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Fire pits can greatly extend the time you spend outside. Providing light and heat, you can enjoy the fresh air while embracing the ambience, your favorite treats and comforting sights and sounds. Here’s what to know about fire pits and four tips for enjoying them.
Types of Fire Pits
There are several types of fire pits out there to various spaces and preferences.
Wood-Burning
Wood-burning is traditional and is still a fantastic option if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty. You get to hear the crackling as you watch the logs slowly burn. Dry, untreated wood is often the best option for roasting marshmallows since it burns well and doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals.
Since they’re more primitive, these fire pits are a budget friendly option. They’re often cheaper than the alternatives.
Gas
A gas fire pit requires little to no preparation, making it great for people who quickly want a clean-burning fire. You don’t have to worry about collecting or adding wood and have better control over the fire’s intensity.
Like a gas grill, you can purchase a cooktop and use this pit to make your favorite meals. Doing so can be cheaper and easier than getting a grill–especially when you don’t have much outdoor space.
Table Top
These small, portable pits trade their size for convenience or portability. As the name suggests, you can place them on a balcony table, picnic table or any other small surface. They’re great to take along when you go to an autumn tailgate or other cold outdoor event.
You can even safely operate some indoors.
Fire Urn
Fire urns are as much art as they are a functional fire pit. They are great for creating a staple piece for your backyard while doubling as a source of warmth. You can get them as pillars, in pots or in the traditional shape of a large fire pit.
Its long-burning flame is another key feature of these pits.
Smokeless
Smokeless fire pits significantly use a double combustion system to significantly reduce the amount released into the air from the fire. The system injects air into the new smoke to stop the heat from escaping.
These can be a bit pricey, but are excellent for anyone who is sensitive to smoke and still wants to be around a fire pit.
DIY
With the right supplies, you can create your own fire pit in a few easy steps.
For an in-ground fire pit, dig a hole to the desired size. Line it with sand before using bricks to build the structure. Sit a metal fire ring on the top layer of bricks. Once it’s complete, use gravel to create a barrier between it and flammable materials like grass and leaves.
4 Fire Pit Ideas to Stay Cozy
Whether it’s an intimate evening alone or a gathering with friends and family, There are many ways to enjoy your fire pit, aside from warmth.
1. Light Your Yard
Whether it’s a late summer night or early winter evening, it’s hard to enjoy the outdoors when you can’t see. Your fire pit is an excellent way to light the darkness, extending your time in the fresh air. With a decorative top, you can turn it into a giant lantern.
If you have kids or just want to add some more fun to your fire pit, you can use color changing packets to make the light of your flames different colors of the rainbow.
2. Relax
There’s something soothing about a warm fire. Some people enjoy the white noise a gas pit provides while others embrace a crackling wood-burning one. Read a book, listen to comforting music or meditate while lit by the fire’s glow. It’s a great way to unwind in the evening.
3. Make a Hot Meal
You can make a fantastic meal thanks courtesy of your fire pit. Get a grill topper to cook up steak, chicken, fish, eggplant and more. You can make foil meals or make grilled fruit skewers. Just ensure any meat gets up to a safe temperature.
Another option is to add a griddle to your fire pit to create yummy breakfasts or desserts. You could hang a kettle over it and make delicious apple cider or hot chocolate. Of course, ‘smores are always an option!
4. Entertain
A fire pit is an excellent location for outdoor entertainment. Spend the night playing games, sharing stories, singing songs or just enjoying one another’s company. It’s a great way to enjoy cooler weather when the sun sets but you still want to enjoy time outside.
5. Relax
There’s something soothing about a warm fire. Some people enjoy the white noise a gas pit provides while others embrace a crackling wood-burning one. Read a book, listen to comforting music or meditate while lit by the fire’s glow. It’s a great way to unwind in the evening.
Important Safety Tips
Fire pits are excellent entertainment and comfort options as long as you take the right safety precautions.
- Keep your pit at least ten feet away from your deck or patio. Supervise tabletop options at all times.
- Don’t wear loose clothing when getting close to a fire pit. Also put long hair up before getting close to the pit. Both could potentially come into contact with a flame and catch fire.
- Never leave young children, people at a young developmental age or intoxicated individuals alone around the pit.
- Take caution when walking to and around the pit. Don’t run or dance within several feet of it to avoid slipping into it. Even if it’s not yet lit, falling into the pit could cause injury.
- Never leave a lit fire unattended. Ensure the flames are completely smothered before going back inside for the night. It’s always a good idea to recheck the pit several minutes after you put it out to ensure no embers are re-sparking.
- Wear heat-protectant gloves or oven mitts when cooking over a fire pit.
- Never try to remove the top without a heat-protected rod or sleeve.
By following these safety tips, you can operate your fire pit with confidence.
Stay Cozy Every Season With a Fire Pit
A fire pit is a great way to warm, lighten and enjoy outdoor gatherings. It can be as entertaining as it is practical and is a great way to stay nice and cozy all year long.
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About The Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and freelance writer with over 5 years of experience.
She's most interested in researching topics on sustainable construction, such as new technologies and innovations in the built environment. She also loves sharing home projects and inspiration for the most novice of DIY-ers, values she developed growing up in a family of contractors.
When she isn't writing, you'll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth. For more articles from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.
