| chose to build one, be sure to use a fire pit | | | | around the patio. What ever your particular |
| kit. With these you can build up a brick or | | | | needs are, the fire pit has become a very |
| concrete enclosure that will be spectacular. | | | | elegant and versatile way to add the charm |
| These kits will include everything you need | | | | and warmth of a cozy fire to your patio or |
| to get the job done right and without a lot | | | | outdoor living space. If you haven't |
| hassle. If you don't go the kit route, you | | | | considered them, you really should. They will |
| can buy the needed components individually | | | | make your patio the envy of all your friends. |
| but you have to make sure they all work | | | | |
| together. The major components needed include | | | | John Stoner is the owner of Patio Furniture, |
| a frame, fire ring for dispersing the natural | | | | Fountains and Fireplaces a website featuring |
| or propane gas, ignition system (match lit or | | | | decorating tips and ideas for the home, |
| electronic ignition) and log set. Do your | | | | patio, deck and garden. Here you'll find more |
| research if you choose to go this route. | | | | information on outdoor fire pits and fire |
| There is an even more popular option and one | | | | tables. |
| that gives you more flexibility and | | | | |