More and more people are realizing that the most relaxing place to be is just beyond their patio doors. Stylish patios, gorgeous pools and beautiful gardens are allowing North Americans to create an area of lush relaxation right in their own backyard. Spending money on vacations that are over in an instant is a bad idea; today’s families are investing in staycations where memories and fun take place at home. And a backyard fire pit is essential to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Learn how to choose a fire pit that suits your home and look forward to a more relaxing season this year.
Check With the Municipality First
Even though backyard fire pits are one of the most sought after products in the outdoor living marketplace, some municipalities still will not allow them. Check with the city or township where you live to be sure these units are legal to use. If there is a problem, find out what the specifications and guidelines are and see if there is any way to work within them.
If using a backyard fire pit is not a problem in your hometown, now is the time to choose the very best model for your family’s needs.
Elements of Your Yard and How They Relate to Your New Fire Pit
There are four main elements to think about when buying a fire pit. Thinking carefully about each of these factors will help you pinpoint the perfect model, creating the very best backyard living space.
Think about:
1) How Will You Use the Fire Pit In the Yard?
Are you an entertainer, always looking forward to the next big backyard shindig- a cocktail fire pit table may be your choice? Or do you enjoy a good cook out every summer with just the family- you may want to consider a fire pit ring with grills and cooking accessories. Or will this fire pit need to be portable and durable enough for your camping trips? Figure out what you expect from a fire pit based on what you will use it for. Then find a selection of models that will suit those needs.
Keep in mind that your needs will dictate the size of the ideal fire pit as well. If you are quick to invite a crowd over for dinner it’s smart to invest in a dining height fire table. Larger fire pits that double as patio dining tables are also a hit with the entertaining crowd, while those who prefer their solitude may only need a small model. Use will help to determine size when selecting a fire pit.
2) Where Is the Ideal Location in Your Yard?
Where you want to place the fire pit will also help determine the perfect model. First considering these fire features as a garden focal point, either as a major or minor feature will help. Are you looking for something with permanence and grandeur, such as a built in patio fireplace for a large yard? A prefab fire pit may be in order if you want to move it to different areas of the yard. Or will you need something that can be packed up and carried with you, like a camping fire pit?
The best backyard designs are those that have been planned well. When your patio is constructed to allow for the optimal traffic flow and a comfortable gathering place around your fire pit, it will make the area much more inviting.
Many people are opting to install fire pits near their swimming pools. This creates an incredible setting where flames and water reflect each other and the staycation can last from the heat of the morning until far into the night. Fire pit towers are popular around pool entrances and used to define the shape of an outdoor room. Pool bars are popular so if you can’t have bar in a pool then think about whether a patio bar table fire pit would be appropriate in this setting for entertaining by the pool or you would rather set up an outdoor living room. The style of fire pit will mesh with the location and setting you desire.
3) How Big is Your Backyard?
If how you will use your fire pit helps to determine the size and style, how much more will the physical limitations of your yard factor in? You need to select a fire pit that fits in your yard, while still allowing enough room for traffic around the unit. This is especially important when your family is gathered around a cozy fire. Can you quickly and safely walk by and around the pit? Is there room to get in and out of the surrounding chairs?
Minimum spacing dictates that leaving about 2 square feet per chair, plus an additional 12 to 18 inches between the seating and the pit. You also need to consider the clearances to other structures in your yard. Safety is paramount: a fire pit cannot be installed near a fence, trees or your house. Even those municipalities that allow fire pits to be installed will have specifications as to how far the unit needs to be from any flammable materials. Those specifications may be different depending on whether your fire pit burns wood or gas.
4) What Style is Your Yard?
There are just as many styles of fire pits as there are styles of backyards. Is your outdoor living space eclectic or do you lean more towards a certain fashion? Country styling calls for a rustic fire pit made from copper or cast iron and boasting rugged scenes. Modern design will demand a contemporary model with clean lines and sleek angles. A more romantic style can be captured with ornate models and the simple shape of a chiminea works with transitional styles.
Your personal tastes come into play with this design factor. It will also help determine the material when choosing a prefab pit. Copper for a traditional look may work well with an Arts and Crafts home. A mostly stainless steel pit may bode well for the contemporary home. Choose from clay or or cast aluminum chiminea for a traditional style. Then think about whether to include a tiled frame for dining, a stone ring for that casual look or some other finishing material. Styles, tastes and personal preferences in appearance and texture make up the last of the four backyard factors that will help you when selecting a fire pit.
Top Four Vital Features of a Fire Pit
Once you’ve thought through the elements of your dream backyard living space, a certain size and style of fire pit will likely have emerged. But there are four vital features that will help you pinpoint a model that fits perfectly with your family.
