| Since the beginning of time, families and friends have | | | | fireplace or fire pit that you can see over when |
| gathered around fires for companionship, dining, and | | | | seated. |
| entertaining. As the patio and garden evolve into | | | | All fires have some smoke. If avoiding smoke is |
| outdoor entertainment rooms, many people are | | | | important to your enjoyment of your outdoor |
| looking for ways to add outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, | | | | fireplace or fire pit, consider one with a chimney that |
| or fire bowls to their outdoor spaces. But not all | | | | directs the smoke up and away from you or one |
| outdoor fireplaces and fire pits will serve you equally | | | | with tempered glass sides. |
| well. Below are some tips for selecting an outdoor | | | | Iron eventually will rust. Even the finest, exterior |
| fireplace, fire bowl, or fire pit that will best serve | | | | grade wrought iron will eventually rust. Touch up any |
| your needs: | | | | scratches with a rust-preventative, high temperature |
| Consider your needs. Before buying, consider what | | | | rated paint to extend the life of any outdoor |
| you want from your outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Are | | | | fireplace or fire pit with wrought iron components. |
| you looking primarily for heat to take the chill off the | | | | Neither stainless steel nor copper will rust. |
| evenings so you can enjoy your outdoor space for | | | | Does portability matter to you? If you think you |
| more of the year? Are you mainly looking for a fire | | | | might want to take your fire pit to the lake or |
| everyone can gather around for socializing? Do you | | | | beach, to the mountains or park, to the tail gate |
| also want the ability to cook over the flames of your | | | | party or the family reunion, to the back of the |
| fire? | | | | garden or to the patio, then an outdoor fire pit or |
| Height matters. A fire pit in or on the ground gives a | | | | fireplace that you can move may be more |
| real campfire feel. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits | | | | appropriate for you. Some have wheels, others are |
| that elevate the fire bowl place the fire closer to | | | | lightweight enough to move easily, and some even |
| eye-level viewing yet usually low enough to see over | | | | fold for portability and come with carrying cases. |
| from a seated position. Do you want to be able to | | | | With a bit of forethought to your needs and planned |
| visit easily with people sitting on the other side of | | | | use, you can select the perfect outdoor fire pit, |
| the fire? If so, you will probably prefer an outdoor | | | | fireplace, or fire bowl for your needs. |