| I know you've already felt it: a cool settling into the | | | | of cords you would for a fireplace. To avoid safety |
| summer night and the dimming of our trusty blue sky | | | | hazards and general maintenance of your fire pit, you |
| coming earlier and earlier. With summer too quickly | | | | should never try to burn a pressed wood or fire log |
| reaching a close and cool Autumn on its way, it's time | | | | (paper-enclosed quick-light). The reason being; that |
| to spark up the fireplace, and brace ourselves for | | | | because firelogs are made from sawdust materials, |
| chilly and chillier temps. But don't start batting down | | | | they will burn hotter than a fire pit crafted for cord |
| the hatches yet! With the ever-increasing popularity | | | | wood can handle. Some fire pits, however, will offer |
| of outdoor fire pits, you can stretch the summer and | | | | the versatility of burning cordwood, pressed wood, |
| fall nights out in comfort, and enjoy the beauty of | | | | and firelogs; in its safety specifications. Just |
| nature a little longer, and a lot warmer! | | | | remember that, unlike regular wood, only one firelog |
| Now...how do you know what kind of fire pit is best | | | | should be burnt at a time. Also note that if a fire pit's |
| suited to needs and lifestyle? Should you use wood | | | | specs allows for pressed wood, it will be able to burn |
| or gas? What shape or design should you look for? | | | | the somewhat comparable firelogs. The alternative to |
| And most importantly, how can you ensure that your | | | | wood-fire is a gas hook-up. Gas will burn cleaner than |
| new toasty outdoor fire is maintained and used | | | | wood, uses ceramic logs and fake burning coals, and |
| safely? A fire pit is not quite a fireplace and not quite | | | | can provide you with an almost-real look and warmth |
| a campfire: it's a completely different animal. That's | | | | for your trip or patio. The only catch with |
| why we've included important tips on differentiating | | | | gas-powered outdoor heat is that it requires more |
| between kinds, shapes, functions, and costs, as well | | | | close and constant attention, due to its limitless |
| as including crucial safety tips for your fire pit. | | | | supply of flammable energy. |
| · Permanent or Portable? | | | | · Costs? |
| Before you even start researching outdoor fire pits, | | | | Cost is always a significant factor to look into when |
| you must first check the city or zone ordinance to | | | | scouting for an outdoor fire pit. Portable fire pit units |
| make sure they allow fire pits, what type of fire pits, | | | | are the simplest, cost-effective solution to your |
| and what the safety parameters are. Once this is | | | | outdoor heating. Depending upon the varying |
| done, your first step is deciding whether you could | | | | features and supplies the portable comes with, it will |
| most benefit from a portable fire pit or one that is | | | | typically range anywhere from $150-$500. This is due |
| permanent. Portable fire pits are typically fashioned | | | | to the fact that your portable fire pit is built of lighter |
| out of lightweight metal (Mexican chimneas are made | | | | and subsequently, less durable materials for easy |
| of clay or cast-iron) and have a round design. These | | | | transportation; and doesn't require the costly |
| come with wheels for easy on-the-go activity as well | | | | installation that a permanent or custom-built fire pit |
| as patio or backyard use. With this versatility, you | | | | does. Portables are the perfect investment for |
| can move your fire pit to the deck, patio, different | | | | people who want an outdoor, low-maintenance fire; |
| areas of the backyard, or the garage with ease. | | | | but either can't afford the solid structure of a |
| Another priceless bonus, is that you don't have to | | | | custom-built, or have yet to find a |
| leave the toasty warmth at home. Pack it into the | | | | relatively-permanent home to properly reap the |
| truck or suv for the annual camping trip or take it on | | | | long-term benefits. Custom-built or permanent fire |
| the road to a tailgating party. Because portables are | | | | pits will call upon heavy-duty, all-weather materials |
| made of lighter materials and require no-installation for | | | | such as stone, brick, concrete, or wood; and typically |
| use, they are the most cost-effective, no-hassle way | | | | necessitate a space in your backyard of 15-20ft wide. |
| to fight the post-summer chill: both on the road and | | | | Because of their lifetime permanence and varying |
| in your backyard. The permanent fire pit (or | | | | backyard landscaping needed, professional installation |
| specifically-engineered backyard or patio fire pit), | | | | is quite labor-intensive and can run you thousands. It |
| otherwise known as a custom-built or stationary fire | | | | all comes down to your particular situation, though. |
