| Having a backyard fire pit is an idea that | | | | prevent this from happening by using granite |
| has been around for years. Backyard fire pits | | | | or other nonporous rock to construct stone |
| have definitely evolved from the original | | | | backyard fire pits or make an inner ring of |
| hole in the ground type. They are now | | | | firebrick that is several feet inside the |
| decorative accessories that create an outdoor | | | | brick or masonry outer ring. Gas Fire Pits |
| living area that you can share with family | | | | You should consider a gas fire pit, which is |
| and friends. There are many options available | | | | like a gas barbeque or grill, and runs on |
| for you to choose from and produce the | | | | either propane or natural gas. Most gas |
| ultimate warming glow of firelight in your | | | | backyard fire pit kits will come with faux |
| backyard. Metal Fire Pits The basic model for | | | | logs, lava rocks and sometimes even |
| a metal fire pit is a large steel ring with | | | | decorative colored glass. You should avoid |
| decorative cutouts for ventilation and flame | | | | inexpensive backyard fire pit gas models that |
| viewing. The steel rings can be purchased at | | | | have nothing more than metal tubes with holes |
| most home and garden centers for less than | | | | for the flames. Typically these types of gas |
| $100. The ring is placed on the ground or in | | | | fire pits are not UL-approved and could cause |
| an area that has either sand or stone and the | | | | you problems. The nice thing about gas fire |
| fire is built in the center of the ring. The | | | | pits is that they don't need as much |
| ring is designed to contain the fire. You | | | | clearance from flammable surfaces as the open |
| could also choose a metal bowl that sets on | | | | flame fire pits and they can usually be used |
| legs. The bowls are approximately 2 to 3 feet | | | | in suburban or urban areas where wood fire |
| in diameter and are made from copper, steel | | | | are restricted. Backyard fire pits that are |
| or aluminum. A metal bowl backyard fire pit | | | | gas can be turn on and off instantly. Clean |
| ranges from $100 to $500 and can be set | | | | up is also minimal because gas fire pits |
| anywhere on the patio or lawn. Be aware that | | | | don't produce ash or embers. There are so |
| the metal bowls will get extremely hot and | | | | many different styles to choose from that you |
| models with shorter legs could pose a fire | | | | surely can find one model that fits into the |
| hazard if set on a surface that is flammable, | | | | backyard fire pit design you have in mind. |
| such as a wood deck or dry grass. Some of the | | | | The disadvantages of a gas fire pit is that |
| metal bowl models will come with grills for | | | | you can't cook on them, you typically have to |
| cooking or wire mesh screens to keep the | | | | have quite a bit of gas to get the same |
| burning embers from flying around and inside | | | | affect as a wood fire and they are generally |
| the bowl. Masonry and Stone If you want a | | | | more expensive. A gas backyard fire pit can |
| more permanent, formal backyard fire pit than | | | | cost between several hundred to several |
| you might want to consider going with a stone | | | | thousand dollars and doesn't quite have the |
| or masonry pit. These fire pits can be as | | | | same effect or smell as a wood fire. |
| small or as large as you desire or what your | | | | Regardless of which style of backyard fire |
| backyard area can comfortably support. The | | | | pit you decide to go with, there is no |
| fires that you have in these fire pits should | | | | denying the effect of a crackling fire in the |
| never be more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 | | | | great outdoors. It is not only beautiful but |
| feet high. You'll want to check and see if | | | | there is no way to wind down from a long day |
| there are any specific building or fire codes | | | | than to gaze into a glowing ember, cozy |
| that you need to conform to prior to building | | | | within the warmth of a backyard fire pit. |
| a permanent fire pit. Because brick, concrete | | | | |
| block, slate or sandstone is a porous | | | | Jayme Hanson operates an information site |
| material they can get hot enough for moisture | | | | about Best Landscaping Ideas. Articles |
| inside the material to cause them to crack or | | | | include information on Container Plant Ideas, |
| even in extreme cases, explode. You can | | | | Small Backyard Designs and Patio Deck Ideas. |