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Fire Pits: Getting Ready for the Season
Fall! A time when leaves begin to change colors, the breeze feels cooler, and everything pumpkin spice is back. Fall is also the best time of the year for bonfires. One thing to ask yourself during this time is whether or not you want a fire pit. It is also helpful to consider the various types of fire pits, and which one would be best option for your backyard.
Before You Get Started
Typically, a fire pit has to be at least 10 feet away from your home or any combustible surface. It would also be wise to look up local burning laws, and check if there are temporary bans in place due to drought. It’s always a good idea to check the weather before lighting up a fire too. Enjoying a fire in windy conditions may cause the embers to scatter, giving possibility to starting a rogue fire. A quick cleanup of brush or leaves around the fire pit area would also help prevent the fire from spreading accidentally.
Covered vs Uncovered
A covered fire pit can be useful for protection from the rain and wind, and helps with the longevity of your pit. Soggy ash is heavy and harder to remove and a cover would make the process easier. By keeping the pit covered, the overall look of the pit will remain clean as the cover keeps debris from entering the pit. A cover also helps keep everything inside the pit which leaves the outside of the pit cleaner as well.
An uncovered fire pit would be perfect for s’mores or any sort of cooking. You might want to check in with your city on any rules or laws for open fire before lighting it up as every community has different requirements and rules. On this site, you can find out if there any required permits for a fire. Open fire pits are quite popular and we often incorporate them into backyard patios. They provide an irresistible pull to sit outside on a nice evening and enjoy your outdoor living space.
Things to Consider
- Cost: A small pit can start as low as $200, but prices can increase with options such as seat walls, better quality stones, and any other accessory
- Permanent or Portable: When going permanent, you will want to choose a design that matches the garden or house materials. There are pre-made kits for you that has everything included or you can go fully custom by contacting a landscape or contractor professional. For a portable fire pit, consider something lightweight to move around and something smaller. Fire bowls and fire tables are things to consider as they come in different metal materials that are light and radiate the heat nicely.
- Wood or Gas: wood provides a that true outdoor smell. Gas does not get as hot as wood and there is less smoke as well. There are fire pits that let you use both wood and gas, so that is something to consider if you want to switch things up every now and then.
- Base: the fire pit base can vary between stones, gravel, concrete, or brick. Gravel is typically recommended more as this provides better drainage. This helps get rid of water and prevents it from freezing in the season to come.
- Furniture: Whether you like over-the-top or something simpler, furniture can highlight any living area; including your backyard. Find pieces that compliment your fire pit. It should also provide comfort for any day or night activity.
- Height: most chairs are about 18 inches, so building a pit around 15 inches tall would be perfect. If you want something lower, consider a pit under 10 inches. For an accent fire pit, or a more decorative one, you could even build a higher pit closer to eye level.
Here are a couple of fire pits ideas if you are having trouble deciding on which one to acquire. You will see the difference between a covered and an uncovered fire pit.
No matter what kind of fire pit you prefer, it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. On a chilly night, there is nothing better than to relax outside and enjoy the warmth of a fire.
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