Add versatility when entertaining out of doors with a free standing fire pit which is available in a variety of styles and material types such as copper or stainless. Or you may prefer to incorporate a fire pit into a permanent brick structure.

Either way you will certainly enjoy the benefits of having the fire safely contained while cooking. Say goodbye to that rusty old barbecue and hello to the elegance of beautifully constructed fire pit.

There is nothing quite like huddling around a fire on a chilly autumn night and people will use every excuse to gather up enough wood to build a blaze. This is especially true during the month of October when bonfires are so popular.

The downside is that bonfires and dug-out firepits can cause a lot of damage to your yard. Outdoor firepits, on the other hand, are an ideal alternative to the primitive fire.

Outdoor Firepits: Enjoy the portability

Fire pits resemble large metal bowls and can be found in numerous designs to compliment any decorating style or personal preference. Some are quite simple, others are elaborate and breathtaking. In addition to the traditional firepit that resembles a bowl with short legs there are pits that resemble coffee tables and deep cauldrons. There are even pits that can be equipped with BBQ grill attachments.

Building a fire in a pit rather than making one on the ground is ideal because it uses less wood and it protects your lawn from damage. A pit with a spark screen can also protect your dry grass and leaves from sparks. And you won’t have to worry about the fire spreading beyond the confines of the pit.

The portability of the firepit also makes it a great choice. When you build a traditional fire, you pretty much have to continue building subsequent fires in the same spot or resign yourself to a scarred and scorched yard. With a firepit, though, you can move the fire easily every night.

And you won’t spend a lot for a beautiful pit. You can find some styles under $50 but the majority are priced around $100 to $200. Of course you can spend more if your taste and preferences lead you in that direction. You can also have a firepit custom made if you can’t find any styles that suit you and your space perfectly

If you love entertaining outdoors, you don’t have to call a halt if there’s a chill in the air or fall turns to winter. With an outdoor fire pit, you can seat your guests around a cosy fire, whenever and wherever you like. Or just spend a romantic evening roasting marshmallows with your other half! FirePits are inexpensive and decorative – and allow you to entertain all year round!

What is a fire pit?

It may sound like a crudely dug hole in your garden or something that Tony Robbins would ask you to walk across but not in this case! A fire pit is a freestanding, decorative basket or bowl on legs, in which you can safely burn an open fire.

The least expensive version is called a kettle. These are basins, bowls or baskets on legs that allow you to burn wood or charcoal. There are a range of attractive finishes such as iron, terracotta, stainless steel and copper. It doesn’t matter whether you love hi-tech stainless steel, granite or antiqued metal – there will be a fire pit to suit your tastes.

Many models also come complete with a screen lid to control sparks and a grill that simply sits on top of the fire – so that you can cook on them as well.

The great thing about these is that they are fairly lightweight and portable so it’s easy to put one in the car and take it to the beach or on a camping trip.

Burning different types of wood is a great way to enhance your open fire experience. Red Cedar and Pinion Pine both smell lovely and have the added advantage of keeping mosquitoes away. Apple wood also smells beautiful and burgers grilled over a hickory fire have a wonderfully strong barbecued flavor.

The only downside of these off-ground fire pits is that there is no form of chimney and so they can give off rather a lot of smoke.

Is there anything I shouldn’t burn?

• Don’t use wood which has been pressure treated as it can give off toxic gases as it burns. If it has a greenish tinge to it, it may have been pressure treated. If in doubt – don’t use it!

• ‘Young’ wood which is green, or damp wood can give off a lot of smoke which could be annoying for your guests…and your neighbors!

No good at building fires…?

Not a problem. If you have a slightly larger budget, why not indulge yourself with a gas fired model. Simply flick the switch and enjoy real flames without the hassle – or smoke! These can be run on propane tanks or natural gas hooked up to your household supply.

Many of the gas powered models are quite heavy as they are made from glass fiber reinforced concrete and although that sounds unattractive – they don’t look anything like concrete. You can choose from Grecian Urns, Pottery vases, granite tables with inset fire pits – the list goes on! Some of the more modern designs even include colored glass in place of logs.

Fire pits vary tremendously in size and design so shop around until you find the right one to suit your available space and your budget. Your outdoor entertaining will be taken to a new level!

Have you been considering putting a fire pit in your back yard to give you and the family somewhere warm and cozy to hang out at the end of a busy day?

Here are some things you need to consider when choosing the fire pit for your yard.

Fuel – Gas or Wood?

The first thing you need to think about is whether you want a gas or wood powered fire pit.

For many there is nothing like the crackling of wood on a fire pit. Others want the heat and don’t worry about where it comes from.

The benefit of using a gas fire pit is that you don’t have to worry about finding and stacking wood or any clean up after you are done using the pit. You just turn the gas off and are done.

Alternately, you can’t have that burning wood crackle and smell unless you are using a wood burning fire pit.

Materials

The next thing you need to consider is what you want your fire pit to be made out of.

It used to be a fire pit was nothing more than a circle of metal where you tossed logs in the middle. But not any more.

These days fire pits can be made of anything from various metals like steel, iron, copper and aluminum to those that are made of decorative stone and even glass.

