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