| pit unit, is made from stone, brick, rock, or concrete; | | | | For most homeowners, the lifetime durability and |
| and to most, are the more asthetically-pleasing | | | | projected use usually outweighs the cost. But if cost |
| addition to a patio or backyard. Custom-built fire pits | | | | is an issue, portables are the easy, cost-effective |
| should rise 1-2 feet off the ground and have a | | | | quick-fix to your outdoor heating whims. |
| middle-of-the-road diameter of approximately 36 | | | | · Dangers and Safety Precautions |
| inches for ample use and safety. Like portables, you | | | | We all love a good fire, but it is crucial to remember |
| can choose between wood or gas to heat the | | | | that it is a fire; and if we don't take the proper |
| desired area, but most products are energy-specific, | | | | safety precautions and adhere to specific fire |
| so be sure to double-check before buying. All in all, | | | | hazards, your fire pit could rage out of control, |
| custom-built fire pits are much more expensive, due | | | | leading to property damage, sickness, and possibly |
| to professional installation, the attention to design, | | | | death. |
| and the heavy-duty long-lasting materials needed; but | | | | § Always follows the manufacturer's and |
| will last you lifetimes (with proper and regular | | | | professional installation expert's specifications and |
| maintenance), and undoubtedly provide an equity | | | | direction for which energy source to use. |
| boost in your home's value. | | | | § Fire pits should not be used on apartment |
| · Design and Shape? | | | | building or multi-unit home decks due to clearance |
| The design and shape of your outdoor fire pit | | | | issues. |
| typically depends on whether you opt for portable or | | | | § Ensure your permanent is installed a good |
| stationary outside fire pits. More often than not, the | | | | distance from your home and anything combustible |
| portables will be made of metal or copper, have a | | | | (typically your installer will automatically enlist this |
| large round bowl design, and sit in a metal stand. | | | | common sense issue, but if not, ensure that it has a |
| Wood will be placed in this bowl-or if you're opting | | | | good ten feet clearance). |
| for a gas hook-up, ceramic logs or fake-burning | | | | § Ensure you place your portable fire pit at least |
| coals-and the removable protective screen placed on | | | | ten feet from the house, backyard miscellaneous, |
| top. As mentioned before, portables are more | | | | and trees i.e anything combustible. Also, with portable |
| function than design, so their options are somewhat | | | | fire pits, it is necessary that you gauge the |
| limited. Chimneas also fall under the category of | | | | placement according to wind patterns and where the |
| portables, boasting the antique wood-burning stove | | | | smoke will, therefore, be blowing. |
| look, but because they are smaller and allow a lot | | | | § Don't overfill your firepit with wood or wood |
| less heat to radiate out, are less practical. | | | | substitute; or conversely, over-gas. Keep the fire |
| Custom-built or permanent fire pits, on the other | | | | small, contained and manageable. |
| hand, come in a host of shapes and designs, due to | | | | § Always use a screen cover to keep sparks |
| the fact that you are having the unit | | | | and embers at bay. |
| professionally-installed. Typically, you can find these | | | | § It is necessary to note how close your fire pit |
| devices in round, square, or rectangular configurations | | | | sits to the ground. Lifted 1-2 feet from a |
| incumbent upon your material of choice (brick, stone, | | | | non-flammable surface will keep a small to medium |
| wood, or concrete), and they come equipped with a | | | | fire at a safe clearance, but remember that is the |
| built-in steel screen siding and metal enclosure doors | | | | perfect height of unsuspecting and curious children |
| for enhanced protection when not in use. | | | | and pets, so close supervision is crucial. |
| · Wood or Gas? | | | | § Always ensure that your fire is completely |
| Both portable and permanent fire pits will require | | | | extinguished before leaving it unmonitored. Even with |
| either wood, gas, or both. If the fire pit you have | | | | proper safety clearance, a spark can become a |
| your eye on prefers wood exclusively, it is most | | | | raging fire in a split second, and reach all corners of |
| important to find out what type of wood. Some fire | | | | your deck and backyard in no time. |
| pits will burn regular firewood logs exclusively (aged | | | | § It is also a must to get a fire extinguisher, |
| wood is always the best choice rather than new or | | | | because you are playing with fire, otherwise. |
| green wood), and so you will just buy the same type | | | | |