When most people think of summer, they imagine fishing, boating, swimming, picnics, barbecues and other outdoor activities that make the most of the warmer weather. Fun in the sun is the hallmark of the summer season but so are long romantic nights under the stars. Beach-goers know well the alluring atmosphere of a seaside bonfire beneath the glowing moon on a warm summer evening. But, what if you live in modern-day suburbia somewhere in the land-locked portions of anytown, USA? The good news is there’s a way you, too, can enjoy the warm summer nights in style by installing your very own fire pit right in your own backyard.
What is a fire pit?
There is a wide variety of different fire pits, from the typical to the exotic.
In it’s simplest form, a fire pit is just what it sounds like: a clear, sunken area where a fire can burn beautifully and safely. Some are permanent and some are portable. Some are as simple as an evenly-dug, wood-burning hole surrounded by brick or cement, while others are beautiful, virtually statuesque marvels engineered to burn gas. Whatever the style, the top selling point for a fire pit is obviously the glow of the flickering flames. If you can let your imagination wonder, you’ll easily be able to imagine you and your family enjoying many activities with the warm-soothing glow of a fire pit backdrop. Whether it be a relaxed game of cards, coffee with good friends or even a few rounds with the guys, any outdoor activity is greatly enhanced by the ambiance created by a well-built fire pit.
So, maybe you’ve made up your mind and you’d like to upgrade the outdoor area around your home by installing a fire pit. But, what kind of fire pits are there and what kind is right for you, your family and your budget? Fire pits come in a variety of different styles from size to appearance to functionality. When shopping for pit options, you’ll find everything from brick models, to portable copper pits, to outdoor fireplaces complete with chimneys. However, when choosing the right fire pit for your situation, the main thing to consider is fuel source. Each type comes with different advantages, disadvantages, and, of course, prices. Knowing a little bit about the styles of fire pits that are available will help you make a wise decision and put you on your way to creating memorable summer evenings.
Basic Wood Burning Fire Pit
This type of fire pit is the most basic model. The basic concept is quite simple: a level hole is dug in an appropriate area, a border is put into place and gravel or rocks are used to fill the fire pit to a certain level. The most obvious advantage to this style is that it is far cheaper than more complicated styles depending on the type of border you choose. The disadvantages have to do with maintenance of the fuel used for the fire. Since this type of pit uses wood, you’re going to have problems using it after wet weather. Also, you’ll have to occasionally replenish your supply of wood as it depletes. The third disadvantage has to do with clean-up. Obviously, when wood burns it turns to ash. So, every so often, you’re going to either have to hire someone to clean the charred waste from you fire pit or get on your hands and knees and do it yourself.
Gas Fire Pit
This is a popular fire pit model both because of it’s easy functionality and its no-fuss maintenance. Like the wood burning model, a gas fire pit provides all the wonderful ambiance of a glowing backyard flame. However, there are some real advantages to this style over simpler wood-burning ones. One advantage is the simplicity of lighting the fire. With a wood-burning model, you’ll either need lighter fluid or a starter log to get your fire pit going. Gas models require only the turn of a knob and either a match or lighter to get the show moving. Since lighting is easy and virtually instantaneous, this model is usually the choice of people with little to no fire-starting experience. A second advantage has to do with clean up. Since gas burns relatively clean, there is no residue to have to contend with. As soon as you’re finished with your fire pit, you simply turn off the gas source and watch the fire flicker out. One drawback of this style of fire pit has to do with cost. Since this type of pit requires more work and expertise, it generally costs much more. Also, many people don’t like the idea of burning so-called “fake wood,” so if you share this feeling, a gas fire pit may not be for you.
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