For the most part you can decide what will look best in your back yard entertaining area and should not have a problem finding a fire pit to match.

Some fire pits can be used as a beverage server during the summer months when a fire is not needed.

Be Safe

No matter what type of fire pit you choose, when you are purchasing it, make sure you have a hose or fire extinguisher nearby, just in case. While no one wants to have to think about safety, it is better to think about it before hand than not to have thought about it and end up with a problem. Also make sure the fire is completely off or out before you ever leave it unattended.

Who doesn’t love the idea of sitting outside under the stars with a little fire going. But usually that means you have to pack the whole family up and head to a campsite in the woods, right? Wrong. Now you can have that feeling in your own back yard with the Landmann Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit.

The Landmann Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit is a safe and attractive way to have it all – a warm  cozy fire in the yard without all the prep and management issues that come with a normal fire.

The bowl on this fire pit is 23 ½ inches wide, which means a good amount of area to conduct heat. At the same time, the fire is fully contained which means you have less fear of it getting out of hand if there is a strong wind in the yard.

Thinking of the ambiance a fire can create, this fire pit has been made with stars and moon shapes cut out of the side so the light of the fire will toss those shapes around, making it even more attractive!

In addition to the atmosphere this creates, you can also do some cooking. The fire pit comes with a 397 square foot top grill surface.

What We Like:

• Comes with a little grill and nice cooking surface.
• It is easy to assemble and get working.
• It’s fun to look at and use.
• Has a clay-hued finish and you can see the flames through the star and moon cutouts
• Sturdy steel construction; designed for easy assembly
• Includes enamel cooking grate, spark guard cover and poker

Other things to consider:

• You will need to have sand to put inside the bottom of this. You may want to buy a 5 lb bag before you get it home so you don’t get frustrated when you want to fire it up and find out you need to get some sand first.
• Doesn’t hold up in the rain so you need to think about a way to cover it in bad weather.
• Recommended for use only on masonry surfaces such as stone, brick, or concrete

If you have created a great getaway in your back yard, why should you have to come in when the sun goes down?

With the UniFlame WAD820SP 34-Inch Slate & Marble Firepit with Copper Accents you don’t. This beautiful fire pit will have you looking forward to the end of the day when you can light it up and enjoy the ambiance created by the glow and warmth of the fire.

With a fire bowl that is 22 inches in diameter the UniFlame  Slate & Marble Firepit is able to put out a good amount of heat while still being easy to control and keep an eye on while you are using it. 

The slate and marble edging around this unit makes it a very attractive addition to any porch or deck.

If you have been considering getting a firepit for your backyard, this is the one to consider for a few reasons:

Looks

Unlike other fire pits that are just a piece of metal that you build a fire inside, this one was created to also have an air elegance and luxury through it’s marble and slate accents.

Economy

This fire pit is a great deal for the price as it is not only a useful piece but also is a decorative accent for the backyard.

What We Like:

• It is very easy to put together and use.
• It looks great, like a very expensive piece of patio furniture that was purchased for a very economical price.
• It feels very durable and well built, and like it will stand up to the test of time.
• It provides a great amount of heat and light output for the size of the fire bowl.

Have you been thinking you would love to add a little more to your back yard? Perhaps you want to have a place to play at the end of the day. This could have you thinking that an outdoor fireplace is the perfect accessory. It can be as long as you make sure to get the right one for your yard. Here are some things to consider before you buy:

Fireplace or Fire Pit

Many people use these words interchangeably, so it bears a little mention. A fireplace is structure that is built with an obvious front where you tend to the fire and where the majority of the heat comes out of. A fire pit on the other hand is a usually round container where the heat and light of a fire emanates out on all sides.

Also,  consider if  you want an outdoor fireplace that allows you to cook food as well as keeping you warm.

Size

Remember the size something looks online or in a store can be very different than the size that it is once in your home. Make sure to take measurements of the area where you want your outdoor fireplace and look for a piece that fits. You will generally find that online stores include the measurements of the fireplace/fire pit in the item description.

Care

Before you purchase an outdoor fireplace find out what it will take to keep it in tip-top condition.  Some fireplaces  require more maintenance than others. It’s best to know what is needed before you have it installed.

Fuel Type

Do you want a fireplace that is burns wood or is powered by electricity or gas?  If you select gas, do you want to use natural gas or propane gas?  The fuel type is a major consideration when purchasing an outdoor fireplace from the point of view of both convenience and cost.  Also you local council may not allow wood burning fireplaces in the district. So if you are hankering to have a cozy wood burning stove you may have to rethink that option.

Safety

Before you make a purchase consider the safety issues  in your yard and home. If you have children and pets that are curious, you may want to make sure you have a more secure fireplace than if you don’t have these safety risks.  Make sure the fireplace is installed away from wooden fences and overhanging branches that may catch alight. Follow the manufacturers instructions for installation and use, they generally include a brochure with safety factors included.

So it is simply a matter of doing your homework before you make any purchase. Read up on the fireplace you like and ensure you purchase the size that suits your yard and family.  Once you know it will fill all of your needs, you will know you have selected the right one for your home.