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