Fire Pits Make Your Outdoor Space Lively
Published Date: Mar 30, 2022
A fire pit can really be the crowning accent to your outdoor space. When figuring out what type of fire pit to get, you’ll want to consider size, shape, style construction, fuel and how it’ll be used.
Top 5 Reasons to Add a Fire Pit:
⦁ Warm place to sit on a cold night ⦁ Pretty centerpiece for a patio area ⦁ Conversation starter for guests ⦁ Romantic place to relax ⦁ S’mores It’s obvious fire pits are pretty great. Let’s take a look at some important aspects to consider.
How will your fire pit be used?
When you’re thinking about adding a fire pit, think about how it will fit into and interact with the existing space, and who will be using it most of the time. How many people will typically sit around it and what type of seating situation would you desire? This will impact the size and shape of your fire pit. You might want benches or chairs, or a combination of different seating elements. Will your fire put be used to cook food, or to serve food and drinks around? If so, you might want to have at least a third of a rectangular pit dedicated as a tabletop for a serving platter. Do you have a big family or like hosting large gatherings and want to include everyone? Obviously, you’ll need a larger pit with plenty of seating. PRO TIP: Always make sure the area around your fire pit stays clear of dry grass, branches and any debris.
Types of Fire Pits
Pit: This is literally what its name says. A sunken pit, dug into the ground, often ringed in stone. Definitely not portable but can deliver a lot of fire and warmth. Bowl: These versatile pits are popular because they come in many kinds of styles and fit into many types of spaces. Table: A table pit is usually gas-fueled and sits in the center of a larger table. Tabletop: Small bowl that sits atop a table and casts a warm glow on the proceedings.
Fuel for Your Fire Pit
One of your most important decisions besides design, will be deciding if you want a gas, wood or propane-powered fire pit. Wood: This fuel type gives a nice natural fire that smells good and delivers that satisfying pop and crackle everyone loves. You’ll need to check your local regulations as many municipalities restrict the use of wood fire pits to certain times of the year or have ‘no burn days.’ Gas: Gas offers controllable, reliable warmth that turns on and off instantly. Once you run a gas line to the pit, you’ll have a virtually endless supply of easy-to-use fire and warmth. However, this also means you can’t move the pit, so factor that into your plan. Propane: For portability, propane pits fill the bill. This type of fuel can cost a little more to run but could be just what you need for small pits. Note that because they typically sit up high to hide the tank, you may lose some of the heat as it radiates out and up. Gel Fuel: Gel fire pits are clean burning and don’t emit smoke or a burnt wood smell. Their small size makes them highly portable, but they also don’t give off as much heat as other types. PRO TIP: Propane pits should be 12”–16” high to accommodate the tank.
Choosing Between Sizes and Styles
Consider your existing outdoor décor and the architectural look of your home when selecting a fire pit style. You might want to go for a contemporary look, such as brushed nickel, or opt for a traditional look like cast iron or stone. Trusted outdoor designers will be able to help you figure what will fit best n your space. Square Pits: If you choose a smaller square pit, know that it will look best with no more than four chairs around it. However, a larger square or rectangle pit can look really nice with more seating. Circular Fire Pits: The rounded shape of a circular fire pit encourages pulling seats up in a circle around the dancing flames. Rectangular Fire Pits: The added length of a rectangular outdoor fire pit creates a unique visual element within an outdoor space. L-Shaped Fire Pits: Perfect for big families and larger gatherings, these fire pits allow flames to spread out in two separate directions. This creates added space for seating. Construction. Steel fire pits are versatile and can be painted or stained to suit your tastes. However, they also are prone to rust so they must be protected. Stone fire pits are sturdy and gorgeous and can lend your pit an air of gravitas. But stone can crack after repeated cycles of hot and cold. Weather-resistant lumber is made marine-grade tough for pits that must endure stormy climates. If you live in areas with a lot of torrential wind and rain, this might be what you need. In any case, make sure you consult an expert for advice. PRO TIP: Material choices can also impact the look quite a bit. Think about what best suits your décor. Cost. Fire pits come in all prices, from the very cheap warehouse store version to ornate, grandiose pits that would fit an Italian-style mansion. This is where an established company will really be able to help. They’ll have a wide variety of fire pits to fit any budget and any style, and they’ll also be able to help you envision what different types of pits will fit into your lifestyle and outdoor space. Once you have help with the many different considerations, they can also help you select just the right fire pit to complete your aesthetic within your budget. PRO TIP: Search local salvage stores or warehouse sales for inspiration and unused inventory. So, there you have it! Hope this lights a fire under efforts to warm up your outdoor space. In no time at all you’ll have an outdoor space that is absolutely beautiful.