- Fuel
- Material(s)
- Price
- Safety Features
Fire Pit Fuel
When choosing a fire pit you will generally have three options – wood burning, gas burning or a model that uses gel fuel. Most of the gas models can be hooked up to natural gas or liquid propane (lpg). And the wood burning fire pits will also burn charcoal or lava rocks. Both of these fuel types can be used to prepare grilled food, assuming these accessories are available with the unit.
Gel fuel, on the other hand, is an environmentally friendly option that is mainly used in ventless models. The gel contains isopropyl alcohol with thickeners added for better stability. It usually comes in a can and is often sold in bulk packages.
Many people prefer the traditional look and smell of a wood burning model, although the convenience and cleanliness of gas is undeniably appealing. Gel fuel will not dissipate (break down) and creates a smokeless flame without leaving any messy ashes, making it a popular option for those who burn only the occasional fire.
Wood is affordable and provides large, powerful flames. Keep in mind that gas units can often be used in a campground during a campfire ban and can also be permanently plumbed into the natural gas line of your home. Set up a portable liquid propane tank on your patio or bring one with you if you prefer a portable fire pit. Gel fuel models can easily be used inside solariums and sunrooms.
Material of the Fire Pit
Prefabricated fire pits are available in many different materials. Traditional chimineas are made from clay, although this material is not durable due to breakability. Inexpensive models are often made from thinner guage sheet metal and shouldn’t be relied on for more than one or two seasons. Both of these materials are cheap, but result in fire pit that can’t truly withstand the heat and pressure of a backyard fire.
A better choice would be cast iron, although it will rust and need repainting with frequent use. Copper fire pits are also very durable, as long as you don’t mind the green and tarnished look that is a natural result of copper when exposed to the elements.
BBQ grills are commonly made from stainless steel, although this material may not hold up as well when used for outdoor fire pits. The chromium oxide that provides the steel’s protective later breaks down quicker when exposed to the high temperatures and rapid cooling off that is typical to fire pit use. This will result in corrosion and rust within a short period of time. Also, any fasteners used on the unit that are not stainless steel will corrode quickly. If you opt for stainless steel, make sure it has a welded body and keep watch for premature rusting.
Most experts state that the best choice, although it may also be the most expensive, is a cast aluminum model. This material is strong in high heat, will not warp and is extremely corrosion resistant. A powder coated finish provides long lasting beauty on the fire pits that are made from cast aluminum. Cast resin is also preferred by many as it is lightweight and cool to touch and comes in highly detailed models that resemble stone or concrete. You can learn more about materials here.
Fire Pit Price Tags
Fire pits come in a wide range of prices, from the most affordable models to more luxurious, larger units. Obviously the smaller the unit is, the lower the price will be. But the design and the material used will also help to determine the price. Models with an open top boasting a 360 degree view require less materials and should have a lower price tag. While full chimineas made with cast aluminum use up more materials, which will again be reflected in the price.
When choosing a fire pit it is important to invest in the most quality you can afford. This backyard feature will literally transform your outdoor living space, allowing you to spend much more time outside this season. It will be well worth it to provide the best quality materials, largest variety of features and most tasteful design to your family.
Consider buying from a retailer that offers credit terms. Then the better quality fire pits will be more affordable for your family budget.
Safety Features on Your Fire Pit
Although this is the last fire pit feature outlined, safety is by far the most important thing to think about. Be sure that any model you purchase comes with the safety accessories necessary for your family setting. If you have little ones running around the yard a spark guard mesh screen cover is helpful, while a footrest or perimeter tile surround is handy to keep those of all ages away from the flames.
If the model has CSA/UL certification or approval, so much the better. You will not find this on all fire pits, but it does provide an extra level of assurance on certain brands. A solid warranty is a good indicator that the structure and materials are safe, while the design chosen needs to suit your own personal safety limitations.
A Step By Step Process
We’ve laid out a 4 by 4 process to selecting the best fire pit. First you need to consider the factors of your yard – how you will use the pit, where it will go, what do you have room for and what style will suit? Then you’re ready to consider the four features of a fire pit, leading you to the perfect model – fuel type, material used, price tag and safety features.
When it’s done right choosing a fire pit may seem like a lengthy decision, but this process will result in a backyard feature that looks stunning and provides cozy warmth night after night. If you don’t spend the time you will end up wasting your money on something that doesn’t suit your style, your budget or the intended use. And that would be a shame. Check out the helpful hints in this valuable reference – “How To Avoid Making the Top 5 Mistakes When Buying a Fire Pit Online.”
Knowing how to choose a fire pit will help you have incredible staycations every weekend this season. Be informed, be thorough and you will be more than satisfied with the new fire pit your family deserves.
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