To enjoy the
magic of a campfire in your backyard, consider these factors before
you buy.
Choosing an outdoor fire pit
Some of the
obvious questions to be answered are:
How do you plan on using
the fire pit. Where is the best place in your yard to position a
fire pit. Are you matching the existing outdoor decor in your yard,
or will you design your outdoor room around the style of the
new outdoor firepit.
Types of fire pits: The best
fire pits are constructed of cast aluminum, stone, concrete
and brick. You'll find that copper
fire pits as well as the fire pit
grill, are available in every
shape imaginable -- round, oval, square, and rectangular, and
organic.
Fire pit sizes: Fire pits range from
3' to 6' in diameter. A small fire pit is ideal in for small
spaces and intimate settings, while a large one will generate enough
heat to warm a spacious outdoor room.
Outdoor fire pits accessories: Instead of ceramic fire pit
logs or a lava rock fire pit, consider firepit glass or
color changing flames for spectacular effects. Other options include fire
pit safety screens, fire pit covers, fire pit tongs and fire pit
rings.
Fire pit
costs: Prices range from less than $100 to many
$1000s.
Fire pit safety : Before you buy, check
local codes to see if it is legal to have a wood burning fire and
what rules apply.
Outdoor
Fire Pit Accessories can go a
long way in making your outdoor space just as functional, versatile and
convenient as your indoor space.
Outdoor firepit fuel
options
Fire pits can be operated with wood, gas, or gel. Use
the following information to decide which option you
prefer.
Wood: Firewood is
inexpensive and readily available. A concrete
fire pit and
often portable wood burning fire pits can also use charcoal for
cooking, producing intense even heat and little or no
flame.
Gas: An outdoor
propane fire pit fueled with a
reliable tank or natural gas (piped in from an existing line) eliminates
smoke, smell, spark, and ash.
Comparably safe,
clean and convenient -- and typically more costly than wood
burners -- propane
fire pits
usually include ceramic logs or lava rocks.
Permanent outdoor gas fire pit
lines for natural gas require professional installation.
Portable
fire pits are
obviously movable, but often use a larger tank than what is needed for a
barbecue grill in order to generate bigger flames and more heat. A
variable gas valve enables you to adjust fuel flow and flame
height.
Gel: A clean safe gel form of alcohol (ethanol or
propanol) comes in a small container. Gel burners produce bright
yellow flames, little heat and no smoke.
Compact
or fire
pit table
style-gel burners can be used indoors as well as in the garden or on
a deck, porch, or balcony.
Fire pit care and upkeep
Follow
all fire pit safety tips, and keep your
fire pit working well and looking good by performing regular
maintenance. Consult the product owner's manual for more
details.
Remove cool ashes from wood burning fire pits. Wood ashes are
great for the soil, so add them to your compost bin.
Remove,
inspect, and clean a gas burner using a stiff, dry
brush.
Clean soot off ceramic logs or lava rocks and gas
burners using an old toothbrush.
Wipe up spills on fire
pit tables
to prevent staining. Clean the tabletop with soapy
water.
Replace the igniter battery in gas models as
needed.
Check the hose connected to an LP cylinder regularly;
replace it if damaged.
Protect
the fire pit when it is completely cool by draping it with an fire
pit cover.
Easy Outdoor
Decor
